My theory - Home musicians are self centered
Home > Home Recording Forum > Talkin' Smack > My theory - Home musicians are self centered
Posted on May 25, 2007 03:10 pm
tonyoci
Member Since: Jan 24, 2006
I've been giving some thought to the Home Made Hit Show and come to a conclusion. Homemade and especially amateur end indie musicians are a terribly selfish and insular bunch (not meant in a bad way). One of the reasons the show would never pick up a major audience is because most people only want to hear themselves. IMHO there are very few who listen to others music without an agenda, most listen to other's stuff only so people will listen to theirs. As a hobby this is perfectly fine with me. I made a bunch of "friends" from the show but most would only communicate when they had a new song and most would only post in the forum in the week or two before or after a new song was played.
With all the music choices there are right now I can't see how any home musician can really grow an audience without breaking out into listeners who are not recorders themselves. You'll get listens from other recorders but all we are really interested in is ideas for our own songs, or looking at areas a song could be improved in our opinion. There are communities that support each other but people from those communities rarely go out and listen to music from other communities.
No conclusions, just an observation that musicians are a pretty self focused bunch :) (me included)
Discuss, 1000 words or less please.
Tony
[ Back to Top ]
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
May 25, 2007 03:17 pm This is certainly accurate for me. I catch myself losing interest in listening to other home recorded music until I start working on my own recordings again. Then I start to get more interested to hear what everybody else is doing.
And I'm certainly guilty of doing like you say with the HMHS forums...my attention would drift until I had a song included on the show.
I wouldn't argue with it being self-centered. But a lot of it is just how I operate in other areas of my life. I have several hobbies, but I tend to get very immersed in all of them. But there's not enough time for me to be immersed in all of them at once. So my hobbies cycle in and out throughout the months. Home recording is in the mix there. I'll spend a month or two totally immersed in it, then lose interest for several months. And my participation in music critiques and listening goes with it.
Then there are upstanding guys like Noize here, who continues to impress me with his interest in everybody's submitted music. He tirelessly offers constructive criticism to almost everybody who submits here.
May 25, 2007 03:24 pm I think musicians on the whole are self-centered int he way you mention...indie, pro or otherwise. I don't think home recording aspect plays into it at all other than that being the group you deal with the most.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
May 25, 2007 03:25 pm Quote:
Then there are upstanding guys like Noize here, who continues to impress me with his interest in everybody's submitted music. He tirelessly offers constructive criticism to almost everybody who submits here
I will most definately second this. His dedication to this has helped me (and other's too I'm sure) to hone my skills.
Cheers Noise! Your comments are always accurate and honest. Couldn't ask anything more.
May 25, 2007 03:35 pm Noize is a chump!
That said, from a long-standing personal friendship with the guy, I can say the love and appreciation (and skill) the dude has for music is authentic, 100%.
Just a good dude that loves music and mentoring musicians.
I could still take him tho... :-D
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
May 25, 2007 03:44 pm I wholeheartedly agree. There are those that are very diligent about critiquing others music, such as Noize, and olddog used to do a lot, and I super appreciate that. But I know for myself, I find it very selfish for those that look for feedback, but never offer up any feedback to anyone else. I've basically decided that I'm not giving feedback to anyone that I don't remember seeing offer feedback to others. It doesn't necessarily have to be music I've posted, but feedback for someone. Even if the only reason to submit feedback for others is the hope that they will submit feedback for yours, I think at least that's fair. This has been a pet peeve of mine for quite some time.
Also, I think once someone starts recording their own music, they begin to be less of a fan. Like you can't produce music, and appreciate it at the same time... that's just my observance from a jaded point of view...
May 25, 2007 03:54 pm Most songwriters don't pay much attention to a critique anyway. They just want to be praised... Look what I did! Yay...
May 25, 2007 04:06 pm I've always thought that musicians and teachers are two of the most arrogant groups of people in the world...and I'm both.
At the most basic level, a musician is, by nature, seeking the approval of others. It's like we're saying: "Look at me and listen to my songs! Please pay me money and buy my CDs and sit there while I sing you songs that I wrote, or maybe even I didn't write but please just sit and listen. Thank you very much."
