Sodajerker On Songwriting Episode 2 - Todd Rundgren
Nov 25, 2011
Join Todd Rundgren, the iconic singer-songwriter and producer, as he shares insights from his extensive career. He talks about how necessity sparked his songwriting with Nazz, revealing the story behind his hit 'Hello, It's Me.' Todd describes his influences, from Laura Nyro to the Beatles, and how he quickly wrote 'I Saw the Light.' He also discusses his creative process, including the importance of harmonies in 'Can We Still Be Friends.' Plus, get his take on modern songwriting and the joy of working on theatrical projects.
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Harmonic Crushes Shaped His Ballads
- Todd credits a musical crush and influences like Burt Bacharach and the Beach Boys for shaping his lush ballad style.
- He used harmonic tricks and thick vocal harmonies to evolve the Nazz sound into his solo work.
A 20-Minute Song Sparked Reinvention
- Todd recalls finishing "I Saw the Light" in about 20 minutes and realizing he'd found a songwriting formula.
- That quick finish prompted him to rethink formulaic writing and led to more experimental structures on A Wizard, a True Star.
Reworking Early Songs For New Contexts
- "Hello, It's Me" began as the Nazz's slow ballad and Todd later rearranged it for Something/Anything to suit live performance.
- "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference" exemplified his then-formulaic verse-chorus songwriting before he moved on.