Stephen Bishop is a composer and film scorer who has written songs for more than a dozen films including Tootsie and Animal House. In addition to recording his own gold-selling albums, his songs have been recorded by Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, among many others. He has been nominated for two Grammys and an Oscar.
Stephen Bishop, a musician and songwriter, offers advice to songwriters wanting to enter the music industry. Socializing, co-writing, writing in different styles, and becoming affiliated with either BMI or ASCAP are great ways to try to break in. He empathizes with aspiring songwriters because its tougher now than it's ever been for people to hear your music. However, Bishop also points out that there are different vehicles, such as MySpace and CD Baby, that make being heard a bit easier. He also explains the importance of living where the action is. Also in this segment, Bishop shares his feelings on career choice and how his career took him places that he was not always prepared to go.
Stephen Bishop, a musician and songwriter, talks about getting songs in films. He explains that getting songs in films as an artist is a difficult process. He also discusses how lucky he is that he's had success in that area of the music industry. Also in this segment, Bishop shares some of his experiences in film as a singer and songwriter, such as The Money Pit and Barney's Big Adventure.
Stephen Bishop, a musician and songwriter, performs his song Separate Lives. Afterward, Bishop discusses how the song developed out of a real relationship with an actress. He also explains his writing process for the song. There was no rewriting.
Stephen Bishop, a musician and songwriter, talks about producing. He explains his experience co-producing his first two albums, Careless and Bish. Bishop discusses why he produces even though he doesn't always get the credit. His hope for his music to stand the test of time is covered as well. Also in this segment, he shares his thoughts on the producer's role. A producer should make the artist happy since the artist is the one who has to live with it.
Stephen Bishop, a musician and songwriter, talks about selling rights to songs. He shares a mistake he almost made in 1975 - selling the publishing for all his songs for the next seven years. Bishop also discusses how Art Garfunkel and Columbia Records helped him walk away from the deal. Also in this segment, Bishop cautions against 100 percent publishing deals. He covers a 100 percent publishing deal he did sign when he was younger as well.
Songwriter Stephen Bishop discusses his book “Songs in the Rough†(a compilation of rough drafts of great songs by great songwriters), and what he hopes to communicate by putting such a book together.
