How Gregory Alan Isakov Writes A Song

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Gregory Alan Isakov is a mysterious musician who consistently writes incredible contemporary folk music. Master and a Hound is an example of his brilliant approach to songwriting. This is how he does it.
Thanks to Jamie Mefford, Sarah Levin, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Suitcase Town Music.
#gregoryalanisakov #videoessay

[@MrAflac9916]

This Empty Northern Hemisphere is one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@lyriclovercrafts]

I agree.

[@acslater9118]

Facts

[@alfredgrinneby2434]

THE

[@Hallorenzo]

It is my favorite album

[@danieljpew]

Strong agree

[@matthewwebb2579]

Gregory changed my whole musical taste with one song. I was always into alternative rock or rap, and now folk is one of my favorite genres because of how authentic the music is. I've seen Gregory twice in concert now and there are many more too come. So many beautiful songs, Astronaut is undoubtedly my favorite though, sometimes I feel like it was made for me.

[@ruot286]

I couldn’t agree more

[@Mo-sk7xo]

Nah SAME!!! I was always a HipHop/Rap and Pop head but in 2019 he pulled me into the folk acoustic world and I don't think I'll ever leave!!

[@nicolel.2398]

Almost none of Gregory’s songs have choruses, I absolutely love it.

[@mkmiller5042]

Its hard for me to put into words how important Gregory’s music is to me. Every. Single. Song. He has ever released has a special place in my heart.

[@2b-coeur]

y e s i discovered him during a serious climacteric in my life too, so so much personal meaning/memories are layered into the lyrics i feel like i've known his songs for years

[@treydrop]

yes just yes all his music is too beautiful to be true

[@Berretotube]

Beautiful. I relate 100%. My fave artist of all time, among MANY. Ray La Montagne a close second ❤

[@thereallibs7746]

His writing style teaches that profound music isn't always up front, it settles in your skin like a chilling whisper.

[@arianaperez5883]

He’s one of the most underrated musicians from this era. He’s a gem ❤️

[@princemyshkin9221]

“But you’ll love her til it all goes dark, you’ll love her even after that.” He’s unparalleled in modern songwriting and rivals the greatest the English language has given us.

[@fuzzylilpeach6591]

My favorite song. I like the end of the first stanza even more, "But I'll never say I love you dear, just to hear you say it back"

[@cliffhall97]

I've watched an embarrassing amount of youtube videos in my lifetime and this was one of my favorites. Not even lying. Please do more on GAI.

[@throughline]

thanks so much!

[@jayvh7417]

@@throughline u should

[@ifyougiveagirlahammer3370]

@@jayvh7417 Agreed!

[@Broteese]

Same.

[@henriquelouro4334]

Same here! I just discovered this video and this channel and i can't stop watching it.

[@codytriesstuff]

One of, if not my favorite, artist of all time. He is just so incredibly unique and consistently powerful.

[@codytriesstuff]

I have started my days listening to his discography from 8-10 every morning for 4 years now, and not one song has worn out its welcome. I cant say this for anyone else, ever.

[@lcampbe6]

It is so hard to pick a favorite of Gregory’s songs but if I was forced to, this would be it. I’m glad so many others agree

[@sarceexplores]

Glad you found a favourite, I just stopped trying to find one! All his songs are beautiful, enchanting and powerful in their own rights. Be it "Big Black Car", "Black and Blue" or this, all have a special feeling to each of them!

[@tangibleplanetvisualmedia1138]

San Louis is my favorite by far, if someone asked me to describe my usual state of mind, I'd play them that song

[@johnreycortes3374]

Mine is '''If i go, I'm Going" and "Big Black Car".

[@NoxForest]

San luis is my fav

[@rajmalla5310]

the moon song and caves is good too

[@sunl6539]

He has such a great way of story telling that is specific enough to give you imagery and detail, but still enough space for you to fill in your own meanings and stories. Personal favourite is Saint Valentine, which leaves so much room for you to put yourself and imagine your own tale; but, it still sets up a theme of lost love and loss of home. Just amazing

[@jordanybarra6978]

His music makes me feel more wholesome in all experiences I have and makes every song I here feel like I’m living in a beautiful novel

[@MattColbo]

Dude this is a fantastic video, really, wild it only has 3.5k views, would love to see more from you my man :)

[@throughline]

thanks matt! love your content. almost done with a cut of my feature doc, then coming right back here :)

[@MattColbo]

@@throughline awesome to hear my man, may I ask what this feature doc is? i'm intrigued lol also, thank you :)

[@throughline]

it’s a heart-led verite film about a small town in rural NY, and their beloved river..

