Monday, September 21, 2015

POP Montreal 2015: Three songwriting tips from Andy Kim!



"The Icon: Montreal's Andy Kim talks songwriting", presented by SOCAN

Montreal pop legend Andy Kim returned home for The POP Symposium event "The Icon: Montreal's Andy Kim talks songwriting" at POP Quarters on September 17, 2015. Joined by his friend Torquil Campbell from indie-rock band Stars—with seasoned fans and new admirers in the audience—Mr. Kim told a genuine and heart-felt story about his life as a young Andrew Youakim living in Villeray who left home as a teen in 1963 to follow his dreams.

"I'm here because I dreamt this life," he said, and it was at the Brill Building in New York City where this multi-talented and brave young songwriter got his start. Inspired by his father, three brothers, and a beautiful young receptionist at the Brill, Andy Kim went on to compose many memorable tunes, most notably the number one hits "Sugar Sugar" (co-written with Jeff Barry and recorded by fictional teens, The Archies) and his iconic love song "Rock Me Gently". 

With a career that spans 19 hit singles and over 30 million records sold, Andy Kim was so generous to share his top-three tips for aspiring songwriters and dreamers alike:

  1. Don't listen to anybody! Your life is what you think about yourself.
  2. A song is words and melody. Learn your instrument, and find a companion you really care for.
  3. I can never be someone else. It starts with you. You're responsible for you. You gotta find you.
Thank you, Andy Kim, for sharing this beautiful moment with us!

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Photo by Norman Wong


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