General Music Chat

Or . . .
consider this, written by Sam Keen:

"The old myth perceives reality as constant discord and believes that combat, warfare, and economic competition are inevitable; it hopes for clear-cut victories and progress. The new myth perceives life and reality as a unified network of mutually interdependent entities whose well-being is enhanced by cooperation and compassion; it looks forward to a world order not based on warfare, and an economic system that is ecologically viable."

That's kinda exactly what I mean, without any non-essentials.

I guess what I'm looking for are other musicians who feel compelled to abandon a traditional "living" and survive - maybe even flourish - according their musical abilities. I want to try it, but the risk frightens me. I'd like to hear from people who can identify with that; hopefully, some who have taken the plunge and found it rewarding. I'm not interested in opinions about whether it's a good idea. I want to hear from people who feel as I do, or who have tried it.

I truly wish you the best Sir. Though I do not feel it is in humanity's best interest for anyone to get entirly out of the boat. Not enough of us paddling together now. However if you can help one person other than yourself with your music. A greater service I know not.

I discovered that it's a great way to live if you're willing to lower your standards...your standards of living, that is.

It certainly isn't an easy life, if that's what you're looking for, It has a lot of "moments," though. Those moments aren't enough for most ppl. Esp when you balance it against the hassles of upgrading your equipment, upkeep on it & your vehicle, the fact that you'll live in a tiny apartment or a bus, most likely, & you'll have a schedule that makes it tough to really socialize outside of your chosen career, cuz when you're off, everyone else is working, & when you're working, everyone else is off. You'll definitely have less $ to play with, & you'll hafta keep hopping to get those elusive gigs.

You may get to travel, but you won't have time to go sightseeing, more often than not. I worked with a guy who played Prague, Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid, etc. I asked him how those places were. He didn't know. He was there long enough to set up & play & sleep, then he was off to the next show. Travel time must be considered, too.

Just a few things to ponder, Rick, while you're looking at the romantic side of it all.

I guess I'll wait to jump out of the frying pan until I retire. Unless, of course, fortune renders it moot.

My father was a full time time jazz musician, dedicated, sometimes practised 8 hrs a day then play all night in a club. He was successful in the 50's and part of the 60's. Jazz died as a way to make a living, he didnt adapt. He took his own life in '72.

I feel everything youre saying, you need to do it. BUT be realistic and understand this is 2008, write and play to what the market is. Thats not selling out, thats being smart enough to adapt.

I've cobbled together two nine-song sets. I'd like to keep rehearsing for another couple months, till I can do the material in my sleep. But I'm also eager to try these songs out in front of a crowd so I can see what kinds of things they respond favorably to.

I bought one of those mechanical Wittner metronomes. I've always known I don't have a rock solid sense of timing, but playing with the metronome was a real shock. I speed up and slow down constantly. A lot of the timing fluctuations seem guitar-driven: I slow down a little bit getting the fingering on a chord I'm not accustomed to, or I drag a chord out while reaching for dramatic expression. So I'm going to try to tighten up the timing on the melody - sing the syllables solid on the beat, except for the occasional accent (like on the same word in each repetition of the chorus, for example). I'm hoping that letting the voice drive the beat will tighten up the timing on the guitar. I really don't know what else to try.

r

I'm not picking on your musicianship, just that the mood of the song you have on your profile makes me want to blow my head off. Its depressing. I know a WHOLE lot about depression. I hated metal mostly until I started messing around with it. I'm saying just try doing a 180 on style, find your inner beast...

Wow. Thanks for listening.

r

still, I uploaded another song. Hope you like it.

r

I listened to 'Hello. Jim', I think it has good structure and potential, I suppose there is a market for folk type music but couldnt you try bringing it up to rock? Much bigger market, you are trying to sell yourself right? With some nice drums, bass, electric guitar and bring the tempo up, you might have something. Maybe try jamming with a metal lover, give you an idea of where that song could go. Often a good song will hold up played in different styles.

still, thanks for taking the time to listen, and thanks for your comments. I will try to stretch a little. I'm not interested in trying to put a band together, but I'd like to do a duet. Like you say, if a band wanted to do a song of mine they'd do it in their own style anyway. It's kind of hard for one guy to do metal.

r

still, I've been thinking about it and I'm starting to see what you mean about being more up-tempo having more appeal. I think that's a really good idea. And people would be less inclined to want to blow their heads off. It might be hard to do "Hello, Jim" rock - because it's 3/4 time. But "Each Other" could make the transition very easily, I think.

r

I've messed around considerably with writing 3/4 classical stuff, and then metalizing it. Metal to me is just a broad term to bringing on the thunder, wicked rythyms and maxed out riffs, there are many genres. I went to an ozz-fest with my son, gave me some appreciation for what it is and who listens to it. 10-80 year olds, thats who. More devotion and better behavior than the country music crowd. I still dont like most metal but some I truely love. Think of it as modern jazz on steroids. It has a lot of life left in it. It touches the soul profoundly. That is what good music does right?

I see musicians lost in a world of self indulgence, oblivious to whether anybody else likes what they are doing. You cant get away with that in a real job and expect to make a living.

Thats my two cents worth, I am no gifted musician, 19 years of my life I avoided music like VD because I didnt want to wind up like my father. I guess that makes me a coward. But I do have a decent set of ears and appreciation for good music.