Drew Gasparini, a composer/lyricist/all-around awesome guy, joined Brian in New York City this past weekend to talk about song writing, musical theater and the creative process.

Drew discusses the recent re-release party for his 2009 album, “I Could Use a Drink,” and what it was like to revisit songs he had written 10–15 years ago. How, exactly, did Simon’s mom take that message in “I’m A Little Bit”?

This leads to a greater discussion about the role of the writer in making their characters understandable, which dovetails into a long discussion about the musical adaptation of “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” that Drew is writing with his collaborator and best friend, Alex Brightman. Drew discusses how he and Alex came to the project, what their writing process is like, and how you take a powerful novel like Ned Vizzini’s and adapt it to the stage.

Drew talks at length about his collaboration process, why he’s so addicted to the creative lifestyle, and how he structures his work schedule to make sure his momentum is rarely broken.

Drew Gasparini

Drew on Twitter

Drew on Instagram

I Could Use a Drink

It’s Kind of a Funny Story

The World Doesn’t Require You by Rion Amilcar Scott

A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons by Ben Folds

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

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