I really try to keep that in mind when I'm writing or performing. give people what they want to hear, not necessarily what you want them to hear. Or, if you do only what you want...don't be offended when no one listens.
And I totally agree with what Tony says. And I'm really try to get out of that mind set and be more giving.
WWND
(What Would Noize Do?)
Jim
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
May 25, 2007 04:08 pm Good point Coolo. My wife (AKA 'er indoors..) gets exasperated with me because it's difficult for me to listen to music without thinking - "That guitar line fits right in there......the vocals are a bit hot...." etc. It's a curse! I hate it!!! However, here at HRC I'm not alone.
"Hello. I'm Ian and I'm a recordaholic!"
As a home recording hobbyist, I record to get the music that's inside my head into the open. More a cathartic exercise than any quest for glory. If I've posted here (and remember this is a forum for home recording musicians to exchange ideas...not the Billboard top 100) it's to get some ideas on where I may have gone wrong, and to get those ideas from people who I respect as peers who have similar goals, ideals, and - above all - ears. When anyone praises my work I'm totally shocked! It makes me happy, don't get me wrong....
Yes, I'm insular. But I'm certainly not selfish. I do home recording because it's fun, it's cathartic, it's a learning experience, and because I just can't bear the idea of being in a band again!!! Been there, done that. Thank you. What goes into/onto the song is 100% me. I'm ultimately responsible for what's on "tape." If it's rubbish, it's my rubbish.
I try to critique others music when I can.
By the way, PJK (if you're out there) - "Baby Loves My Bike" is currently my favourite song!
See? I can just enjoy music occasionally.
May 25, 2007 04:33 pm Quote:
I've always thought that musicians and teachers are two of the most arrogant groups of people in the world...
Ever meet a programmer fresh out of college and still knows everything, yet has zero real world experience...
yikes...now that is an a-hole if there ever was one.
May 25, 2007 04:42 pm Yeah, I've had seniors here at this university come work for me and they know everything but can do nothing....
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
May 25, 2007 04:49 pm HA! Sweet. You just made my day!
(it's not my song, just so you know, but i did play bass on that recording)
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
May 25, 2007 04:57 pm PJK: I don't care, I just like it.
I find myself humming it a lot. I'm driving 'er indoors crazy.
"Baby loves my biiiiiiiike..."
There's book-smarts. And then there's street-smarts. And then there's bending-over-a-mixer-and-trying-to-work-out-why-the-levels-have suddenly-dropped-on-your-microphone-and-why-the-left-channel-has-suddenly -quit-and-why-there's-a-weird-stuttering-on-the-drum-track -and-why-the-compressor-isn't-set-right-smarts....
May 25, 2007 05:30 pm wow great thread!!!
i'm kinda with ya on this, but i've never thought about/discussed it with anyone....
ok here (as in on the boards) i will listen to some when i can, but i'm dooin' it mostly to hear mixes, and then ocasionally i catch myself listening to the 'song' but my chances of listening are minimum as i am most often listening to other stuff or simply can't listen at all...nothing personal agains anyone here at all (i just dig you guys and our conversations)but i find myself on an endless quest for mind orgasm-awesome music (of all types) on the net and there is ALOT of it....not really home recorded stuff, but more "pro" for lack of a better word. due to the internet, finding good music is harder because of the plethora of music that's available.
back in the day, you had 'talent scouts' or whatever that sifted through all the mediocre stuff for you and then sold it to you....now that has evolved into the same people telling you what's good and will make money. times have changed
so i've found broadcast radio (below 92Mhz, which is public domain), internet radio, and podcasting are a really reliable source for presenting the better stuff that's out there. the trick is to find 'channels' you like...but there is a **** load of 'pink floyd level' stuff out there...and i am an ear-candy whore.....gosh i'm gooin' on a tangent here! i've gotta re-read the thread and get back on topic...
bbl
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
May 25, 2007 05:48 pm Quote:
My wife (AKA 'er indoors..)
