Best of the best Quote by Michael Patrick Walker
“When you write a show, you just never know if it will have a future or if the show will end up ever having a production, but, that doesn't mean that the songs - the best of the best songs - can't be pulled out and put on a CD. And, if the shows that they come from end up happening, then people will regard this as like a quirky little concept recording. And, if the shows don't end up happening, at least the songs will live on in some capacity.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Television writing process, 2020s
Even if a show never materializes, its best songs can be recorded and preserved, allowing the work to survive independently of the production.
In simple terms: Songs can outlive the shows they belong to.
Key Takeaway
Record and release strong material regardless of production outcome.
Themes
creativity
resilience
legacy
music
production uncertainty
Mood
hopeful
pragmatic
Type
industry
inspirational
When to use this quote
- producing pilot episodes
- releasing soundtrack albums
- archiving unused material
- marketing songs independently
Key Concepts
songwriting
media economics
artistic preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies help songs find audiences without a show?
- How does preserving music affect a writer’s career?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on audience reception, not just artistic quality.