[@2077market1]

@@MattColbo I just saw your vids and now that I see you are a Gregory Alan isakov I subbed so fast!

[@MattColbo]

@@2077market1 hahaha too kind

[@rahilsurti6859]

Wow I thought I was the only one who's favorite song is master and a hound. So nice to see there are people who appreciate this masterpiece

[@aaronisacomedian]

What I love about Isakov is that it seems his fans all have their own song in his catalogue we consider a masterpiece. My favorites are All Shades of Blue for the words and The Stable Song with the Colorado symphony mesmerizes me every time

[@beefstroganoff1774]

Oh yes, and when you hear that someone's favourite isn't what yours is, you can't even argue, because every song of his is amazing.

[@roblamb153]

I like his songs "Words" and "Astronaut" a lot as well as this one, and appreciate the analysis of his music here. Gregory's poetic imagination and pathos are what move me mostly and his acoustic musical style is mesmerizing. He is a compelling, sometimes haunting artist of words and melody for sure.

[@paulovemx2222]

You explained perfectly why I like Gregory's music, because it's kind of unpredictable becausebit isn't constructed in the same way most songs are, I love when he sings one line only one time. Master and a hound is overwhelmingly beautiful, there's something haunting about that song.

[@manikaantsuryan]

Beautiful work in breaking this haunting song down. It's my fav too. It hits you, it stops your mind, it stops your legs. You're right. I brings you to the present moment in a flash.

[@throughline]

truth. thank you for your support.

[@lyriclovercrafts]

This is the most incredible song. All of Gregory’s music is a true euphoric experience for me....but this song, it’s my favorite. To hear him perform it live was among the greatest moments of my life. I love your thoughts on it and really enjoyed your video.

[@throughline]

thanks so much for this lovely thought.

[@navybloo]

Wow dude, this video is no less of a piece of art. Absolutely loved this

[@robynrose3328]

Gregory Alan’s songwriting is poetic beautiful and raw. Amsterdam, The Universe, Big Black Car, the Stable song, I could go on and on 🙏🏻

[@clara-pi9yv]

He's one of my favourites singers, he makes art with his songs. He's just great.

[@ericaaguirre6881]

This!!!!! Ugh everything I’ve felt about his music. It just takes you to a different place. He’s even better live!

[@jizzysglizzy2605]

My first record was This Empty Northern Hemisphere and it’s the most beautiful album I own. Every song bleeds into one another, all you can do is just sit there and listen to the whole thing. Gregory is beyond talented in his guitar ways.

[@TaylorCastro]

One of the only songs that can make me cry and I barely know why

[@RevashtuYT]

Please make more!!! I love GAI and have been learning little by little all his catalog on guitar. He reignited my spark to play again. And when my daughter was a newborn I played her Amsterdam. She's 3 now and she still loves it when I play it for her.

[@JohnPaulSaylor]

I joined a band years ago with some friends from work and they're the ones who introduced me to Gregory Alan Isakov and Ben Folds, both of whom are probably in my top 5. Isakov though, his music is just so peaceful, haunting, happy, and so much more. Every year duing fall I always sit out on the porch with a glass of whiskey and listen to an album of his front to back.

[@rentheguru]

"But I'm grateful for music like Gregory Alan Isakov's that keep us company along the way" His music brings me to the otherworldly experience of deep realizations of my emotions.

[@milesbaigent4534]

It truly is such a great track. Everyone should listen to his full catalogue, including his latest masterpiece 'Appaloosa Bones'. Also his cover of the Lumineers 'Salt and the Sea' is truly wonderful.

[@JuannyBoy2023]

This song will always be a most special song for me personally; hearing Gregory play this in a coffee shop up in Fort Collins, meeting him, meeting Jamie playing this song at Ubi... and recognizing the beauty of it. It is a masterpiece and means so much to me. Thank you for the video; it’s a nice analysis of form and hypothesis into why his songs are great.