THATS what that means... :)
I think perople in general are celf centered, but musicias and artists in general are more in touch with their humanity... making them even more vacal about their celfcenteredness...
I'm getting drunk BTW so I'm leaving celf centered as it is. :P
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
May 25, 2007 05:55 pm I listen to a lot of music (here and elsewhere) but it is only recently that I have offered my opinion/comments on songs. Reason being is that I've only been into this for a few years and didn't consider myself to be in a position to critique anyone.
As WYD was saying, there is a shitload of really great music out there. Kind of depressing in a way. I'm happy that I don't have to make a living out of this as I would starve.
I think it is pretty natural for people to want to hear great feedback and how awesome the song is etc. Creating music is a very personal thing and peoples feelings can get hurt. The good 'ole double edged sword. Its is better (IMO) to hear what you are doing wrong than it is to hear what you are doing right. The challenge is finding people who's opinions are to be respected.
Fortunately there are a lot of great "ears" around here.
May 25, 2007 06:21 pm Great responses.
For me, listening to the music and reviewing it is not enough. At my "other" forum I reviewed everyone's music but deep down inside I can't really say I was interested in it, I did it to be loyal and dedicated.
At the next level up, the home recorder who thinks they are gonna make it (I call these people "fools") there is a passionate interesting in only themselves, they can talk and email about themselves for hours.
Someone else pointed out to me that this is no different from other hobbies and parts of life and that's true but I often feel like that as musicians we somehow feel we are better than that, sadly we're not.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
May 25, 2007 06:28 pm Tony, wait until you hear our next tune. It's gonna knock your socks off! We are going to be rich and famous!!
Note: what can I say, it's Friday and work is almost done for the day. I get a little sarcastic at this time of day. Have a great weekend everyone.
May 25, 2007 06:33 pm See I don't want to be a hypocrite so I've decided not to listen to anyone's music at all except my own. 24x7 radio Tony.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
May 25, 2007 06:53 pm Quote:
it is only recently that I have offered my opinion/comments on songs. Reason being is that I've only been into this for a few years and didn't consider myself to be in a position to critique anyone.
I know what you're saying, BH, but I think this is the one place on the web where the opinions of everyone are important (well, except for "Bytch Killa" and "Walters" and the like). Someone brand new to the world of home recording may still have years of experience of just listening to music. To me, that's more important than being able to set a compressor or know the schematics of a mixer (and I'm being very general here....no one is a target..).
As I mentioned above, I have the 'curse' of listening to the pieces that make up the puzzle rather than the whole picture. Someone who is not afflicted thusly is an absolute treasure! If they say, "I think the guitars are too loud!" it's likely that they are saying it from a place that's not overly technical (which can sometimes cloud the issue). Chances are, the guitars are just too damned loud!
I'm rambling....I'd better go.
May 25, 2007 07:03 pm OK to add to my thoughts.
One problem I have with the review/critique thing is that most of us rarely listen more than once, whereas if we like a commercial song we've probably heard it 5 times before we buy it and then we listen more than once.
A second one is that it's close to impossible to get a regular listener to listen, we'll all review each others but my friend Lee says we're more like a support group. It's important if we're making a song to get non home recorders to comment on it. I think I've slipped into the trap in the past of doing things in a song to please the review crowd at the expense, perhaps of the regular listener.
May 25, 2007 07:07 pm When I used to play live regular, it was a lot easier to figure out what my listeners wanted. Here, it IS more like a support group until you post your stuff on SoundClick or something like that where there are a number of non-musician, non-songwriter listeners.
May 25, 2007 07:13 pm I've never go a single piece of feedback from Soundclick, after 80+ songs.
May 25, 2007 07:17 pm Ya gotta work a crowd somewhere... I never get feedback either, but I don't advertise. I see others get feedback, but I know many of them are college kids and they have all their local following...
May 25, 2007 07:30 pm Well, I think feedback varies from place to place, I think HRC is easily one of the most active communities as far as good, constructive criticism goes, people reviewing each others tunes and stuff.
