According to Elvis Costello, Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan have more similarities in their music than may initially be perceived.
During the Nov. 17 Rockonteurs podcast episode with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, the 70-year-old “Alison” singer discussed similarities in the writing style of the pop star and folk icon.
While talking about his 1986 album King of America, he mentioned the musicians he worked with, and announced the release of a deluxe CD set containing unreleased demos. Considering his approach during the process of creating the songs, Costello mentioned that he eventually realized he wasn’t putting in sufficient effort into them.
The singer-songwriter remembered telling the podcast hosts that he was simply describing events that were occurring in his life. While it may be intriguing to listen to, it does not always capture the listener’s attention because they may not understand the topic being discussed.
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In order to enhance their songwriting, a musician must also utilize the “craft element that follows the urge to convey these more intense emotions,” he explained, referencing Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks from 1975.
He described the latest album as a perfect illustration of the creativity and discovery that Costello finds captivating in songwriting, a skill that he noted Swift, 34, has also perfected.
He said Dylan’s tracks can transition from raw emotion to clear invention in a matter of minutes. “And that leaves you in suspense, which makes things more engaging.”
Costello stated that he learned that “lesson” from writers such as Mitchell, aged 81, and Dylan, aged 83. I’m not just saying this to seem cool, but it’s also what makes Taylor Swift relatable to people.
Costello said that the “All Too Well” songstress acknowledges the importance of drawing from personal experiences while also making sure her songs resonate with her audience. There are many other instances of that, she is simply the most successful one you can mention.
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“That’s how she manages to maintain connection with her audience,” the singer of “She” stated, mentioning that he has “always been aware that I couldn’t just say, ‘Here’s my diary’.” “Let’s put that to music.”
According to Costello, the heartbreak or other event that leads to a song can occur suddenly. However, the consequences can be quite painstaking and somewhat dull, therefore, if you simply repeat them live, they may not be interesting to others.
