What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/971376
APRIL 22-28, 2018 WHAT'S UP! 9 "You have a conversation and … take these little nuggets of information that come from all over the world and start developing those ideas and collaborating. By using the relationships we've built, bringing those into Northwest Arkansas, introducing these folks to other people and letting them start to work together, we can build a really unique music scene here." "This whole thing, all of it, is about synergy, and it's about other people," adds Dennis Morgan, another of the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees scheduled to perform. "Because you can play a brand new song for somebody, and that song will speak to you that it's either good, it's finished, it's average, it needs more work or it's really, really good, you know? And it's not always about the singer. Sure, that helps — wrap it up in a real pretty package. But it's about that song, and it's about other people." Highlighting the songwriters and the artistry of songwriting gives the festival its foundation for honoring Brumley's grandfather, creating a means of furthering the local industry through education and carrying on the tradition with its support of the school program. "I bet you most fans of great music cannot walk away from most of today's music and sing it. That's the test. We have a desire to communicate, and sometimes I don't think communication is an art that's being practiced too much right now," Morgan says of the decline in the craft of writing, an impression echoed by Cook: "As a generation of songwriters, we wrote songs for other people back then. But people tend to write records now rather than melodic songs. That's the difference basically," he says. "I'm very pleased for the songwriters who have success now because this is a very tough business and where [you're able] to get into charts and be successful, jolly good luck. But I do feel there's a lack of really strong melodies these days." Despite their laments, both songwriters express hope for the future of the discipline. "Everything [creative] is a challenge right now," Morgan offers. "So like these festivals, they bring people together. They do inspire hope and spread good vibes around. That's what all it's about — enjoying your life, sharing your talents and learning something." "These creators are very important," Brumley concludes. "We have to remember that these [people] are able to write down words that in a matter of three minutes touch you so deeply they stay with you, and every time you hear it, it transports you back to a memory. I mean, that is magic." FAQ The Power of Music Festival Highlights STEVE DORFF Steve Dorff is a 2018 inductee into the Song- writers Hall of Fame. He's tallied over 40 BMI awards with hits like Kenny Rogers' "Through the Years," George Strait's "I Cross My Heart," and Eddie Rabbitt's "Every Which Way But Loose." FAREWELL ANGELINA Farewell Angelina is a country group with four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters and badass multi-instrumen- talists. Their stellar blend of harmonies over blazing double violins and guitars has earned soaring praise. MAKING MOVIES Making Movies combines a bold mix of sounds: psychedelia, experimental rock, son cubano, cumbia and more. The foursome explores the stories of immigrants in their latest album with forbidden rhythms and spiritual themes. SAULPAUL SaulPaul's songs are based on his colorful life experiences. With rapping, singing, beatboxing and percussive guitar, Saul- Paul's music is totally organic, totally from the soul and serves as a raw snapshot of his artistic evolution. DAVID STARR Northwest Arkansas native David Starr owns a thriving guitar store in the heart of Cedaredge, Colo., yet he believes his most compelling instrument is his voice – a strong, beautiful baritone that is the cornerstone of his sound. David Starr SaulPaul Making Movies Farewell Angelina Steve Dorff