Some places are too big, like SoundClick that you end up losing the sense of community...HRC isn't that big, much like some of the other homebrew home recording places, like Home Recording Website was before Dan sold it...
Some places simply are not made that way, No Where Radio was never really that type of community (as I saw it anyway), though a great place with lots of great tunes, that isn't what it was about, it is what places like this are about...SoundClick isn't about feedback and community, is it? I thought it was just a place to market your tunes.
All in all I think DungBeetle summed it up best with:
Quote:
Most songwriters don't pay much attention to a critique anyway. They just want to be praised... Look what I did! Yay...
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
May 25, 2007 07:37 pm I enjoy giving feedback, I think it's important that we encourage each other.
It's a little too easy not to be critical though.
Chefs, i think, are more the most self centered of all occupations :)
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
May 25, 2007 07:46 pm oh jeesh, i worked for a chef once, who would cry if you didn't fawn over his work.
The guy was really good, thankfully, so it was easy to praise him, but come on, the guy was like 35 years old, and totally un-self-confident.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
May 25, 2007 07:58 pm When I first started posting songs up here and other places, I would say it used to be one part look at what i can do, and two parts give me some ideas on what i can do better, cuz I didn't know really anything. And I would try and give feedback to anybody that came along, so that I could practice using my ear to see what they're doing, or try and explain what I thought they could do better, which in turn made me think about how sound and effects work. It was all for learning. Now, I'm pretty confident in the sound that I'm able to achieve, and pretty much know where my shortcomings are, so it's probably one part look what I can do and one part, I wonder if anyone is going to give me any constructive feedback.
I basically operate along the line of this lyric I wrote for a rap song a couple years back (but yet to record), "you have to give love to get love, and thats the reward..."
Also, if you want feedback from people that are not home recordists, you need to present it to people who are not home recordists. Ask family and friends what they think. If you can do shows, that is a great place to get feedback. Find some fan sites of the type of music you like and see about posting there. I posted up my warriors hat song at a bunch of warriors fan sites (and it mostly got trashed!). I played it for a bunch of friends (they mostly loved it!).
On a side note, just to keep peoples spirit up, I still listen to GuitarJims two old fashioned country gospel songs and Tadpuis Lions Mane song quite a bit when I'm supposed to be working...
May 25, 2007 08:28 pm Herb's take:
Quote:
Homemade and especially amateur end indie musicians are a terribly selfish and insular bunch
Selfish and insular? Yep, even before I was interested in home recording.
Quote:
Also, I think once someone starts recording their own music, they begin to be less of a fan.
When there's quality material to listen to, I become a fan.
Quote:
the home recorder who thinks they are gonna make it (I call these people "fools")
So do I. Being the pedantic pragmatist, I learned long ago that no such reality exists that will allow me to realize my erstwhile fantasies to become a world-renowned producer or voiceover artist, let alone a world-renowned drummer. But pretending to be - now and then - suits my lifestyle just fine.
Quote:
Someone brand new to the world of home recording may still have years of experience of just listening to music. To me, that's more important than being able to set a compressor or know the schematics of a mixer
That's me. I knew little more than squat about computer recording a year ago, but I came into it with some knowledge of audio and of course, a lengthy musical history. I'd like to take this moment to thank the most knowledgeable members of HRC that have helped me with some of the computer-oriented ins and outs of audio.
Cheers to you!
Quote:
I've always thought that musicians and teachers are two of the most arrogant groups of people in the world...and I'm both
Hold on there. Anyone who is a good teacher will not be perceived as arrogant. I work with teachers. My wife is set to receive her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction in November. She will be the first to tell you that the ones who are arrogant don't last.
But of course there are free-lance "music teachers"...
Quote:
Fortunately there are a lot of great "ears" around here
I'd like to think that I have a couple.
May 25, 2007 08:36 pm I think SoundClick (SC) is certainly the wider community, but I see people building private sub-communities within; friends, neighbors, school, church...college kids have a lot of time on their hands in these computer labs...
