General - Music Production

[daffsongwriter]

I have been writing songs for ages now, only a few have I developed a tune for with my guitar - I have since gotten back into full swing with the keyboard also (had trailed off for some years and became a tad rusty), so am starting to try and include that. I wrote a really silly song about the election just to use as a dummy with the keyboard and I actually wrote a sweet little tune for it.I play some peices on the keyboard, and guitar that I have been recording onto my Boss BR 900 multitracker (8 track), while I have mastered recording onto it a treat now, I just find as soon as I record myself, keyboard or guitar I mess up somewhere along the line. Yet, take the earphones off me and unplug the Boss, I play without a hitch, its annoying. I really do try to relax and not think about the recording and there isnt any distractions in the room other than myself (yeah ok thats a bad enough distraction in itself lol).I cannot help thinking though a lot of this lack of self confidence with this area stems from my childhood. You see I was brought up by my grandparents as equally as my mum and dad, it was a strict upbringing where kids were to be seen and not heard, so when ever I sang, I was told to be quiet. When I went to school I did music but the practical music classes stopped cause I was the only one interested and the school didnt push drama. So my mum got me into private piano lessons which was great, then later I played trumped in the salvation army band for 3 years. Throughout my years though, my mum, Nana have always said "oh no your not singing again are you", or "ohhhh its awful" kind of a joke way. I spoke to my mum about this as I think it has a lot to blame in the way of me not projecting my vocals, my keyboard tutuor now (I have had a few refreshers) thinks my voice is improving, he is the only one who has given me that inspiration.Do you people out there think that maybe this could have a lot to do with me being a bit shy with my voice, i.e. assuming that people will think its awful so I dare not sing outwardly properly. I sing along to my own playing and play and sing November Rain really well and thats a difficult peice. My mum did say to me that her mum and dad (my nana and late grandad) used to be like that with her, used to stop her doing anything good as they assumed she wouldnt be good enough.I do also know that I have to believe in myself but when things like recording doesnt go as perfectly as I would like something inside me says maybe you just cannot do it. I wont give up mind.Also when it comes to producing your music, to produce an album on cd what are the steps you have to take? Do you have to register somewhere or get a company to do it, or can you literally make your own albums and sell them in a local music shop or take them somewhere. I am thinking maybe the local radio station for a start but I am a bit green in the actual production side of it, playing ok but the next step, I just want to make sure I get it right when the time comes. Also I would like to upload some of my stuff onto myspace and possibly here on Taxi.Sorry this is long and I know its a sad story, I havent spilled this till now but I have had such nice and helpful responses to other posts I thought I would just let it all out.Thanks everyone and I hope your all well.Lv Daff xx

[jeffe]

I was married to a person that had an awesome voice and a bad childhood. They were quite reluctant to try and make money out of their talent.I think you should get a couple of bits up onto myspace and then try them out on the members here.You are likely to receive positive and negative comments. I'm guessing that the constructive comments are the ones you are probably looking for.To be as reluctant as you are, means you probably feel that your stuff is not really up to scratch. Well, there's only one way to find out where you are at the moment.You can either do that at some point in the future. Or now.I'd recommend now

[sgs4u]