[@JELLYBELLY7733]

What a video, the way you dissect one of the most complicated yet simple song writers of all time, the way not just he sings about the smallest things is incredible, and the way you interpret these small bits and pieces that he has gifted is incredible, thank you

[@TheDylanjer]

I’ve only recently found Gregory Alan Isakov and he has really helped me through tough times. I started my first year of college last year and only discovered him after listening to songs I would listen to back when I was a child, no older than 4 or 5. This included many, but Iron and Wine was the main source that I would listen to. I remember felling really lonely at the time and being far from home all I had with me was my guitar and music. I like to think that I can write songs, but I know that I won’t ever be as good of a writer as Sam Beam or Gregory Alan Isakov. For some reason though I felt like I recognized these songs that I was listening to, but I didn’t know who wrote or performed them. I still remember the first song I heard of his being “Garden” because it reminded me of my girlfriend and the life that I would love to live. After a while I started to listen more and more to him finding myself falling more in love with his style of writing, his variations of finger-picking, and his unique use of his vocal patterns. He doesn’t always need to hold a note for a long time, but when he does you feel it way deep inside of you. I’m not sure anybody is going to read this or reply, but I just wanted to share my experience, my thoughts, and my love from Gregory Alan Isakov

[@Chevelle602]

Every Gregary Alan Isakov is a masterpiece. Every single one.

[@rosetheline6357]

This is truly a video I've never anticipated to find on KZbin and yet it's what's really is missing on here. Great video! Keep on doing these highly thorough and well made videos. And please do more on Gregory Alan Isakov (Amsterdam, Words). It's what brought me here :)

[@perezlf25]

Truly defines life on a interpersonal level, luv it...

[@kylebrown7968]

Man I love Gregory Alan Isakov.

[@jeanniefeaster4325]

These details made my day. I'm greatful for Gregory.

[@throughline]

thanks for sharing!

[@TheDylanjer]

I must also add that this is such an amazing video essay about something so beautiful and underappreciated I come back to this video whenever I feel down at times

[@wc1533]

It really is a masterpiece.

[@parkerjohnson3122]

I continue to come back to this video every once and a while. You are awesome.

[@throughline]

thank you!

[@summersbythesea4261]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. My boyfriend and I fell in love to it as we were stargazing on an ocean liner in the middle of the sea. The ship had turned off all its lights specifically for this purpose, and looking out, we couldn’t make out anything except for the stars in the vast blackness of the sea and the sky. It was like we were in our own microcosm, sailing through the infinite universe.

[@throughline]

summersbythesea thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

[@loganbateman3578]

Came because Isakov is my favorite artist of all time. You pointed out something profound in Isakov's music, that it is an abstraction of the truth. Isakov abstracts this blurry reality to the point where the truth almost begins to become clear. . .thank you.

[@throughline]

thanks for the comment

[@toriancromar]

I just barely learned this song on guitar. GAI is why I started to learn the guitar, his songs are magical and special to me, and they were a source of light in a dark time of my life. I love and am grateful for his music

[@giovaninunesdeaguiar5853]

@throughline This video could've had one hour man, simply amazing... This is such as accurate description of Isakov's songwriting. It never totally satisfies you, but it leaves you wanting more. As I think of others musicians, almost all of them have songs with complete arcs, as if the lyrics and the melody take you on a ride to point A to point B. But with Isakov is like he takes you on a beautiful drive, stops on the middle of the way, and just sits down quietly observing the view. You don't really get why he did that, but you silently accompany him, even if you don't reach the final destination. No rush, no need to explain everything, but at the same time, the lack of closure has meaning and purpose. One of the things that I don't like about some songwriters is that the songs are open-ended just for the sake of it, and the words don't make sense because they were never meant to in the first place. Isakov's metaphors may fill random sometimes, but they are purposeful. He is a master indeed.

[@ifyougiveagirlahammer3370]

Right?!!! Agreed!

[@GnomeWalls]

I'd just like to say what a wonderful video you’ve made. The editing and all were done so well. Great content.

[@throughline]

thank you for the compliment, means a lot.

[@tyronekooyman6814]

This song is sublime. It's brought me to tears, several times. I'd love it if you could also discuss "That Moon Song". It hits home for me. 💭

[@sirjsph26]

Man!! You should continue making videos!!