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 26, 2007 12:01 am Well first off let me say, ya so I'm a chump. :-) A drunken one at the moment ?-)
Thanx for the kind words guys, it does really mean a lot to me. I figure it this way, I had my time in the spot light and then some. And there were those who helped me along the way. And those who didn't care for my electronic music in the early days, or my lust for experimenting with sound. But they are also the ones who I must give credit to as well. That is what made me determined to go where I wanted, not where someone else thought I should go.
Anyway, while I do agree on the self centered thing to a certain degree for most artists. There are those who are in it simply for the love of it. I guess I do fit there as stated by dB. Even if it isn't my favorite type of music, I will still listen as if it were my favorite. I learned that music is just that, and there is always something more in it then meets the ear at first listen.
Thats why I love hearing all the new music that comes here. I do surf and listen to other stuff as well. But here is were I call home, and bluntly state that to any one who asks. One nice thing for me is I hear things in music no matter what it is. Voices to me are just another instrument that needs to be blended in. Sometimes lyrics hit home. Take Rob and Visual Cliffs music. There are several songs on their Freedom Within CD that right now mean the world to myself and my boyz. Ya, so it is Christian based. But it is one hell of a heavy sound and the words just happen to bring up the emotion in me.
But so does pieces by the likes of BeerHunter, Tadpui, coolo and many other here. You guys all have a place in my listening moods.
Tadpui, you have no idea how often and how many times I have listened, played along with and sang along with This isn't Yesterday. That song actually has word that not only blend in, but mean something as well and hit home every time I listen to it.
coolo, when I want to just chill with the boyz. We get in the car and pop in the base 135 CD and just cruise. Loud I might add.
All of you that have music here get listened to more then just the first critical listen, and that is the honest truth.
Ya, I love music of any kind. And indeed, I am 100% honest in stating whether I like it or not. And most all the music here, I can say I like.
I honestly dread the day I don't have music to listen to. I would go stark raving nuts, and have.
OK, enough drunken rambling. I gotta go wipe the tears and my snotty nose now. There are times I wish I was more self centered, maybe I'd be more apt to post music of my own, old or new. It isn't like I don't have enough friggin webspace between here and the studio site.
In closing, I would just like to say thanx to all of you for putting up some of the most killer music on the face of the planet. And no, that ain't the liquor talking, that is just who the hell I am!
Peace, Love and granola crunch,
Noize
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 26, 2007 12:14 am Oh crap, the fan thing. That really bugs me as well. I still make music commercially for others and do work for others as well. But you know, I think it is just plain silly for those who think they are better then the others to not even give a hoot about someone else music. So ya, you can produce music and still be a fan, if you want to that is.
Off topic example, Friggin Hank Arron is dissing Barry Bonds, says he doesn't care and doesn't want to hear about it. Won't go see him if he ties it or breaks his record. Wants nothing to do with it. What a shame, I once thought Hank was a hero, now he is just a jealous old man.
But that is the attitude of some musicians. That, why should I care thing going on.
OK, now I'm going for another drink.
May 26, 2007 12:25 am Deleted By Herb Utsmelz
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 26, 2007 12:39 am I saw that Herb.
I see everything.
May 26, 2007 12:43 am
May 26, 2007 03:53 am my theory might be that some musicians are just incredibly lazy.
May 26, 2007 07:51 am wow! this is awsome...ok i was readin' after my post, and i gotta quote to start...
Quote:
I learned long ago that no such reality exists that will allow me to realize my erstwhile fantasies to become a world-renowned producer or voiceover artist, let alone an excellent drummer.
herb, even being a pedantic pragmatist, i believe you're selling yourself short, and in saying that to yourself becomes self-manifesting. (sp?) time is the enemy....but you can budget it exactly like money.
Quote:
suits my lifestyle just fine
totaly negates my point above...ยง=o) so it's all good.
herb, how the hell did you leave a blank post!!! i got mindfudged there for a sec. lol
what a cool thread!
do will do us all a favor and post after some sleep...
