My Songwriting Debut - Grey Haven 18 at Matthew's Bar

A couple month's ago a friend of mine from church, who is also the creator of Grey Haven, told me I should play at the next show. My response was a heart felt, "I'd love to." But I've always hesitated because I don't write my own songs. Back in highschool I wrote a couple songs, which I now HATE, and therefore haven't really felt much like trying even since. When I have attempted to write, I've gotten quickly frustrated and eventually gave up. Both aspects of songwriting are completely daunting to me: coming up with chords and a melody, and pairing it with lyrics that convey what I want them to. Anyway, Caleb gave me this sound advice: "Sign up for the next Grey Haven. Then you have to write two songs." So I did.

That week the first song, "While You're Sleeping" actually came pretty easily. It was in response to an experience at school that stuck with me (which I explain more in the video), and I was encouraged. Ok, maybe I can do this. Then writer's block hit. By the time we left for North Carolina last week, I had only a vague idea of what I wanted to write about and not even a hint of a melody. Finally inspiration came while we were watching O Brother Where Art Thou, and Keith and our other friends who were up in the mountains with us helped me put it all together. It was the perfect place to have to write a song.

Last night was really encouraging. Grey Haven is such a good example of what I love about Birmingham. Everyone is so open and mutually encouraging, creative, and it's contagious rather than being intimidating or competitive. LOTS of sweet friends came out to support us and it was so nice to look out in the crowd and see their faces. Hopefully it was a positive enough of an experience that I'll keep at it!


Elaine Davis - Grey Haven: While You're Sleeping from elaine on Vimeo.


Elaine Davis - Grey Haven Walk With Me from elaine on Vimeo.