Recent Posts

1

The kitchen café / Re: Saying "Thanks"

« Last post by Bill from November Sound on Today at 02:55:26 »

There are some that if they decided to do a world tour I would drive the bus and carry the guitar case. Others I don't think I'd even try to sneak  in for free.

Ha, ha @Vince this is funny. .... or maybe I'm not sure what it means...   
I'm imagining you with the bus driver hat and all 

I do know the people you are writing about, I've met them at open mics, which is funny because at open mics (like Sound Cloud) your playing mostly for your peers.

Melissa and I host open mics .... and, yeah, agreed sometimes some of the players are a little "off" it seems.   

2

The kitchen café / Re: Saying "Thanks"

« Last post by Vince on Yesterday at 21:04:04 »

You know @Bill from November Sound , I always try to send a thank you, sometimes things slip through the cracks though. With the millions of hours of music posted on Sound Cloud everyday and someone actually listened to mine ..... go figure.

As far as listening, I mostly try to leave a heart,  it's not something I do all the time and I could be better at doing it (like giving Karma Coins). I try to listen to every song posted for review here, because I like to support the members. There are some that if they decided to do a world tour I would drive the bus and carry the guitar case. Others I don't think I'd even try to sneak  in for free.

I do know the people you are writing about, I've met them at open mics, which is funny because at open mics (like Sound Cloud) your playing mostly for your peers.

As far as a paying band gig, it's like any other business as far as I can tell. When I had my accounting business, before retiring , I would advertise but most of my business came from word of mouth.  Although, as they say you can't please everyone a bad word is hard to over come.

Most of the occasions I've been invited to have had DJ's playing records, it's been a long time since I went to one that had a band. So I can imagine networking and being professional (having spare batteries,  cables, showing up on time, being friendly) is quite important .

3

The kitchen café / Saying "Thanks"

« Last post by Bill from November Sound on Yesterday at 19:33:13 »

I wasn't sure how to title this post so I went with "saying thanks" . I hope this makes sense.
In my experience I find that so many opportunities come just by being grateful and expressing that gratitude unto others.


Here are a few rules that I try to always follow:

1. Say Hello. If I listen to someone's song and I like it I "hit the heart" leave a comment (esp. YouTube) to let them know I checked in.

2. Say Thanks (even on-line). If someone comments on SoundCloud or YouTube …. always reply with at least "thank you" .

3. Follow up. If someone hires you for a gig always follow up with another "Thank you.  + I hope I can work for you again soon. If you know anybody else who would want us we'd really appreciate you passing on our info."

4. Be Real. Don't spam people!!! Don't be the musician who makes every single post/email/message - BUY MY STUFF! I'M THE BEST.

The Bad:
Often times I come across people online and in real life who want to be the big shot, enigmatic Rockstar. Follow no one. Reply to no one. Be grateful to no one.  ...…. post a video over and over on a songwriters forum just to crank up the YouTube views ...… Every Twitter post = New Album Coming Out Soon! DOWNLOAD IT NOW!!! ...…...  To me, it is really annoying. I guess it works for some. 

The Good:
My most recent example of gratitude leading to opportunity: Last year someone hired us for a party. I just checked in a couple months ago with a quick email. - "Hey friend, I hope you are well! ………etc. …….  We really appreciate your support. If you or anyone you know in the neighborhood might want music for a party we'd really appreciate you passing on our info."  - Two weeks later we were contacted for another party.
Also sometimes things can be really simple. When I comment on someone's SoundCloud I look to see if they acknowledge me with a "thanks". If they do then I'll repost the music, share it on Twitter etc.



Anyway, I'm not trying to preach.  I'm hoping maybe others have had experiences with this?
Have you said "thanks" to someone and it led to more opportunities?
Do you have a story of positive interaction with others because of gratitude?
Have you had bad experiences with wannabe rockstars who are never grateful?

4

Songs for review / Re: The Wheel Goes 'Round Again - by Major Layerson & Friends

« Last post by Layerson on Yesterday at 17:23:12 »

Thanks @robertkc 

I like your description, it fits the song much better than electronic. Definitely more a “big picture” song.

 
/Micke

5

Songs for review / Re: The Moth and the Flame (Another American Pie)

« Last post by AshBordeaux on Yesterday at 13:50:06 »

Thank you gentlemen.

Next step -- finish demo of complete song so I can get it into Sarah's ears, so that we can record her.

@Leonard Scaper @LePlongeur @Jurgen

6

Songwriting Ingredients / Re: NON DAW Recording - Tips and Tricks

« Last post by Kellyanneg on Yesterday at 12:54:20 »

@Jurgen I love the live sound too..the "unplugged" versions of songs...great stuff!  And I think it's great to change things up. Over-produced technology smothered songs are lifeless to me. Just my taste. I love a good song with the right instrumentation and passion of the performer(s). 
@Bill from November Sound thanks again for mentioning those websites...I went to Recording Revolution and it's like a little jackpot of info and tips, explained in ways I can grasp. Anxious to learn. Thank you!!

7

Songs for review / Re: First EP - Preconceived

« Last post by MrBouzouki on Yesterday at 12:06:28 »

Hi @Troispr , I've been commenting on SoundCloud and put 'The Outcome' , which I particularly enjoyed on my 'Eclectic Music Connections' list.

I like the idea of merging folk storytelling with good guitar chops and a modern pop delivery,  lyrically it has more going for it then a typical pop song.

For example :-

An oyster on a beach
One with a pearl
Still loving, still shining
Not just a shell
Clouded thoughts with imagination
Forgetting today but remember
Emotions stay forever

Congrats on getting your music degree too. 

Good Luck with the EP and your music-making.

Don't be a stranger on here. Also let me know if you are performing around Sheffield at any point.

 

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Songs for review / Re: Our Way

« Last post by LePlongeur on Yesterday at 08:48:48 »

I hammered the small heart at the bottom of the SC page.
Yes, I did. In spite of small doubts where the lyrics are concerned.
What do we want most from life:
- find a harbour with perfect harmony (for the Dutch: 't kleine café aan de haven)
or
- the real important things (for the Dutch: iets lekkers tussen de lakens)

It's up to you to decide, but even if I didn't speak Dutch, I'd know exactly what to choose.
Kind regards, Gus

9

Songs for review / Re: The Moth and the Flame (Another American Pie)

« Last post by LePlongeur on Yesterday at 08:39:25 »

Like it!
Kind regards, Gus

10

Songs for review / Re: The Moth and the Flame (Another American Pie)

« Last post by Jurgen on Yesterday at 01:47:05 »

This is great @AshBordeaux - really nice song.

The intro sets this up really well and I like how your voice starts building throughout the song.

Can you post the lyrics?

Look forward to hearing this when you complete it, especially if you add a female vocal to the song.

cheers