May 26, 2007 11:46 am [quote]
my theory might be that some musicians are just incredibly lazy.[/quote]
I want to respond to that, but
May 26, 2007 11:34 pm Quote:
I learned long ago that no such reality exists that will allow me to realize my erstwhile fantasies to become a world-renowned producer or voiceover artist, let alone an excellent drummer.
I edited that post to read "world-renowned drummer". More accurate.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
May 27, 2007 02:13 am I think there is some truth to that, more for some, but I think there are a lot reasons that are probably higher on the list than a percieved self focus/self centered nature for many.
Musician or not once you are listening to a song you become a listener and for most people to bother with a comment the song needs to be of course good, along with decently done and most importantly it needs to be "their cup of tea". Add on work, other hobbies, family life, and trying to squeak some time in to actually write/play/record some music things get pretty tight time wise for most. :) I do think though that if one would like feedback on the music they post they need to make the time to become part of the community and reciprocate.
I used to comment alot more than I do now not only here but on Sound Click, Mixposure, and other Indie sites, I soon found that was all I was doing, I had no time whatsoever to actually play/record so I've scaled it back. One can easily spend the better part of a couple of hours just listening and commenting on 4 or 5 songs (at least I can) that doesn't leave much time for actually doing music. I do try to make a point of commenting on songs posted by people I see that are actively participating in the site and commenting on other peoples songs and yes I probably try even a little harder if they've taken the time to comment on mine ;) this is about the only site now that I do. I think alot people fall into this category.
Dan
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 28, 2007 04:39 pm OD, you are so correct in the time it takes sometimes. Although there are some tunes that hit just right and only take a listen or two and you can't find anything to gripe about so find the good things and move on. And I'm always honest if it isn't my cup of tea. Like Country, not my favorite but I do listen to old country so I'm not deaf to what I should hear when I listen. I just simply like everything there is to listen to. I find it all interesting even if only once in a great while.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
May 29, 2007 01:00 am Quite frankly I listen fairly regularly, but don't comment. I am a firm believer that the musician 'hears' the sound in the mind's ear prior to making the sounds a physical reality. In as much as I can not get into another's head, it makes no sense to talk about what I hear in my minds ear. Now if a musician states that he wants a sound that he or she is not able to create, I will try to help if I understand his or her description of the sound. As far as personal enjoyment of music, for the past ten years I find myself pulling out something like Cyrus Chestnut or Christian McBride. That doesn't mean that tomorrow I might not jones for some Korn. Couldn't tell ya, tomorrow ain't here yet.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
May 29, 2007 11:20 am I still listen to stuff that isn't "my cup of tea." One of the best bass lines I ever heard was Maureen O'Hara doing some harp piece. The piece itself didn't float my boat, but that bass line would have had Jaco blushing. You never know where you might learn something. Just because country and rap are not my idea of listening music doesn't mean I can't appreciate the genre.
Yes, it's a 'support group' here, but what's wrong with that? I'd rather have someone here tell me to tweak the drums to make something sound great than have a listener (outside) just walk away because the drums were too loud!
Someone mentioned chefs above. Well, to analogise on that; I like the idea of my fellow chefs tasting my food before it goes to the table of the diners.
Needs more cowbell? Nope, more pepper!
May 29, 2007 03:51 pm See most of you are answering from your own perspective and this relatively small site and a few others like it are not representative of the low level indie musician out there. I also think many hear vere more towards the engineer end of things it's the "musicians" you have to watch out for :)
I was inundated with people wanting me to play their music without any interest in getting involved, interacting or anything to do with ANYTHING other than having their music played.
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
May 29, 2007 06:14 pm Quote:
... Answering from your own perspective ...
as opposed too?
May 29, 2007 06:58 pm As oppose to thinking about how others act and think.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
May 29, 2007 08:46 pm Quote:
I was inundated with people wanting me to play their music without any interest in getting involved, interacting or anything to do with ANYTHING other than having their music played.
I think you're looking at it from the wrong angle in the case of indie radio, podcasts etc, in expecting musicians to do more than provide the music. The musicians give the music which hopefully gains the show listeners to what ever end the 'DJ' is doing it for in the first place. Now if one were trying to get a commericial show going of the same type they'd have to be paying to use the music.
