Songwriting Advice

Hey Steve,

First of all, you did good. I agree with Dennis' assessment of you being tense. Also, maybe it was just the recording but your playing also seemed choppy and not very clean. You might try some new strings.

Your song IS catchy and your voice is unique. You sound like a cross between Neil Young and Ray Davies of "The Kinks".

Don't let people get in your head with their opinions. Like the old saying goes "you're never as good or as bad as you think". Not everyone is going to like what you do.

On the other hand, you can still build your own following. There are many, many artists that aren't major players in the industry, but they've made a name for themselves and have a great following. You can also write songs for others.

Just so you know, I'm a singer/songwriter/musician too, but I don't do it professionally. Actually, I used to go by the name "Guitarjoe" here, but I unintentionally branded myself as that name and I didn't want that.

I've been told that I'm not a great singer or guitar player (average "Joe" lol), but that I DO write great songs. That's an awesome feeling to sit around a group of people, play and have them sing along to songs you've written. You get goosebumps. I've been onstage by myself playing my own music before. The first time I ever did it I broke a "much needed" string. Arghh! That really sucked! lol

Keep on playing, keep on practicing and keep on writing. Don't worry about any naysayers. Only play for those that enjoy what you're doing. In other words, if you're playing in front of other people and you see one person that's into it then cast your eyes on them and block everyone else out.

Kudos for having the courage to share your work with us.

Good luck!

Joe

Well your not a singer so writing for others is the direction you should go in. Not bad. Keep at it.

What you should do is learn some software like Magix which uses samples, very easy. Get a singer to do a proper demo. My wife writes songs and SOME of them in my opinion are very good and hit-worthy. She can sing but not a top quality singer so writing for others would be our direction. I do instrumental music (New Age) and do the backing tracks for hers using Magix and or midi using a Roland synth with lots of sounds.

The following song she wrote for an event at the community college where she works, I did the simple backing using Magix and samples. Our neighbor who sings in a church choir did the vocals. She only sang it once and I copied her voice and raised the pitch up and down and pasted it back so she sounds like she is overdubbed accompanying herself.

It's actually pretty easy. Just a computer, a mike connected by usb and the software.

The crude attempt at a flashmob video to accompany it was poorly done due to a lack of students and rehearsal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkQUjqSHCY8

I think your singing is unique. Same for your playing. I wouldn't be looking to change very much.

First I would say, by all means get a vocal coach and see how far you can take your voice. There are loads of singers out there that rely on reverb and FX and controlled phrasing through tuition that do not have great voices but in some ways unique voices and make a living at it. Make records. It will prove it one way or the other to you.

However, and a big however, do not make the mistake of just wanting to make it as a singer songwriter and if you cant do both, just stop. It is equally satisfying to be able to be able to pen a great tune, sell it and hear a great singer make a hit out of it! you can still be proud and say, I wrote that and be well off into the bargain.

Try watching Shark Tank or Dragons Den. So many people come forward with their ideas and creations are so consumed with keeping them and the control that they pass up good alternative offers. Not prepared to move on. create something else.

One guy I remember had developed an inflatable bladder for keeping wine fresh in an open bottle. He had spent 4 years doing it and was about retirement age. Two sharks clubbed together and said they would buy out his business for 600k. he could have retired. Moved on and created something else, whatever.

Nope, he ummed and ahhhed about it. Eventually one dropped out so the other offered 400k which he took. Lost out on 200k. Moral: Never become attached to anything that much that it consumes you!

Thanks. Which version did you get? Was it worth the money?


A vocal coach might be useful. Really though, to me you just sound tense. If you could relax more, which will come naturally through practice, that may be all you need. Earlier I said your voice reminded me of Neil Young. He doesn't have a great voice either, but he's done quite well with it.

You don't have to be a [name your favorite male singer] to be successful. Good lyrics and passion can make up for a lot. Look at Bob Dylan. Great song writer, and I know some people like his voice, but to me his voice is far below average -- that hasn't stopped him from making a huge mark in the industry. It's just too bad none of his friends were honest enough to tell him to throw his harmonica away.