Dear KPS,
How do I love thee? Let me count thy ways....
I am someone who can actually say the KPS changed my life for the better. Had it not been for Mitch Friedman's mention of the Ray Davies songwriting course on the KPS, I don't think I'd be the musician and songwriter that I am today. Being around 14 other novice songwriters under Ray's tutelage for a week was a transforming experience. Laughter, tears, thrills, nervousness, jitters, hangovers, but we made it through. When I got home, I wrote at a furious pace; enough materials for a couple of albums. I also maintain friendships with several of the students (or intrepid souls, as Jim Smart calls us) to this day.
I've also learned so much from the knowledge of fellow KPSers. Being a bit younger, I only discovered the Kinks through the Pretenders. To actually hear from original Kinks fans who saw them perform in their early years is quite a thrill. I am jealous as hell, of course. If only I could have been a teenager in London in the 60's....
I am so glad Ray survived the shooting in New Orleans and is writing and performing better than ever. What a great songwriter and band. Hard worker, too, I might add. Always observing life's subtleties.
Neil, I can't think you enough for toil and trouble with the KPS. I really appreciate all you've done and I know everyone else does, too. Long live Neil, the KPS and the Kinks!!!
Love,
Gini Dodds
St. Paul, MN
How do I love thee? Let me count thy ways....
I am someone who can actually say the KPS changed my life for the better. Had it not been for Mitch Friedman's mention of the Ray Davies songwriting course on the KPS, I don't think I'd be the musician and songwriter that I am today. Being around 14 other novice songwriters under Ray's tutelage for a week was a transforming experience. Laughter, tears, thrills, nervousness, jitters, hangovers, but we made it through. When I got home, I wrote at a furious pace; enough materials for a couple of albums. I also maintain friendships with several of the students (or intrepid souls, as Jim Smart calls us) to this day.
I've also learned so much from the knowledge of fellow KPSers. Being a bit younger, I only discovered the Kinks through the Pretenders. To actually hear from original Kinks fans who saw them perform in their early years is quite a thrill. I am jealous as hell, of course. If only I could have been a teenager in London in the 60's....
I am so glad Ray survived the shooting in New Orleans and is writing and performing better than ever. What a great songwriter and band. Hard worker, too, I might add. Always observing life's subtleties.
Neil, I can't think you enough for toil and trouble with the KPS. I really appreciate all you've done and I know everyone else does, too. Long live Neil, the KPS and the Kinks!!!
Love,
Gini Dodds
St. Paul, MN
