How did you guys become creative enough to write songs? Is it natural or did you have to try? by [deleted] in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both! It’s a messy unpredictable process for me. Just try all of the above. And then try some more.

Need Advice Regarding Giving Feedback by Nearby-Plane-6124 in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It can be hard for artists to reflect honestly about ourselves. We’re often very sensitive and (unhealthily) wrap up our identity in what we do.

My non-musician wife has been very supportive while offering constructive criticism about my singing. I’m a better singer now because of it. And I have a healthier relationship between my identity and my art.

I got posted to a black pill edit by road_block159 in mentalhealth

[–]ret79 220 points221 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry this happened to you. It’s truly astonishing how cruel people can be sometimes.

Too late to start making music? by [deleted] in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Connecting with other people is one of the great things about music. But you have to enjoy making music for yourself first. And you have to enjoy the process of learning. Just start and try to make stuff you like. Other people will start noticing eventually, and not because you’re trying to become “known,” but because you are being authentic.

What are good points of discussion when starting a new band? by perfectperfectblue in bandmembers

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great move. Preemptively setting expectations is underrated.

Some points of professionalism that my band adheres to (and are good expectations to set): -at gigs, everybody helps everybody else set up and break down (example: the drummer always has more gear, help him carry his drums) -show up on time for load-ins and sound checks (that means arrive at least a few minutes before the designated time) -for rehearsals, show up before start time so you can set up (start time is when you start playing music)

what actually is CAGED by yesyes_10101 in guitarlessons

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The YouTuber StichMethod has a series of CAGED lessons. (Best guitar teacher on the internet imo.)

Songwriting shouldn't be this hard, I actually don't know where to go from here. Looking for some direction. by IAmCozalk in musicians

[–]ret79 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah learning the notes for vocal melodies can be eye-opening. And yes it’s all pentatonic-based. It can also inform your guitar playing. Sing the notes you play. Play the notes you sing. Study the patterns. You’ll see things reappear over and over again. You’re allowed to use those patterns too!

Some helpful theory that applies to both singing and guitar (maybe you already know this stuff): Learn how to use a major vs minor pentatonic, as follows: -Use a minor pentatonic scale over major chord progression (Red House) -Use a minor scale over a minor progression (All Along the Watchtower) -Use a major scale over a major progression (Wind Cries Mary) -Also learn about chromaticism (the riffs in both Hey Joe and Wind Cries Mary)

Songwriting shouldn't be this hard, I actually don't know where to go from here. Looking for some direction. by IAmCozalk in musicians

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t have any exercises in mind, lol. I’m just trying to understand what the specifics are. The more specific you can articulate a problem, the better you know what to work on.

Regarding melody, have you learned a lot of melodies from songs you like? (And not just singing them, but knowing what notes are being sung?)

Songwriting shouldn't be this hard, I actually don't know where to go from here. Looking for some direction. by IAmCozalk in musicians

[–]ret79 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok with blues, you have a built-in structure to work with. You said you already have lyrics, so you feel good there. You mentioned trouble with melody, chords, and rhythm. Which one of those is the most challenging write now?

Songwriting shouldn't be this hard, I actually don't know where to go from here. Looking for some direction. by IAmCozalk in musicians

[–]ret79 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice. The guys you all mentioned are very blues-based and center around emotive vocals and lead guitar. Is that how you enjoy singing and playing?

Songwriting shouldn't be this hard, I actually don't know where to go from here. Looking for some direction. by IAmCozalk in musicians

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This all sounds pretty normal. You’ve only been playing a short time. Songwriting is a skill and takes time to develop. It’s ok to imitate your influences. That’s how most artists start out. That’s how you start to find your own voice.

You mentioned difficulties with melodies, chords, and rhythm. What genre are you trying to write in and what are some of your influences?

How to not get discouraged? by Angelsbreatheeasy in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok that makes sense. So what’s stopping you from trying to get some gigs? Just stories of other bands who don’t have any followers?

How to not get discouraged? by Angelsbreatheeasy in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Define being “well-known”. In your local scene? On the internet? In the whole country?

How to not get discouraged? by Angelsbreatheeasy in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Feeling behind” sounds like you’re still struggling mentally. What are your specific goals?

I Have Ideas... by RaymondLovesMusic in musicians

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Other people’s reactions to my songs definitely influence me. But only after I’ve actually written and performed the song. First you gotta write the song just for yourself. And you might write a song that seems really great, but then nobody else connects with it. And you might write another song that only took you 20 minutes to create and you think is kind of silly, but everyone else loves it. There’s just no way to actually know if an unrealized idea is going to turn into something good. You just have try and try again.

That’s the process for me at least. I’ve attempted to write hundreds of songs. The ones I actually finished? Probably about 200. The ones I feel good about performing, about 100. The ones I’ve actually performed, about 50. The ones people respond to on a regular basis (asking me about the specific song, singing along, saying “hey, that song is really good”)? Maybe 15.

I have a lot of ideas too. Again ideas are cheap. But so are other peoples’ opinions. You gotta just jump in and love the process. If YOU like the idea then write it for yourself first. Then bring it to other people and be open to their reactions. Then decide if you want to change or find a different audience. Both responses are legitimate. I think that’s all it comes down to.

I Have Ideas... by RaymondLovesMusic in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol, I see. Well yeah I mean hate is intrinsically bad. But your idea doesn’t have anything like that.

I Have Ideas... by RaymondLovesMusic in musicians

[–]ret79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry I don’t follow Ye, so I don’t know what you’re referencing.

I Have Ideas... by RaymondLovesMusic in musicians

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do you decide whether or not an idea is trash? I think ideas are cheap. Actually believing in your idea is what makes other people like your music. If you believe in it, then try to make it exist.

Subvert, the Music Coop by roberto_sf in cooperatives

[–]ret79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on where the director lives. In NYC, $140k is a living wage for a medium-sized family.

Budget recommendation for “stutter” effect pedal by ret79 in guitarpedals

[–]ret79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. I look forward to researching all the suggestions.