Don't get me wrong I think it's commendable and a great service that people such as yourself do in promoting indie music. I would think if you asked artists to do promo spots or interviews etc, most would happily oblige if that is the type of involvement/interacting you are thinking about.
As for others only they know their true reasons, I/We can only answer from our perspective, opinion, and personal experience.
Dan
May 29, 2007 09:45 pm Olddog, I really think you have it backwards. The indie artist needs as much exposure as possible, most podcasts are not making any money. I go out of my way to get people to play my songs and I always send thanks and try and get a conversation going with the artist. A good 30% of HMHS people did the same thing. Podcasts are not like radio they are interactive and artists that got involved with my forums and recorded intro's etc were very popular.
I would say that I typically asked every single artist for a show ID or spoken song intro. I would say only about 2% did that for me. Some were active when their songs were played some all the time but most dropped the song and ran, missing out on a good opportunity if you ask me.
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
May 30, 2007 08:13 am Quote:
The indie artist needs as much exposure as possible
Definately agree with that!
Speaking of other people's music .. Where the ^#&@ is Coco?
May 30, 2007 08:24 am Some of what is perceived as arrogance or self-centeredness may simply be a lack of time...most people I know in bands do it in their free time, holding down real jobs in the mean time...so it's likely a matter of time available.
If the artist wants to get airplay, but does not get involved in the community (at HMHS for example) may very well not be cuz he or she is self centered but also because there is a lot going on in life...their goal was to get played, they did, move on...take care of the kids, get some work done, record new tunes, get to the next gig, get up for work the next day, etc...assuming they are arrogant or self-centered because they don't want to play on the internet is a rather self-centered attitude...HRC, HMHS and others put our services out there, some get involved, some don't...if they don't become a part of the community doesn't mean they are jerks...it will, however lessen what they get out of it for sure.
Everybody has their own motives, goals and ambitions...
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
May 30, 2007 08:36 am Quote:
if they don't become a part of the community doesn't mean they are jerks...it will, however lessen what they get out of it for sure.
That is the most relevant point to date!
This is by far the best site i've known on the net, This is not because i come here as a 'home recordist'. It's because there is a REAL sense of community here.
And i mean a real community.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
May 30, 2007 11:33 am Yeah....where is Coco?
Perhaps the DMR are taking Edinburgh by storm.
Maybe he's too busy...
May 30, 2007 12:03 pm he's busy as hell, I hear from him now and then.
May 30, 2007 12:16 pm I don't think I ever implied these people were jerks, and I think I am one of these people. I also didn't say their weren't reasons for the actions but the end result is the same, in most cases, people are only interested in their own stuff and only participate with others in order to get attention to their own stuff.
Human nature definitely and just an observation.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 30, 2007 08:50 pm Its kind of funny as I sit here and read this all and find myself completely and blissfully ignorant at the same time. I Listen to the music here and elsewhere mostly for the simple reason I love music of any kind. And I listen with the intent that it is music, and just that. I don't much care about the word's unless they jump out and grab me. I listen to see if they are being used as another instrument in the creation process. Sometimes I try to find a hook, if there isn't one the so be it. I might ask why, then again I might not.
I get several CD's sometimes per week, other times only a few per month. But I listen to them all, each and every one of them. I forward many on to a radio station after giving them a listen. I may make a copy if it really trips my trigger. In my wanderings I have come across many artist's and gotten the freebie sent my way. And they had no intention of me sending it to anyone else. But I do, and expect no reward for it.
In the end there is no right or wrong reason for why we submit, listen or request music. It is just the way this business is and we all must accept the outcome, good or bad. I don't get upset if the people here who's music I listen to and critique don't hear my music. And it won't stop me from listening to their stuff again and again.
I have a folder full of email that is the To listen to list of stuff from here I have not gotten to yet. But I saved it because I intend to listen to it and will when time permits.
