Co-writing by internet or phone

[lieflin77]

Does anyone do this regularly and have advice on this topic? I'd like to co-write more and am wondering what others have found to be the advantages and disadvantages of co-writing without being together in person.Thanks!Marissa

[timbehrens]

Hi Marissa,I'll be curious to see what others have to say as well. I know that technology has made it easier for folks to collaborate online. I just recently came across Kompoz.com and took part in a few collaborations there. I'm betting there will be more and more sites like that in the future. Are you an instrumentalist, singer, writer? What kinds of things would you hope to find in a collaboration?

[lieflin77]

Hi Tim, I'm going to look into Kompoz.com. For most of us, days can be long and time to invest in music can be short, so I'm trying to think of alternatives to meet more co-writers. Personally I want to co-write more to hone my craft and challenge myself to work with the ideas others have as well as my own. I am mainly a writer but can sing as well. Several genres...americana/folk, pop and country crossover. BTW I like your website and the mood of your music. I tried to add my "myspace" page to my profile but I can't access it...I finally got it up though, on more step in the long journey..

[timbehrens]

Hi Marissa, thanks for checking out my website. I really need to work on it, as most of the recordings are fairly old. Americana/folk, pop, and country crossover.... sounds like a good mix. I think I'm looking for similar opportunities as well... am making it an intention to be more active on the boards here because I know there are great folks here and there is such a wealth of information. Like you say, time is limited, and I think I've been trying to do everything on my own for so long that I've forgotten there are other people out there walking similar paths and that music is, in a big way, can be a collaborative effort.I don't see your myspace in your profile yet, but would love to check it out when it's up and would love to see some of what you've written. I'll keep an eye out for it. Also, keep me in mind if you have any ideas for collaborations. I think it could be a real learning experience. Hope to be talking to you again.--Tim

[hummingbird]

I've been collaborating on the internet for about 4 years. We sometimes will also hook up on Skype just to talk about our ideas & the way we plan to work. I don't do it anymore as I'm focussing on building my cataloque, but it has been fun. I always looked for someone who has strengths that complimented my weaknesses, someone easy to get along with, someone who is open to the collaborative process, and someone willing to sign a co-writing agreement. H'Bird

[timbehrens]

Hi Hummingbird,I had been wondering about that.. if folks here chatted and shared ideas outside of the board. Does anyone here ever organize chats or anything?Do you know... are there examples of co-writing agreements anywhere for someone who has never been through that process before?Also, just wanted to say as a quick aside, I'm reading the heck out of these forums right now and really appreciate your generosity in all your posts. You seem like a very helpful, kind, down-to-earth person.--Tim

[lieflin77]

Vikki, I too have read several of your posts and am starting to think of you as a "big sister" around here (in the song writing sense, not the age sense When you co-wrote via internet, are you pretty much sending mp3s back and forth, starting with lyrics, what other advice do you have? Tim, let' see if I attach the myspace page here:myspace.com/marissadiblasiosongs I just went to the Pat PAttison/Steve Seskin workshop last weekend and I want to keep the momentum going! I'll be a member for a year this coming June. Both the songs on my myspace page have been forwarded at Taxi, so it's a fair representation of what I do.Thanks again,Marissa

[zircon]

I collaborate with people online all the time. It's really easy as long as the parties involved have decent connections (DSL or better.) You can bounce MP3s back and forth or if you use the same software, project files. There's no right or wrong way to do it - you can write the song part by part, sending chunks of it at a time, or one person can write a whole instrumental and the other person writes the lyrics, etc.

[gitarrero]

hi marissa,technically it's not a problem, provided both writers have a fast connection (dsl...).what's more important, in my experience, is: are both writers...* really commited to the same goals?* do both have the same work ethics, efficiency, are both reliable?...questions like that. in my experience it's the most important part to find the right partner than - otherwise it won't make that much sense in the long run.so: think about what you want, what you can offer, etc. then go and find the right partner.best of luck,martin

[ciskokidd]

Hi Marissa,I'm just getting started with doing some long distance collaborations via the internet. I think as Martin pointed out, if you can find collaborators who are equally committed as you to get the work done, then you can probably overcome most of the long distance issues.My biggest challenge is going to be technical. I have to work with collaborators that use a similar production setup so that we can trade working files easily. Of course it's not as big a challenge if you are working in a format where one person is the instrumentalist and the other is the lyricist. In this case you can just send each other mp3 files and lyric docs back and forth until you are ready to fully produce the songs.It will be interesting as I really love being in the room when I collaborate. The instant back and forth is the best in my opinion, but I have come to realize that there are extremely talented people that for various reasons cannot be with me in person, and I cannot let that deter me from reaching out and making great music with them.Best of luck,Cisco