This idea for a songwriter challenge seemed to get a bit of interest on last night's Friday Zoom call.
I recently heard an interview where a member of New Order confessed that they stole the famous riff for their best known song 'Blue Monday' after watching spaghetti westerns in between recording sessions. In particular the riff they lifted was from 'For a Few Dollars More', starring Clint Eastwood, a theme tune written by soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone.
Listening to the similarities, it seems incredible that they got away with this at the time...or since! Especially as it is such an emblematic riff that's won them many accolades and much commercial success. Have a listen...
This led to the idea for a forum Songwriting Challenge, if anyone is interested. Let us know here if you're in.
For this one you have to select a riff from any well known song that takes your fancy. The song can be from any era, any genre. Then you have to utilise the riff in a completely different song of your own, so that the casual listener wouldn't necessarily realise that the riff is stolen. You have to 'get away with it', just like New Order did for all these years. So you can flip the riff into a different genre maybe, or change the tempo, choice of instruments, whatever you want. Just as long as it's sneaky enough for you to get away with the cunning disguise.
Deadline is mid March, so about a six week challenge. Post your songs in Finished Songs if you are hoping for a reasonable number of comments. Plus post a link to the riff you stole by the original artist, so we can all have a smile.
So...who is in? ;)
Well...list of entrants so far:
@pompeyjazz @ChrisPrice @Wicked Deeds @MichaelA @PeteS
