Say Hi

Say hello to Say Hi, aka Eric Elbogen, the man behind the brilliantly hooky new album Um, Uh Oh. We quizzed the Barsuk Records recording artist on his songwriting process; he kept his answers short and sweet, like a perfect pop ditty, or an eloquent tweet. “Conjuring is the easy part,” he says. “It’s the editing that’s the challenge.”

How does the songwriting work in the band?

It’s a bunch of trial and error. Mostly just a lot of pacing around the house with an acoustic guitar strapped on, singing gibberish until something sticks.

What’s the last song you wrote? Tell us about it.

I haven’t written any songs since the last record (Um, Uh Oh). Most of those songs are about heartbreak. Actually, all of my songs are about heartbreak.

What moves you to write a song?

An innate compulsion for immortality.

What’s a song on your new album you really want people to hear, and why?

“Devils.” I like the arrangement.

What’s a lyric you’re particularly proud of on the album?

My tendency for self-loathing prevents me from answering this question honestly.

Do you do any other kinds of writing?

In the past, yes. But not so much any more. At least not anything longer than 140 characters.

Are there any words you love, or hate?

I love the words “gibberish, qualms, zip, bust, juggernaut and heh.” I hate the word “inspiration.”

How do you typically write songs? Words first, or melody?

Melody first, always. It ends up sounding contrived if you do the other.

Do you find yourself revising a lot, or do you like to write automatically?

Yes, 90% of my time is spending revising. Conjuring is the easy part, it’s the editing that’s the challenge.

Has your songwriting process evolved over the years?

I’m not sure I would use the word “evolved.”

If you had to pick one song of yours to be remembered by after you were gone, what would it be, and why?

My tendency for self-loathing prevents me from answering this question honestly.

Who’s an underrated songwriter, in our opinion?

Whoever writes the songs in Kings Of Leon.

What’s a song you wish you’d written?

The Beatles’ “Come Together.”