Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Interview + Songwriting Q&A | 2016

As part of our Song Spotlight series, we had the chance to sit down with award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Pasek and Paul discuss how they started writing music together, the story behind “Caught in the Storm,” their advice to aspiring musicians & songwriters, and more! Recorded in 2016, at SubCulture in NYC.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - How did “Pasek and Paul” begin?
2:07 - How would you describe your writing style?
3:18 - Adaptational vs Non-Adaptational Writing
4:52 - How to start a song
5:42 - Do you write a show with an intended audience in mind?
7:34 - The story of “Caught in the Storm”
10:13 - What advice would you give to aspiring songwriters and musicians?
🎼 Search all of Pasek and Paul’s arrangements: www.musicnotes.com/l/pasek-an...
You can also watch the duo perform a few of their hit songs!
▶️ “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen: • Waving Through a Windo...
▶️ “Caught in the Storm” from Smash: • Pasek and Paul - Caugh...
▶️ “City of Stars” from La La Land: • City of Stars - La La ...
▶️ “Middle of a Moment” from James and the Giant Peach: • Middle of a Moment by ...
Want more Song Spotlight? Visit www.musicnotes.com/songspotlight
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Credits
Videography: Alan Smith and Adam Volerich
Audio: Craig Bundy and James Hartnett
Edited by Alan Smith
Produced by Dan Ruff & Duncan Hearn
Special thanks to Marc Kaplan at SubCulture

[@gloriagironelli]

What a gem! 💎 Thank you! ❤️

[@WorshipwithMeena]

Thanks for this interview! So helpful for songwriters! 😊Love the idea to make it better and better! 💙

[@benjaminjahn4238]

Deserves more views

[@mr-splits-world]

thanks very helpful !