Quote:I play some pieces on the keyboard, and guitar that I have been recording onto my Boss BR 900 multitracker (8 track), while I have mastered recording onto it a treat now, I just find as soon as I record myself, keyboard or guitar I mess up somewhere along the line. (yeah ok thats a bad enough distraction in itself lol)This is the same distraction we all face. Everything that says you're not good enough, or distracted, is detrimental to your growth and progress. You just have to learn not to play old movies from your life in your head. That can take a lot of practice. Some people find it easy to notice when they are shooting themselves in the foot. Quote:I cannot help thinking though a lot of this lack of self confidence with this area stems from my childhood. Ok if you're past 20 years old, I have no sympathy. If you're still a kid, then I have a little more empathy. You are, however, old enough to post here. Everyone has a story, it's part of the human experience. We all persevere against whatever odds or cards that life deals us. You can handle the adversity, but not if you constantly relive the feelings of inadequacy you've experienced. Do only what makes you happy, avoid what doesn't. Quote:You see I was brought up by my grandparents as equally as my mum and dad, it was a strict upbringing where kids were to be seen and not heard, so when ever I sang, I was told to be quiet. When I went to school I did music but the practical music classes stopped cause I was the only one interested and the school didn't push drama. So my mum got me into private piano lessons which was great, then later I played trumped in the salvation army band for 3 years. Throughout my years though, my mum, Nana have always said "oh no your not singing again are you", or "ohhhh its awful" kind of a joke way. I spoke to my mum about this as I think it has a lot to blame in the way of me not projecting my vocals, my keyboard tutor now (I have had a few refreshers) thinks my voice is improving, he is the only one who has given me that inspiration.Blah blah blah, your grandparents probably had very controlling parents themselves. Sounds like your mother was a giant leap forward. You can be that for, either your kids, or the people staring out in music that you meet. Or best yet - learn from and do what your mother did, for YOURSELF. Quote:Do you people out there think that maybe this could have a lot to do with me being a bit shy with my voice, i.e. assuming that people will think its awful so I dare not sing outwardly properly. You have your own special path to follow. It has already begun. If your goal is to be able to not feel shy, force yourself to become accustomed to the challenge of breaking through feeling shy.Check out any one of Hummingbird's posts, sites, and especially her progression, as an artist. She has shared a lot of information about being shy. Quote:I do also know that I have to believe in myself but when things like recording doesn't go as perfectly as I would like something inside me says maybe you just cannot do it. We all face the same thing, some quit. What will you choose?Quote:Also when it comes to producing your music, to produce an album on cd what are the steps you have to take? Snatch the pebble from my hand, grasshopper. What you are asking, can be as complex as building a bridge to France. Listen to music often, define what you like, make friends and ask questions. You will enjoy your journey.Quote:Do you have to register somewhere or get a company to do it, or can you literally make your own albums and sell them in a local music shop or take them somewhere. I can produce your record for mere peanuts, only $1,000,000. I hope that made you laugh. There are as many stories of how success is achieved or measured, as there are artists in the world. You still have to define your personal, musical and business goals. No one can do that for you. Quote:I am thinking maybe the local radio station for a start but I am a bit green in the actual production side of it, playing ok but the next step, I just want to make sure I get it right when the time comes. Also I would like to upload some of my stuff onto myspace and possibly here on Taxi.There are many books you can learn from, many of them Taxi is happy to inform you of. By asking one question at a time on this forum, you will learn a wealth of collected knowledge. Start by reading every thread here you can, that has anything to do with making and selling recordings. It's all up to you. Quote:Sorry this is long and I know its a sad story, I haven't spilled this till now but I have had such nice and helpful responses to other posts I thought I would just let it all out.There are much sadder things on this earth than your story. Be alive, and do what brings you joy. Don't be surprised if one of the things you have to learn first is not using your computer to vent. We've all done it. steveI live on a very slippery soapbox

[mikehelms]

You see... These are Beautiful People.... Trying to help you express your own beauty... That which resides in all... Here it's expressed through Word and Song and Verse... The trick to it...I think... At Whatever Level... Is to remember that were all just.. Trying.... Laters, Peace Michael

[daffsongwriter]

Hi there, thank you all - like I said in the post I always seem to get good feedback here.Can I just say though, I wasnt asking for anyone to do my work for me or a prescription for a miracle, and I do realise we are all in the same boat. I dont presume I am alone.This thread was to share my thoughts and get feedback which I have, your all great. I apologise to Steve for this thread if it sounded to him like I was looking for sympathy votes, Im not (the blar blar blar) gave it away ha ha, I get the message, Ill shut up in future , I should be used to that it was drummed into me as a kid lol. Seriously though, it was quite a big thing for me to actually put all that and especially mentioning the family in it and I know I should forget the past but you dont, it does come back, I find if I think I sound flat in my voice, I picture my Nana saying "ahhh you cant sing". Then I think maybe their right, but at the same time I am very competitive and want to bite back big time so this is why I wont give in.I am over 20 so Steve you will have no sympthy for me , I wasnt looking for sympathy just trying to explain so you all get an idea about me. I am married to someone who has no interest in practical music but is happy for me to do what I am doing but doesnt always understand that as I work full time I need the weekends to spend a lot of quality time with my music to feel I have made headway.Thanks again all of you for all your feedback its great and again, sorry if it was long and drawn out. I thought I was brave though as I dont know any of you.Hugs xx

[Casey H]

Quote:I was married to a person that had an awesome voice and a bad childhood. Hmmmm..... I am married to a person who had an awesome childhood and has a bad voice...

