RANDY NEWMAN

November 2003
		Award-winning musician, songwriter and composer Randy Newman has released a retrospective look at his career, "The Randy Newman Songbook." The artist answers your questions about composing for movies, his latest album and his life of music. RealAudio: Arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown talks with Newman about his life and work.

Forum Introduction Are there any other songwriters today who approach the task the way you do and if so, is that why I haven't heard of them? How should entertainers be viewed for their political views? What do you think of the current state of the music industry? Do you feel a desire to pass along your experiences, advice and wisdom to aspiring songwriters? What was it like working with Harry Nilsson? I was wondering which songwriter(s) among your contemporaries do you admire most? What was it like to finally receive your Best Song award after all of those nominations? What is there about music that sustains you? In some of your songs you take a sarcastic look at the U.S. and life in the U.S. In retrospect of your career and as an American, how do you see the state of the U.S.?	Dr. Jack Ciak of Redding, Conn., asks: Mr. Newman: Thank you for taking our questions. I just saw the NewsHour interview and congratulate you on no mean feat — achieving a balance with commercial success while retaining your thoughtful commentary of human nature. What do you think of the current state of the music industry — does it help or hinder creativity, encourage or discourage talent, provide listeners with more and better or fewer and inferior choices. Should anything be done that could make things improve? Randy Newman responds: For the most part I think the music industry hinders creativity. Kids make one record and if it doesn't succeed in a big way they're not allowed to make another one. The industry itself has never been a great engine to promote creativity and talent. Understandably, it's always been most interested in what will sell. Sometimes what sells is good, sometimes it isn't. Ed asks: You have achieved unparalleled success in pop and in writing for film and in being a touchstone for three generations now of music fans. Do you feel a desire to pass along your experiences, advice and wisdom to aspiring songwriters? If so, what would be your message to an aspiring songwriter? Randy Newman responds: I can only speak for myself. My problem has always been a lack of self discipline. I would encourage an aspiring songwriter to show up everyday and work at it. Something good might happen. Listen to what's going on in pop music and keep an open mind. Try not to hate everything you hear. Photograph of Randy Newman by Pamela Springsteen