Poetry meets songwriting with CALICO

CALICO, an independent Folk/Americana band based in British Columbia, formed at the start of the pandemic by creatively negotiating the space between personal discovery and cooperative writing. Made up of a group of seasoned professional musicians {Tony Cecchetti (lead vocals & rhythm guitar), Chris Couto (BG vocals & drums), Will Lloyd, (electric guitar) and JeanSe LeDoujet (Bass)

Taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan, The War On Drugs and Nathaniel Rateliff – the band stretched their creative process to the brink by writing their new music within the confines of their own separate homes during the isolation of the pandemic. Calico highlights a swathe of vistas, unique transitions, and techniques that showcase the band’s take on blending musical genres.

Tony from CALICO shared the process behind their song Lay Me Down. Download the lyrics to follow along.

• Our songwriting challenge for 2023, to write in an unusual mode, and Phil’s tip to look closely at the intervals that are defining the character of each mode
• Our episode about the challenge with Jeff Alan Greenway, and how you can reharmonize a song when doing a cover
• Writing songs and recording an album remotely over the pandemic
• The difference between writing poetry and writing lyrics
• Writing image heavy lyrics instead of being literal
• Bringing together musicians with varied musical backgrounds in your band
• The danger of overcomplicating your songs