[daffsongwriter]

Quote:Quote:I was married to a person that had an awesome voice and a bad childhood. Hmmmm..... I am married to a person who had an awesome childhood and has a bad voice... Ha ha I like that hurowitz . I didnt have a bad childhood as such, I was told to be quiet all the time when talking about music, or singing, "seen and not heard" situation. I dont have kids so wont be passing on any musical influence, only to myself and other muso's.I guess it wouldnt be good for us all to be the same eh, however old we are, I always think age should not be an issue which was why I didnt quote my age in my first post. We're all different (thank god).Hey thanks again for all your feedback - I meant to say in my 1st post, that I do and have in the past taken negative feedback as professionally as positive as I strongly believe one can learn from that and I do know that in music there are bad and good, you have to take it - didnt want you all assuming I am weak in that sense Have a great weekend and take care.xx

[johnnydean1]

Quote:I really don't think that issues with believing in one's capacity to rise above past programming and find the strength and determination to pursue a dream is particularly funny. It's easy to say we should overcome the past and get on with it. It's easy to say that we should have the confidence to ignore the North American work ethic & social mores that say we are born & educated to be productive workers & good consumers, and so work & buy until you drop. After many years of buying into the myth that you have to give up your dreams to make a living, I awoke the possibility that the things keeping me back were deep inside of me. Yes, integrated when I was young, programmed into me by family, school, church, and the need to be 'good'. My shyness was, in a sense, beaten into me. It was implied I was pretty useless and even when I was useful, it was less than adequate. I grew up thinking everyone else knew how things worked, and I didn't. I felt like everyone else had the manual. But I didn't. And even if I did, I still wouldn't be more than adequate at anything. Extra-sensitive, I cringed at loud noises. Extra-sensitive, I sensed the malovent energy coming from school classmates... and (as a skinny silver haired pre-teen) from some men. Painfully shy, I went beet-red and stammered in social situations. My mind would just go blank, and I couldn't think of anything to say... and if I had any thoughts at all, it was "they think you're boring / stupid". I punctuated my sentences with nervous giggles and talked so softly & high pitched that even in my 20s when I answered the phone people would say, 'is your mommy home'?So what is my point? Well, first of all, if I could overcome all that, so can you, daffsongwriter. I think you are tremendously hard on yourself. I'm the same when I'm recording - trying to relax & be normal but feeling pressured to ''do it right''. You've got a recording system that requires you to play through a song relatively perfectly - a one-taker. How about downloading some free 16-track software and recording into the computer. That way you can do several takes & mix & match.The difficulty with the past comments about your voice is that they resonate in your mind when you go to sing, whether you are aware of them or not. So, like when you are playing with the Boss BR on, you are super sensitive & trying too hard when you sing, and you are not satisfied with the results. There is a simple solution to becoming more confident with your voice... and that's finding the time & money to take some voice lessons from the right teacher. A teacher who is going to support you in the journey of exploring & releasing your natural voice & give you some tools to understand how this very special instrument works. A teacher who specializes in working with terrified singers would be the best bet. Most people can be helped to sing more effectively.The voice(s) in your head (internal editor, internal critic, dragon) is there for a reason -- it's there for you to struggle against. If you see that voice & what it says as a stop sign, you will wake up one day and be 10 or 20 years older, regretting that you gave up on something that means so much to you. It doesn't matter what you do or how well you do it, that tape will loop itself over and over again. Talk back to it. Struggle against it. Fight it. Everytime you get knocked down, take a moment to feel what you feel... and then get back up and keep going. Because you love music, and you love being in it and of it... and it makes you feel alive... and nothing and noone can take that from you but you. Feel the fear.... and do it anyway.Hummin'birdMiss Bird you are just so cool. Infinate Karma to you.

[davewalton]

I haven't commented so far but I thought I would because I'm involved with something that deals with this exact same thing.I'm doing the music for an animation short called "Against The Odds". The overall theme is that we shouldn't be ashamed of or hide our talents. Here's the "storyboard" synopsis made from film stills:A boy can make magical, colorful shapes in the airHis friends try and fail and so they make fun of him and he stops making shapes and hides his talentAs an adult, he feels uninspired and inadequateAccidentally, he meets another person who has been hiding their talents too, only this person creates colorful musical shapesTogether, they meet others like themselves, one creates colorful letters and words, another creates colorful numbers and equations, another creates colorful food shapesThey slowly begin to display their talents by transforming small parts of the flat, grey, city into something more colorfulThis has an unexpected effect on the flat, grey people living in that townSomehow, they become more colorful and individual themselvesThe talented friends overcome their negative past and they transform the cold, grey cityInto something colorful and magicalI'm not sure Daff... but I think there's a lesson for ALL of us in there somewhere. Dave

[davewalton]

Quote:That story and the illustrations were cool....ArkJackIt's pretty amazing really. The guy did everything by hand, fifteen illustrations for each second of film... thousands of illustrations that eventually were imported into Photoshop one-by-one for coloring and polish, then strung together into an eight minute animation. That's way more detail than I could handle. I posted it because it seemed to be so appropriate to the thread and was a visual version of what Vikki was saying.