Writer's block... Help, please!

[og]

Add my best wishes to Ed's. Good Luck!

[feloniuspunk]

You know it's hard to do, but it's just like when you submit to a taxi listing and don't get forwarded but you get a review. Often the reviewer will focus on why your submission wasn't on target for the listing and may even mention some specific areas where you could improve (upright bass intonation, timing, phrasing, stylistic issues, etc.)The hard part is to cut your ego away from all of that and take it in as constructive criticism. Maybe the taxi reviewer actually was trying to make some helpful suggestions. Maybe the guy who reviewed your gig was also in his own way trying to do the same thing about your stage presence, etc.You yourself mentioned that:"we're not a so-called "Killer band". None of the band members is a professional musician and our solo performances could use a lot improvement."Well, from that statement above by your own admission, you guys may still have some rough edges where there exists some improvement opportunities. It's always tough when someone esle points them out to you.Dealing with negative comments and rejection is always a tough part of this business but I always try to keep things in perspective. Like others have told you in this thread already, it's only one person's opinion.Don't let it warp you out from who you are and what you're all about. You're never going to please everybody. The main thing is to stay focused and keep believing in yourself. I know that sounds corny as hell but if you think your stuff is good and it meets your own high standards, then not meeting someone else's expectations may be hard to hear, but it's just a speed bump, not the end of the road.Speed bumps are good for one thing. They can let you know if your suspension needs work. Don't ever let yourself get to the point where you think your own poop doesn't stink.

[mrbassman]

Hello all.Thanks a lot for picking me up I find myself back on track and ideas come floating in again. I got down to work again and currently I'm trying to rewrite a few parts to improve the songs.By the way: what do you think about solos in songs? I found out that recent Pop or Indierock songs mostly don't have a solo anymore. Instead it's being replaced by some kind of different part and/or instrumental melody.

[feloniuspunk]

Solos in Songs: You're going to need to calibrate the responses you get to this question by who is answering the question. I write instrumental jazz tunes, so for me songs are all about instrumental solos. As far as I'm concerned songs don't need words if the music is strong enough and speaks for itself.Having said that though I have written a few vocal tunes in my time. But I'm old school. I like it when there is a solo part in a song. I'm from the Beatles era and got used to expecting one of those landmark guitar solos by George Harrison in every song.Speaking of him (George Harrison), check this out:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 3913198414

[og]

I agree with FP. I do acoustic folk, mainly, and that's all about the story. I'll throw in a solo if I need to catch my breath, but my music supports the words.

[redbeard]

MrBassman, I've read through this thread and it sounds like you're back on track, which is great! But next time (if ever) here's what I would do and have done in the past...Music is all about feelings and life’s experiences, so take those feelings and experiences and put them down in writing and tracks. Some of the best stuff comes from those raw emotions, i.e. anger, depression, happiness etc... They always told us in school if it bugs you ...write it down and you’ll feel better. Music is great therapy, so write what you think, play what you feel. Look at it this way… You’ve just been giving an opportunity to write a song about something that really pissed you off. Most viewers will read that critic’s local newspaper write-up once but millions could hear a hit song about the way it made you feel… But then again… that’s just me Red

[og]

Well put.