I Listen To The Ad Libs

As a singer-songwriter, I really believe in my lyrics have a strong message. The content is so important to me. But do you know what else helps me shape my music? The ad libs.

The places I let my voice go freely, and sing whatever comes out. It’s a feeling that I embrace fully. I usually keep the first take, because it’s the most authentic even if it isn’t perfect. When I listen back to songs I’ve release and hear my ad libs, sometimes I smile or even laugh. I think, “wow, I was feeling that one.” And it’s true. Feelings, authentic ones, really come out in the spaces between the lyrics.

I think about conversations we have when we’re getting to know someone, and how our authentic self comes out in the spaces between the sentences. Maybe an unplanned laugh, or maybe an expression or comment in response to what we’ve just heard. Sometime these expressions and comments are aligned with the other persons experience, but usually they’re all about us and what we think we know.

Over the last few years, I’ve been intentional about how I listen and how I respond. I also listen to the way others respond. I’m an opinionated person, I can’t help it! I also know that not all of my opinions are relevant, so I’m mindful of how and when I share. Out of respect to myself and respect towards others. If I take the time to get to know someone, I choose to use that time to wisely. I listen to understand, and I respond to engage.

I meet a lot of people in my life, and I hear a lot of different styles of ad libbing. Some conversations can feel as though we’re singing different songs. The ad libs don’t feel intentional to the song; the response doesn’t feel like you’re listening. Most of the time it isn’t intentional; we’re all learning and working on something.

And by the way, I practiced ad libbing for years before I was able to find my voice naturally.

© Cole Williams