Tag Archives: songwriting

Death Songs

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Barbara McAfee

My friend Jeannie and I are at a Sweet Honey in the Rock concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. One of the group’s founding members, Ysaye Barnwell, steps to center stage and sings what she calls her “death song.” It expresses … Continue reading →

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Creating on the Move

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Barbara McAfee

It all started at the lake. A big one. Rainy Lake is huge body of fresh water that reaches from the border of northern Minnesota well into Ontario. I retreat to a small, rocky island near the Minnesota shore most … Continue reading →

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I Will Stay Awake With You – The Making of a Song

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Barbara McAfee

Sometimes making a song is like making a stew. Disparate stories, ideas, and phrases all go into the cook-pot of my imagination. Somehow with time and the heat of attention, those elements coalesce into something coherent and nourishing to the … Continue reading →

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My “Grammy Awards”

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Barbara McAfee

Though I’m open to the experience, I’ve yet to win a traditional Grammy Award. My Grammies emerge from the stories people tell about how they use my music in their everyday lives and work.  I’m deeply touched when something I’ve … Continue reading →

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