We all have our reasons for why we might or might not listen. But I look back at the thousands of demo's I sent out inn my early years and only got one reply. But it was the reply that mattered and kept me moving forward. Now I produce, create, enginer, remix, collaborate and all kinds of music related duties. Most all under assumed names. Why, because I don't care for the fame and fortune of it, I only care that the creative process keeps me moving forward. And makes a little extra cash besides. The money is fine, but the other rewards are as good.
RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
May 31, 2007 04:11 am I love listening to home-made stuff, more than commercial things on the whole. I like the spirit of it and that comes across in a lot of recordings. Where some of it falls down for me though (for my tastes) is the use of drum machines with 'live sounds', i play the drums so hearing that stuff just doesn't do anything for me and i tend to switch off when i hear it. Sorry, but that's the way i am.
I'm still on dial-up which means i don't get to check out 30% of what i want to. There are probably 80-100 tunes a month i want to hear and i don't get anywhere near that, but i make trips to the library as often as possible to download stuff.
All that said i don't check out HRC so much for music, i should really, it's just that with the limited time i have to DL stuff i tend to go through all the things i've been asked to listen to first and there's rarely time left. A lot of stuff gets sent for my podcast by a large collective of people and i have to check all that out first.
When we finally get the faster connection sorted i'll have more time to DL and that'll be great. It's good to hear truly original music before bands and artists get influenced by sales and career prospects - or people that have no interest in any of that and are just doing what pleases them.
May 31, 2007 07:39 am Since rebuilding HRC to more feature the music from members I have listened to more music than ever...I don't always comment on it or rate it or anything, but I listen to a lot more than I ever did before.
So my plan worked on me. :-)
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
May 31, 2007 08:49 pm I'm listening to it more as well, I do miss the Recent Additions being on the front page though. It was really handy for catching the new stuff that gets posted but not mentioned in the board.
Dan
Jun 01, 2007 07:57 am Yeah, I struggle between the random list and the recent additions on the front page...I also want a way to promote HRC Pro people with a random member displaying or something...
Given that the event calendar doesn't seem to be picking up and momentum (a little though) that may come off the front page a free up some space.
I figured the calendar would get used more than it is...kudos to those that have posted tho!
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Jun 01, 2007 11:03 am You got any new stuff coming DB?
Jun 01, 2007 11:22 am Oh, yeah, baby, last night I got very close to finishing something that will be pretty cool for every user, should they choose to use it. As usual for me though, I get the original plan done, it works, and then think "hey, wait, if I could add [this] it would rock...so this weekend I hope to add the additions I have planned...
Not sure about the front page at this point, I am just hoping the calendar can stay filled for a while (so post people!) until I decide what the heck to do with it...
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Jun 01, 2007 11:31 am The Calender's good for a US audience. But this is a global beast now!
Jun 01, 2007 11:51 am What makes it only useful for a US audience? I have tried to make it as generic as possible so anyone could use it.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 01, 2007 11:56 am Just posted on calendar, though I think your entry (dB, moondance) is in July, not June.
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Jun 01, 2007 11:57 am I Guess coz most of the User's are yanks.
Certainly not a design issue.
I add stuff where ever i can.
Although i neglected to add the big F&^K Off stage production of 'War of the Worlds' with Jeff Wayne conducting!
Damn, that's gunna be sweet.
Jun 01, 2007 12:21 pm ****, good shout on that wrong date...fixed...
actually, from geolocating, you might be surprised how many non-yanks are here...the logs have a very heavy visitor group from UK and a few down under...thru the middle of europe is scarce tho.
Jun 01, 2007 01:03 pm Gordon Lightfoot's coming to my town in August...maybe I should post that one...hmmm..I wonder if there are any HRC members even remotely near me.
>edit< I just added two upcoming events.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Jun 01, 2007 01:25 pm Quote:
you might be surprised how many non-yanks are here
I thought we were all Canadians here.
Jun 01, 2007 02:38 pm we're all Canadians at heart
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 01, 2007 09:22 pm Does French Canadian count BH?
Jun 01, 2007 10:11 pm This would have been better with a white background, but..
Canada ROCKS!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 01, 2007 11:48 pm Herb, its not in the thread but that guitar rocks for certain.
