A Texas State Songwriter
Music comes in many forms.
The lyrics may come from a different source than the instrumentals even though it all weaves together to make songs. Songwriter's Nght, held every Wednesday at Cheatham Street Warehouse, focuses on the art of writing lyrics for music.
Victor Holk is one songwriter that regularly attends Songwriter's Night outside of his classes at Texas State. Holk said his passion for songwriting helped carve his place in the Texas State music scene.
"Playing in bands that was my only thing to bring to the table were my songs," Holk said. "I found out that when you have an acoustic guitar you can come in and play your songs without being a fantastic musician."
While music is an influential part in any musician's life, Holk said they must find a way to keep up with school at the same time they are attempting to expand their musical background.
"It's a balancing act. Sometimes school comes second, sometimes music comes second," Holk said. "Music for me always comes first and the fact that i get to do that for work is awesome. Most college students have to work for Starbucks or something like that."
Holk said songwriters find inspirations for lyrics from just about anywhere and often use their songs as a chance to release emotions.
"Sometimes songs come to you and sometimes you come to them," Holk said. "Once that song is written you can still be pissed off, you can still be hurt, you can still be upset, but you feel such a different sense of 'better' at the end of it."
Music can become a line of communication for a musician to spread their ideas and values according to Holk, with each listener coming away with their own message of what it means to them.
"Listening to music you're sort of hearing that musician's philosophy on life," Holk said. "Music affects you so personally and you feel that connection. That's what music does; it affects your inner person a lot."
Date: 5/10/2010
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