Storytelling is a form of art that is deeply rooted in songwriting, yet they are looked at as two completely different art forms. Both are seen throughout history as being related, so why are they not currently being appreciated as a singular art form? The question is then posed; what about storytelling through song has influenced modern songwriting in music? From the interviews, articles and videos that I have collected so far for my research, I have found that looking at storytelling as the medium in which songs are expressed allows people to feel more connected to themselves, their environment and the people and contents within that environment. The songwriting process is one that is malleable, therefore making the stories behind each song vastly understood in more than one way. Whether it is a single song meant for a single person, or a song like Imagine by John Lennon, songs have the ability to unite people through the means of storytelling.
The bulk of my research has mostly been looking at interviews and TED talks discussing the history of storytelling, as well as the modern look at certain musician's songwriting processes. In a TED talk with Tyler Cowen, a modern economist, he talks about how stories can actually be the downfall of society. He says that "stories allow us to categorize our lives and fall into a routine." While this can be somewhat true, I heavily disagree that it contributes to the downfall of society. Looking at many different historical contexts, storytelling has done the polar opposite of breaking down a society; it has brought it together. Songs of the "Flower Power" generation united the people of america to fight against the violence that the Vietnam War had brought to the country. Another key piece of research thus far has been the book Mo Meta Blues by Ahmir-Khalib Thompson, also known as ?uestlove, the drummer for "The Roots."
The bulk of my research has mostly been looking at interviews and TED talks discussing the history of storytelling, as well as the modern look at certain musician's songwriting processes. In a TED talk with Tyler Cowen, a modern economist, he talks about how stories can actually be the downfall of society. He says that "stories allow us to categorize our lives and fall into a routine." While this can be somewhat true, I heavily disagree that it contributes to the downfall of society. Looking at many different historical contexts, storytelling has done the polar opposite of breaking down a society; it has brought it together. Songs of the "Flower Power" generation united the people of america to fight against the violence that the Vietnam War had brought to the country. Another key piece of research thus far has been the book Mo Meta Blues by Ahmir-Khalib Thompson, also known as ?uestlove, the drummer for "The Roots."