PEL Presents NEM#205: Tom Heyman: Unreliable Narrator | The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts interview musician Tom Heyman. Heyman, known for his steel guitar work, shares insights into his songwriting process and discusses his latest album, “24th Street Blues.”

Main Takeaways

Tom Heyman’s Musical Background

• Tom Heyman is a musician best known for his steel guitar work with artists like Alejandro Escuezo, John Doe, and Sonny Smith.
• Heyman started his career in the late 80s with Philadelphia’s Go To Blazes, where he shared songwriting duties with Ted Warren.
• Heyman has released six solo albums, with his latest being 24th Street Blues.
• Heyman’s music is influenced by a range of genres, including country, folk, and folk rock.

The Making of “Desperate”

• The song “Desperate” from Heyman’s album 24th Street Blues is a classic pop song with country flavors and slide guitar.
• Heyman was inspired by a Joe South song about coming down off a coke binge and wrote “Desperate.”
• “Desperate” is about feeling desperate for something and the things one does because of that desperation.
• The instrumentation of “Desperate” is simple with acoustic guitars, bass, baritone guitar, and slide.
• Heyman loves using tambourines and hand claps in songs, but there are none in “Desperate.”

The Use of B-Bender and Unreliable Narrators in Songwriting

• Using a B-bender allows the speaker to dig in and make the guitar riff pop.
• Songwriting should be convincing and not necessarily truthful, according to the speaker.
• Creating a character for a song can be based on personal insight, but doesn’t have to be autobiographically truthful.
• Accessing some part of the inner self is important in songwriting.
• The unreliable narrator is a powerful tool in songwriting.

Other Songs and Songwriting Techniques

• The song “Chicken Hocs and Jesus Freaks” is a story song with a personal connection to the artist’s hitchhiking experiences across the US at 18 years old.
• The lyrics touch on themes of freedom, fear, and complicated truths, and the artist draws inspiration from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgeralds and personal experiences with religion.
• Good songwriters listen to everything and borrow from different genres to create unique sounds.
• Choruses in songs can stay static while verses move the story forward.
• Bridges in songs can provide movement to move the song forward.

Summary

Tom Heyman: A Journey into Songwriting and Musical Influences

Tom Heyman, a renowned musician known for his steel guitar work, shares his experiences and insights into songwriting and the creation of his latest album, “24th Street Blues.” Heyman’s musical background, including his work with various artists and his solo albums, sets the foundation for his unique sound, influenced by country, folk, and folk rock.

The Making of “Desperate”: Exploring Desperation and Instrumentation

Heyman delves into the creation of the song “Desperate” from his album “24th Street Blues.” Inspired by a Joe South song, Heyman explores the theme of desperation and the actions it drives. The simplicity of the instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, bass, baritone guitar, and slide, adds to the raw and emotional nature of the song.

B-Bender and Unreliable Narrators: Tools in Songwriting

Heyman discusses his use of the B-bender, a pedal-steel technique, to create impactful guitar riffs. He also emphasizes the importance of creating convincing characters and utilizing the unreliable narrator technique in songwriting. These tools allow for deeper exploration of emotions and storytelling within songs.

Exploring Other Songs and Songwriting Techniques

Heyman shares insights into other songs from his repertoire, such as “Chicken Hocs and Jesus Freaks,” which draws inspiration from personal experiences and explores themes of freedom, fear, and complicated truths. He also discusses the importance of borrowing from different genres and utilizing bridges to provide movement within songs.

Conclusion

Tom Heyman’s interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of songwriting and the creative process behind his music. From exploring personal experiences to utilizing unique techniques, Heyman’s approach to music showcases the power of storytelling and emotional connection in songwriting.