One of the first songs I remember hearing on a record was ‘In My Room’ written by Brian Wilson and sung by The Beach Boys. I think I was 10 years old or so. Back then I often wondered what Brian Wilson’s room actually looked like and how did it inspire such a beautiful melody. As a songwriter I am often aware of how my surroundings affect me. For me, how a room looks, feels and most importantly how it sounds can play a profound part in how a song is formed. This is especially true when the first idea for the song hits me. Crafting the song is one thing, but getting the initial inspiration is a moment that is wrapped in an acoustic mystery of spirit, sound, mood and lighting. Elements that somehow all come together in a moment of focus something like a photographer adjusting his camera lense.
I have written quite a few songs here at Castle Rhorsdorf over the last two years. I walk through the rooms here sometimes and remember that moment when a particular song idea came to me. Some of the songs have since been recorded (some of them mixed and mastered right here in the Castle Studio). I know friends who have come here and also written songs within the creative spaces of this place and its creative community. I have also helped co-write here. In fact there is probably a song being started right now somewhere at Schloss Rhoersdorf. It might be in the library or the Carlowitz room (on the Boesendorfer grand piano maybe) or in the studio itself. Yesterday I went in to the control room and strummed a guitar for a few moments. Right away a nice idea took form… I think I need to get back in there and see where it leads me.
In the band hotel we have several theme rooms like the groovy ‘70’s room’ or my favorite- the ‘Black and White Room’. I took a look today at the newly renovated room and right away started humming the famous Beach Boys song. I wonder how that song would have turned out if the young Brian Wilson had spent a few nights in that room back in 1963.