Do My Songs Suck ?

[blavatsky]

Hi everyone,I've been wririting for a number of years now and although my songs "go down very well" at open mics (ie.no one has yet canned me off stage) I have only ever had 1 forward.I've submitted bundles but I must admit that if I thought I sounded like the artist requested but not exactly I would still forward which is dumb.Now I only submit if I do feel I sound like the artist in question.I am self critical and have come to the conclusiion that the lack of forwards is down to:1.My material sucks so don't ever give up the day job.2.I've too often submitted on a wing and a prayer when clearly my music is off target3.My music is unique ("dream on ?") and I would be better off sticking to public perforamances.So I would appreciate your opinion and if you can spare a minute or two please listen to say "Days Of Strife" and "Is It True" at www.myspace.com/alanharrysonThanks for your time.

[weslong]

I don't know that it's a matter of 'sucking', as you put it. I listened to the one song (maybe I'll have time to check out more later), and I think you're just falling into a really tight niche, stylistically. I think you've got a 70s Rock/Adult Contemporary vibe going. It's not a bad thing, it's just a niche thing. I thought it was sort of an Alan Parsons meets Foreigner style and sound, in my humble assessment. Honestly, I'm not too good with this kind of thing- otherwise I'd probably be an A&R instead of a struggling musician myself.I'm not familiar with all the latest song-writing structures or playing techniques, but that might be a good place to start if you're looking for help with getting things more in focus. Get some up-to-date fakebooks and what not and maybe use the material in them as a guide to rework your current catalogue.Or, find a current genre that you really dig and go for the ol' 're-inventin' myself thing. I don't know.Might also be nice if you could post of the more relevant comments from your critiques so we could better ground our feedback for you. That's just my two bits, for what's worth, which ain't much...

[anne]

Hi Alan, Well, first off let me say that you clearly do not suck!I don't know what listings you had submitted for, but you mentioned the magic phrase " clearly my music is off target". It seems you have realized why that is not a good idea, so there is no need to mention it again. One thing that is also beyond "sounding like" the artist listed is the instrumentation and the lyrical content being like the artist in question, i.e. you could sound just like Shania Twain but be singing "I hate puppies" - that clearly would not fly for a "sounds like" listing. It doesn't have to be that silly or extreme of an example - I think you understand. The material sounds good, especially your backing vocals! But it is a bit dated sounding (which is fine for listings that need that sound) and a bit unfocused in mood. That probably doesn't help for listing success. If you can tell us, or put up an example of, the types of listings you are submitting to, that would help board members help you better.But you definitely don't suck!

[ggalen]

Alan,I like your sound.I like Gerry Rafferty...and he sounds like you, as far as vocals and production.Given your post, honestly, I was expecting to maybe hear someone singing off key, with boring songs and poor production. Instead, I immediately liked what I heard with "World At Your Feet" and "Let's Go"! Great job!As to your earning potential in commercial music... I think maybe your best bet is to "own your niche" and specialize in what you love and what you do so well.There is less competition, and you'll be much happier, I bet.And keep playing live! That's where all the fun is. Look at the post about the guy who has sold 15,000 CDs in 18 months, playing 3-hour sets outside just 10 days a month.You have real talent, Alan. Glad to have heard your music.But most everybody has to have a day job. No shame in that! That's the music business for you. It's always been this way.Here's my Gerry Rafferty reference.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS0FwVBM ... elatedHe's good. You're good.

[gongchime]

A lack of focus in mood is what frequently makes me rearrange what I've composed, once I get it recorded and finally get a chance to listen to my own stuff. Ideas that seemed like they would work to differentiate the verse and chorus make them too different. When I go back to the drawing board, that's when things usually get even more interesting than what I initially composed.

[othentic]

Hey Allen -World's at your feet : clearly don't suck. good chord progression and interesting pacing. I don't like the vocals that much though. The female back vocals may sound cheezy at some point. But overall good arrangements. congrats.Over all I'd say your music lacks a bit of attitude. besides that, they have good vibes.IMO I think you should try your songs with another singer, you have a certain tone in your voice that some may don't like very much so I would suggest trying some of your songs with another singer.GOod luck!O

[ggalen]

Alan,I agree with othentic that a little more "drive" on the "World at Your Feet", would be nice, especially at the end with the more dramatic feel you introduce there. Accentuate the "stops" with more punch.As far as your vocal tone, I think you have a good voice, yet double-tracking it or triple tracking it (like John Lennon always did) will work very well for you, I think. Thicken the sound. That's why your voice sounds even better when you have the background vocals supporting it, perhaps.

[mojobone]

Your music doesn't suck, and neither do your production skills, but you sound slightly dated, and I think that's down to your sound choices; the guitars and drums are sort of polite, even on a rocker like Days Of Strife. I think we could be more helpful if we knew more about the listings you've submitted to.

[diogenes]

I think your stuff sounds great! I wouldn't worry too much about forwards, just do what you do and let the universe take care of the rest...