General Music Chat

Is there anyone out there that wants to just play music and nohing else? I don't know why half of the people pretend to be either better or more dedicated than they really are. I just want some help with my songs. Frustration is building...

Everybody thinks they are 'the #1 artist.' Isn't it strange that just about everyone thinks that they are some kind of musical/lyrical/visionary genius? I think mtv and record companies pushing dumbed-down crap have convinced the whole of society that we all have something unique and worthwhile to portray through music. And the moronic want of fame -- I would be happy making next to nothing if I could survive making art. It's pretty much impossible... I only ever meet half-assed musicians/psuedo-artists under the guise of being musicians and, unfortunately, there are so many (like 100X more than talented musicians) that they are the ones getting exposure and record deals. But record companies don't care about good music, they'll push whatever garbage to make money... But, that doesn't help you with your songs or anything so never mind!

There are plenty of us out there dude.Ive been playing music for 20+ years,never for the money but for the"high" I get from it . so if I can help you on here send me an email.

davis -finally, I'm not the only one who feels like this.
they take a mediocre player, pitch correct the hell out of em, pump millions into their "image", place them in front of the "real" musicians producing the talent in the background and background vocals that would make tom waitts sound good(sorry tom)... and there you have it.
These days there are so few good bar bands because you can't make a living trying to compete with the "super stars" of today. Don't get me wrong some make a living, but in the early 80s you could make a grand a week playing cover tunes in a wedding band... now... you'd be lucky to get by. I wan't to burn the whole thing down. Then there are guy like john hiatt that no one has ever heard of despite the fact that he has written a hundred or more top 10 hits over the years (all performed by someone else).
sorry to hijack yer thread... but it gets me so upset.

i just want to be a part of something that i love. music isnt created to provide some vision into someones genius or supposed heart-felt dedication to the liveliness of sound...music is love, and while the naivete of that statement may put a spotlight on my inexpierience, i truely mean it. lifes shuddering insecurities, or having people depend on you for something better than the status-quo seems almost insequential to the elation you get from building a riot or singing lyrics to that song you wrote the first time you even recognized a world outside your own. i wish there were more people to see that artistry, but the skeptic in me has yet to recognize someone who actually gets it. heres to livinglove,
gypsi jane.

Thats a very good view Jane, Alot of musicians do feel that way. If you you are true to yourself, as you are. You have to tap into emotion, Love, sorrow, defeat, etc. To be honest with your music. Good song writers arent afraid to tell on them selves to the world. Its hard for some people to show their emotions to others. Not me, I love you all, With all my heart. Well....Most of you. {Just Kidding}

I'm also w/ Gypsy Jane.
Music is emotion, crystalized emotion . . . some people are more into the art of music than others.
And - that's good.

You got it right MrMikeV, about not being able to make any money playing the local clubs etc. Even the private clubs in my area like AM Vets, American Legion, Moose, etc. Dont pay any money. If you get $500 a night your doing good. And the "Hole in the wall" Bars pay even less. Only time I can make any money is around Xmas & New Years. Once in awhile I can get work in a studio for advertisment recordings. Even then, They want to pay the same rate they did 20yrs. ago. $50.00 an hr.That is no money for studio work. But it is better than the Bar scene for sure. And its so hard to keep a good band going long enough to get a good following to ask for more $. I know of private clubs , If you ask for a $50 raise. They simply will not call you for a booking anymore. You not only have to be good to have a 3-piece band, Its the only way to make a little bit of money for your efforts. Well, I could rant , rave, & bitch about this alnight. The bottom line is, I mainly do it for the fun. But makeing enough money just to break even only, Would be nice. Keep up the good posts Brother.......Peace.

davis -finally, I'm not the only one who feels like this.
they take a mediocre player, pitch correct the hell out of em, pump millions into their "image", place them in front of the "real" musicians producing the talent in the background and background vocals that would make tom waitts sound good(sorry tom)... and there you have it.
These days there are so few good bar bands because you can't make a living trying to compete with the "super stars" of today. Don't get me wrong some make a living, but in the early 80s you could make a grand a week playing cover tunes in a wedding band... now... you'd be lucky to get by. I wan't to burn the whole thing down. Then there are guy like john hiatt that no one has ever heard of despite the fact that he has written a hundred or more top 10 hits over the years (all performed by someone else).
sorry to hijack yer thread... but it gets me so upset.

ME!!!! I want to do music and nothing else!! But, sometimes that's hard to come by!! Most ppl I know around here, and that I've actively played with just do it for fun....hobby....

That's been part of my problem keeping ppl together.... Have had BIG opportunities....now gone and lost ! But, I still haven't given up, and even though I feel I'm getting too old to bust the scene..... I don't think I will give up, unless I lose my voice, use of my body, or die!!

[quote="Lady Rocker"]ME!!!! I want to do music and nothing else!! But, sometimes that's hard to come by!! Most ppl I know around here, and that I've actively played with just do it for fun....hobby....

this illustrates my point precisely. there would be a whole 'nother world of great local musicians working at music 24/7 if it was economically realistic. heck, out in la they want you to pay them 3-5 hundred dollars to play at those hole in the wall clubs -bcuz of all the "exposure" you'll get... look into the coconut room and you'll see what i mean.
believe me i love music... would love to do it as a career but the only way to make any 'real' money is teaching gtr lessons - how creative is that.
On one level - I'm glad it's a hobby as it is much more difficult to be true to yourself as a professional... but on the other hand... it is a shame that people like britanny spears are considered musicians - and platinum ones at that, while other truly gifted individuals struggle to pay the rent.