[@waavhal]

The video is very helpful, keep creating! Quick tip: Your voice over EQ is pretty harsh, try using a de-esser or a multiband compressor above 8k

[@Loaf_the_III]

you read my mind. i would really want to relive the time i listened to Master and a hound 🥺

[@sciencefictionisreal1608]

[@Ella-zd9ci]

This analysis brought tears to my eyes because it says everything that I feel when I listen to his music that I didn’t know how to express. When I listen to his songs, I feel a sense of stillness. Often I have to stop what I’m doing just to ‘be present’ like you said. I’m glad that this experience is shared with others, and I think this video truly celebrates everything mysteriously beautiful about his songwriting.

[@throughline]

thank you for sharing something so beautiful.

[@hinglemccringleberry7786]

Thank you for helping me understand the reason I liked this song so much but never knew why…

[@throughline]

you are so welcome

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Stunning video!!! The most helpful video on songwriting i've seen.

[@cobwebdragon4611]

what a great analysis. i've loved gregory alan isakov and this sing especially, its great hearing someone talk about it

[@joncandyfliprecords]

Beautiful - just like the songwriter and this song. Shame you're not making more videos man - these are really poetic and lovely. Kudos and love. 🔥

[@throughline]

will get back to them… promise

[@espelazare]

I agree with everything. You have described it wonderfully.

[@kevinward5929]

Thank you for putting words to something I have been feeling ever since I began listening to Gregory! It is difficult to explain, but I always reach for his albums when I need to reconnect with myself and reflect.. something truly special about his writing ability

[@IlManaka]

This song is a true majestic masterpiece indeed...

[@risewithravi4668]

Jonathan, this was beautifully done. Struck all the right head and heart strings. Bless ya!

[@throughline]

thanks buddy. glad you enjoyed it.

[@jennyjenjenjen]

OH HI RAVI

[@TinCupChalice]

GAI’s music got me through some of the toughest times in my life. There was a time when I went through a horrendous situation with an ex and lost my joy. I couldn’t listen to music at all because it all made me cry. There was a period of about a month where Master & A Hound was the only song I could listen to and not cry. It really got me through.

[@TheVampireLily]

Gregory is one of the greatest loves of my many lives~ every song feels as though it's happened to me.

[@johnmcnamara5586]

Wow! What a privilege to come across a video this well structured!

[@paulw.338]

You know, I Listen to Gregory now for 3,5 years. He was with me in my highest Highs, and my lowest Lows. I Never was Alone thankfully through him. Master and the hound specially Came in my sight After i witnessed a big big Breakup. It saved me. 2022 wasnt rly an easy year, Not because i have Financial Problems or i didnt know what i have to do, it was more like a void i was in. I was happy, but terribly unhappy. Long Friends of mine who Moved away, the Death of Old pets, and Bad realisiations and of course my dumped, but loving heart Were constent Battles. But Everytime i put on his Music, and i sing my soul out in my car, i am Alive, i Smile and i am grateful Where i am and what i have. All comes down to october 2022. one of his first German concerts. It was brillant. I Never Were More happy in my Life like in that 100min of a Show. I write Music myself - and i found a lot of Inspiration in his Music. Thank you for reading. I wish you all the best. Paul.

[@butterHibs123]

Always find myself coming back to this wonderful video. One of the best pieces of work on this entire platform, for me. Beautiful.

[@throughline]

wow, thank you Gavin. i really appreciate you sharing.

[@butterHibs123]

@@throughline and thank you for sharing such an interesting interpretation of this excellent song! Looking forward to what you create next.

[@onkellelek29]

I love this artist! He manages to touch my emotions again and again Great video, thank you! Happy to see him getting the well deserved appreciation

[@redchan69yearsago72]

I love that some of the clips are from San Luis 🥰

[@scott4771]

Finally an explanation on why I feel the way I do listening to GAI. Thank you so much for this.

[@DawnMitschele]

Beautifully and thoughtfully analyzed. GAI captures magic from the ether and generously brings it forth for us to revel in. A brilliant mind, heart and soul.

[@nicolel.2398]

You’re so right dude, Gregory is hands down the best lyricist and musician there is. Love him to death as a person and an artist. This video is fantastically put together, I just subscribed right now

[@throughline]

thanks so much Sedona. he's a truly special artist. i've never met him personally, but i imagine him to be just as wonderful a guy.

