Rick Moody on music and prose, 2009

“I would say that music making and prose writing are very analogous, allied activities. Prose, after all, has a musical dimension because it’s made out of sound. I think that great prose writers often have some kind of attachment to music--look at James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Playing music emphatically makes me a better writer. It makes me listen better and think more clearly about how prose sounds.”

From an interview with novelist Rick Moody (The Ice Storm) on his band the Wingdale Community Singers. Read the full story in Brown Alumni Magazine here. Listen to the band here.

Note to John Lennon Songwriting Contest voters

Many of you were kind enough to vote, early and often, in the online vote that made my song "Fly" the Lennon Award winner for the top country song of last year. You may have noticed lately that Fretwire and other music marketing emails are showing up in your inbox--this is because of submitting your email address during the contest vote. FYI, at the bottom of these emails there is a small "Manage your subscription" link that allows you to unsubscribe with a couple of clicks. I just wanted to make sure you see there is a way to opt out...

Thanks again, everyone, for the support, and happy 2010.
JPR