Introduction ~ SirJamsalot

[SirJamsalot]

Hi folks,
I'm a new forum member hailing from the East Bay/California. I play guitar and frequent open-mics, play(ed) in cover bands, and have recently begun pursuing my own original music project - primarily indie, rock & metal (strange mix huh?).

I'm somewhat new to song-writing - I've written portions of songs, but entire songs is a bit time-consuming because I'm often too much of a perfectionist, and by the time I get something to where I think it's decent, I get burned out and move on Guess I have to perfect quicker, or be less picky. Dunno.

Anyways, I've been researching song-writing and what is out there to be had from the perspective of a song-writer - which is a bit more comprehensive than just playing my guitar/bass.

So, I built a small recording studio, a haven away from home, where I can play and learn recording/mixing techniques, and work on song compositions. I'm hoping that some lurking in these forums might help me find a little direction, perhaps network with some people I can glean from.

My intro.
Chris!

[ottlukk]

Welcome! I recommend you read John Braheny's "The Craft and Business of Songwriting". just one of many excellent books on the subject. Ott

[SirJamsalot]

Welcome! I recommend you read John Braheny's "The Craft and Business of Songwriting". just one of many excellent books on the subject. Ott

Thanks for the reference. I've read Murphy's Laws of Songwriting. I'll give John B's book a look over as well.

Chris!

[Bliciouz]

Hey Chris,

Welcome! Perfectionism is not a bad trait for a songwriter at all. Dedication is much more important though. If you really love writing songs you'll want them to be the best you can. It's all about pushing yourself to be better. And sometimes that just means going 1 step forward and 2 steps backwards. Just remember to enjoy the proces and not only the finished product

Bert

[jasonrumley]

Welcome Chris! I'm new here too, been writing a bit longer though.

All the book recommendations here are great. I'll add "Writing Better Lyrics" by Pat Pattison and I'll second "Murphy's Laws of Songwriting", just finished it and what a great book.

And I'll tack on to what someone else said about perfectionism and dedication.. I try to spend at least a couple hours in my studio everyday. Sure I watch less TV and spend less time with the GF but at least I'm making progress towards something greater. So by all means be a perfectionist.. but do it every single day without exception.

[SirJamsalot]

Welcome Chris! I'm new here too, been writing a bit longer though.

All the book recommendations here are great. I'll add "Writing Better Lyrics" by Pat Pattison and I'll second "Murphy's Laws of Songwriting", just finished it and what a great book.

And I'll tack on to what someone else said about perfectionism and dedication.. I try to spend at least a couple hours in my studio everyday. Sure I watch less TV and spend less time with the GF but at least I'm making progress towards something greater. So by all means be a perfectionist.. but do it every single day without exception.

Haha. Don't tell you're girlfriend you're working towards something greater
I appreciate the encouragement. Up until recently (2015), my schedule was mostly going to my studio from 9:00 pm til 2:00 am. Most of my work however has been practicing. I'm starting to shift gears into more song-writing though - i've backed off of performing a bit due to life getting in the way , but I'm looking forward to the new challenges. I appreciate the encouragement.

Cheers!

[SirJamsalot]

Hey Chris,

Welcome! Perfectionism is not a bad trait for a songwriter at all. Dedication is much more important though. If you really love writing songs you'll want them to be the best you can. It's all about pushing yourself to be better. And sometimes that just means going 1 step forward and 2 steps backwards. Just remember to enjoy the proces and not only the finished product

Bert

Discipline - routine - the most important things in life no matter what you do, but also the hardest - how do you make a horse drink when he's not in the mood? I really do enjoy the process of recording. Composing and mixing I think are newer and therefore much more difficult to enjoy simply because the learning curve gets in the way of actually accomplishing. I'm sure I'll enjoy it better when I see what needs to be done, and instead of having to research how to do it, I can just do it.

thanks!
Chris

[songmaster]

Welcome Chris

May I also recommend two books which are totally great. Robin Fredricks "Songwriting for Film and TV " and also " How to write a Hit Song ". I'm not sure if I got the titles right, but they are 2 excellent books. Another excellent book is Jason Blumes book. I think it is called 6 steps to writing hit songs. It is very readable and inspiring.

All the best on your journey and visit the forums often. You will get a ton of help on anything you can think of.

Write on

Tom

[Kolstad]

Welcome, I would recommend you read very little and write a lot of music to the specific listings you carefully choose

When you feel bad enough to read, I would suggest reading just a few pages in something from Robin Fredrick.
Even just a few pages of Frederick will make your subconscious work for weeks, so take it easy on the readin', it may mess up your music for good

Efficiency is:
Try to only work on music you can find an outlet for, in advance.
Only read when you get stuck, and pick the relevant sections that helps you move along.

[SirJamsalot]

Welcome, I would recommend you read very little and write a lot of music to the specific listings you carefully choose

When you feel bad enough to read, I would suggest reading just a few pages in something from Robin Fredrick.
Even just a few pages of Frederick will make your subconscious work for weeks, so take it easy on the readin', it may mess up your music for good

Efficiency is:
Try to only work on music you can find an outlet for, in advance.
Only read when you get stuck, and pick the relevant sections that helps you move along.

Write more, talk less?
Robin Frederick - I'll put that on my list- thank you for the advice!