[@vladtheinhaler8940]

I finally got to see Isakov last year.

[@leoniebelcher1680]

This is far and away my fave song...ever.

[@Loaf_the_III]

Ive listened to Master And The Hound thousand times and i will listen infinite times more.

[@cadenholmes4411]

This is such an incredible explanation for such a beautiful song. Thank you!

[@nathanosikowicz8609]

“Everything about Isakov suggests a personal surrender to the mystery of (the place where our imagination takes us)”. Brilliant description and video. I still can’t shake the goosebumps that I had when first hearing song this live. Thanks for taking me back to that moment.

[@throughline]

thank you for sharing

[@liftsnchills]

MAN YOU SHOULD HAVE TONS OF SUBSCRIBERS, THIS IS QUALITY CONTENT.

[@radicallydifferent628]

Oh he will.

[@vortac4995]

wow this video was one of the most well written and expressed thoughts ive ever seen love the gregory's music so much

[@throughline]

thanks so much

[@zebravizionz8152]

So amazing to hear someone who can break down his genius and just appreciates what Gregory has done. An amazing video about such an unknown talent. Much love

[@abishekthapa8562]

A warm video for my cold heart. Thank you throughline!

[@thislittleamp]

Just seen him perform last night and without any doubt he is the most incredible live artists I’ve ever seen He had the entire theatre speechless

[@mayatantra2640]

this has brought me to tears, what a perfect video. thank you for sharing your heart

[@throughline]

thanks for your feedback. means a lot.

[@caramason56]

Hypnotic is a good description

[@SophMaryum]

this was so beautiful to watch. really loved your narration. thanks for sharing!

[@guyvaknin16]

this video made me feel a strong sensation, I teared up your points were insightful, inspiring and brought with a fine taste of cinematography and storytelling. thank you for making and sharing this

[@bethderrick3975]

Beautifully said.

[@iangall76]

This is really spectacular for two reasons: First - Finding more people that know of Gregory and his gifts is like knowing a special secret that makes your life more enriched and now you share the more with other people. Second - To find someone else who thinks that there's something just magical about how Gregory writes. It's an odd experience when you like a song that you might not really know what it's about but it's about how it makes you feel. Master and the Hound is like that and though it's hard to pick just one more from his amazing catalog, I'll throw out there The Stable Song w/ the Colorado Symphony: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6LccqCjetCJrKs

[@aaliyahmaurice]

Such a beautiful analysis of such a beautiful song ❤

[@coolmatrix15]

Quality content 😭😭 I was just listening to his song If i go, I'm going and then i found this.

[@andricmr]

Great video mate! Gregory is one of my fav singer/songwriters ever. Love how you analysed the song, it gives the impression there is a plan behind the song while there isnt. For me thats the magic of music. Gregory is a big inspiration.

[@MeredithKuntzschArt]

Really enjoyed it! Love Gregory Alan Isakov’s music. Thank you for this video.

[@scottsterling9361]

@throughline thank you for helping me understand why this song is so powerful. It’s a brilliant video. GAI songs are so impactful and I had no idea why. Again, thank you for this.

[@drewbeedoobedo8795]

Great job! praying he comes out with new music soon. Was planning on his concert in AZ this year before COVID :(

[@throughline]

i hope so.. evening machines was so good

[@kenyasentanar9571]

THATS ITTTT, THATS WHY I LOVE GREG SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEOOOO

[@DaphneGampel]

I loved this video! Thank you for sharing and shedding light on Isakov's work

[@manar4120]

Thank you so much for this amazing video, goosebumps the entire time

[@throughline]

thanks so much Manar

[@LaupaireOfficial]

Wow. Incredible ❤️

[@throughline]

thank you!

[@pitbullm6746]

I'm so happy that I saw him live in Zurich. My favourite artist of all time. His music is heaven for me. Thanks for Video

[@CalMedina]

This video is really great! Hope you could do more Gregory songs in the future.

[@parkerjohnson3122]

Absolutely beautiful video. You have a very calming voice that fits very well with his music.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

This was beautiful and I'm glad I stumbled upon it. Such a lovely way of breaking down his process, which is still yet, a bit of a mystery. Gregory is magical.

[@manar4120]

My ALL TIME favourite song!!😩❤️

[@reliablechild]

Very moving video 💯😊