10 Questions: Ben Thornewill on Creativity & Songwriting

"Sometimes you just have to walk away and realize that the well is empty and you have to go do something to fill it up."

Ben Thornewill is a wildly skillful pianist, composer, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the pop trio, Jukebox the Ghost. His love for both classical and pop music is evident in the music he writes for Jukebox. The songs are energetic, colorful and accessible while fearlessly exploring complex arrangements. (Case in point: they cover Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody live and NAIL IT.) 

On stage, Ben’s musical chops, soaring voice and hooky melodies are undeniable. We have both been lucky enough to tour with them and can confirm that it is impossible to see a Jukebox show and not dance with a huge goofy smile on your face. 

Since their inception, Jukebox has released five studio albums, one live album, and performed over a thousand shows globally, including festivals like Bonnaroo and TV appearances such as Conan and Late Show with David Letterman. 

He is currently finishing his first solo studio album in over ten years and will be releasing songs from it this fall. We can’t wait to hear it and we’re so grateful that he was willing to share his creative process with us! 

1. When you sit down to write a song, which elements tend to come first (melody, concept, title, lyrics, chords, beat, etc.)?

The vast majority of songwriting for me comes from sitting at a piano without any idea of what I am going to play or write about. It's an effort of closing my eyes and diving down into a strange musical reservoir and hoping to find something. Usually this something comes from music first, from chords that inspire a thought, which inspire a melody etc. etc. 

2. How often do you write? Do you have a regular routine, or do you do it only when you’re feeling inspired?

Some weeks I write every day and some weeks I don't write at all. It depends on tour, recording, life. Most days are filled with some creative pursuit, but it's not always writing.

3. Do you have any practices that help you find inspiration and collect ideas?

Reading, listening, paying attention to the world . . . we are always surrounded by ideas. Though from a practical standpoint when I know I am heading into a period of intense writing I try to write morning pages first thing. It's a technique from The Artist's Way (check it out!) where when you wake up you write three pages of whatever, free thought. Nonsense, complaints, ideas or whatever is on your mind and then set it aside. It clears the pipes, paves the way.

4. Have you ever felt creatively blocked and what did/do you do to overcome it?

Morning pages have helped me. Collaboration with other writers or creative people. And sometimes you just have to walk away and realize that the well is empty and you have to go do something to fill it up.

5. Do you like to collaborate with other artists and in what capacity does collaboration work best for you?

I love collaboration. I love being inspired by other artists and learning from them. Collaboration works best when I have a clear goal in mind. Whether it's a song for a commercial, for pitch, or for me, if the goal is clear then the people in the room can work towards it.

6. Are there any non-musical things you do that affect your art?

I like to read, see theater, try to take in visual art. But I also like to play soccer and watch it as well; it's good to get outside your own head.

7. How do you know when a song is done?

I don't . . . sometimes you just have to decide it to be so.

8. What do you think your strengths are as a songwriter and how do you play to those strengths?

I am quick with melody and harmony, so I use them as a tool to write songs that interest me and hopefully other people as well.

9. What do you think your weaknesses are as a songwriter and how have you worked around them or worked to improve them?

As an extension of the above question/answer, I tend to overwrite. So my challenge is to always ask myself "why" and make sure I am adding a part or a chordal movement or melodic change for a reason.

10. What is one important lesson you have learned through your experiences as a songwriter?

Simplicity and honesty go a long way.

Favorite song to dance to: Wobble by V.I.C.
Favorite song to make out to: Sigur Ros
Favorite song to cry to: Cathedrals by Jump Little Children
Favorite song to work out to: Podcasts mostly
Favorite song to drive to: Excision

Follow Ben online:

twitter.com/benthornewill

instagram.com/benthorenwill

https://www.facebook.com/ben.thornewill

photos by Lauren Kallen