10 Questions: Elliot Jacobson on Creativity and Songwriting

"I try to remember that it doesn't matter if I don't "feel" creative. I can still create."

Many of our followers may know Elliot Jacobson from his years playing drums with Ingrid Michaelson, Elle King, and in our own solo projects. But over the past 5 years, Elliot has taken on the role of producer & songwriter as well, and surprise surprise . . . he’s amazing at that, too! Some of his notable production/writing credits include Elle King, Allie X, Vérité, Slander, KAYE, and Stefan Alexander.

He’s incredibly hard-working and focused, and we think that his background as a drummer gives him a unique ability to approach writing with an objective and discerning ear. To top it all off, he’s a wonderfully warm and funny person. It’s no wonder so many songwriters love to collaborate with him! 

We’re very thankful he took the time to share a bit about his process with us, and we hope you enjoy it and gain something from it! 

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

Because I write music primarily with other writers and/or with the artist who will sing the song, any of those elements will come first. Although, regardless of who I'm working with I try to always come in with a few concepts and lyrics to support them and mainly to help break the ice on a first session. If I'm producing the write, I might prepare some tracks in advance. 

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

It varies. Sometimes three times a week. Sometimes only a couple times a month. Because I'm also a producer, I might have weeks at a time where I'm only producing music for release or finishing up demos for pitch. As for a routine, I do it depending on scheduling. My publisher will set up sessions or I'll schedule sessions and it depends on who's in town and who is available when I am. 

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

I try to listen to new music and new artists at least a couple times a week. I use my Release Radar playlist and Discovery Weekly each week to find new music. I ask the people I work with who they like, and I save those songs in my Spotify library so that I can spend some time with that music.

I'm seeing a lot more live music lately because I find that it refreshes and inspires me after listening to music on a phone or computer all day. I use Voice Memos to sing out ideas or beats, and I use the Notes app to type lyrics, song titles and random thoughts that I think are brilliant revelations (at the time) about the nature of reality.

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

I feel blocked either when I have too much on my plate at once and I'm losing perspective, or when my mood or energy level is down for a short or long period. I deal with this the same way I do when I can't sleep; I don't force it. I let it run its course.

Or, if I need to get through something creative because of a deadline or commitment and I don't have the luxury to unplug (this is a job too, after all), I try to remember that it doesn't matter if I don't "feel" creative. I can still create. There's a strange freedom in not pressuring yourself (at least in my case) to feel a certain way. To stop judging and measuring yourself. To simply be. See, this needs to go in my Notes . . .

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

Yes! As a drummer, for example, I can't just sit and play alone anymore like I could when I was in high school or even college. I need to play to music with others. I am the same way with creating music. If I'm alone, I might stop from boredom. Generally speaking, I'm a supportive force. I try to help other creators uncover what's there or focus on what we are trying to find, and then add to it so that it becomes stronger and better. Following before I lead. Unless I come in with some crazy idea that everyone seems to like. But eventually, I'll find my way to the seat in the back, so to speak.

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

Lately, podcasts. Because I can walk my dog and listen to an hour podcast about music, food, technology, business or money and let my brain go along for the ride and my body just reset. I'm the kind of person who is recharged by being alone, I've come to realize in my 30's. But I love connecting with others through food and conversation and music, so I need to balance it all. When I'm balanced I can make better art because I'm more positive.

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

I think it's done when you can listen top to bottom and you want to listen to it again, seems to be the only constant answer. The momentum feels right. Not too little and not too much. It's a fine line.

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

My ear and my tastes are still good (knock on wood). I can write lyrics, contribute melodic ideas and make tracks, but I think I can step outside of the process, so to speak, and see the song or idea or lyric for what it is. Perspective and intention are so important in music to me. I can disconnect in a healthy way from behind the song and report back what I heard and felt.

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

I always wish I was one of those talents who can play every instrument, sing, produce, write, mix, compose and perform all in one. It's so easy for us to compare ourselves to others who seem to have more to offer. I have worked with and am friends with so many of those kinds of people. I'm inspired by them too, at best. But I can only be me.

I'm good at collaborating and supporting. I do love it. So I try to put myself in those situations work with people who are the same in that regard, or people who have a strong creative voice and/or vision that they need to uncover and deliver to the world. That's my focus these days. Playing to my strengths and building a community. 

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

Patience with yourself and patience with others is the key to getting through most hard times. Or just a tough VS2.

Favorite song to dance to: "Somebody to Love" by Queen
Favorite song to make out to: If I made out to music, I'd probably make out to 80's jams.
Favorite song to cry to: "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush is sad!
Favorite song to work out to: My playlist has 95 songs and one is "When You Were Young" by The Killers
Favorite song to drive to: "Punkrocker" by Teddybears feat. Iggy Pop

“Shoot to Kill” by MOTi and Groovenatics feat. Jon Moodie
(co-written and co-produced)

“Tall” by Julia Bhatt
(produced/performed)

FIND MORE ABOUT ELLIOT AT:

elliot-jacobson.com