Why Your Music Will NEVER Get Heard
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 25. 04. 2023
- Getting your music heard is easier than you may think. There is no denying that the road to get there is tough, but the process is quite simple.
đïž Book a 1:1 Coaching session with me here: mredrollo.com/coaching/
For years I struggled with my direction, what kind of music I wanted to make, how I wanted to make it and I had no idea why I was making music at all in the first place other than the fact that "i like music".... yeah, but who doesn't?
This video will really help you get a better understanding of what you need to do in order to start getting your music heard and potentially why you haven't built up an audience for you music so far.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Enjoy :)
mredrollo.com/ - Hudba
A few months ago youtube recommended "Stop Trying To Become A Music Producer" and back then I was like hours away from giving up on this whole music making hobby because of how much I didn't believe in myself, and that video just somehow gave me the motivation I needed to continue on with my dream, and now I finished a record and released it because of that boost you gave me. I would just like to thank you for inspiring me sir â€
Moby said âmake music for your friendsâ - that totally works for me. And if i can listen to my music and enjoy it over new worldwide hits that sound irritating, i did not fail. No matter how small my âaudienceâ is
Excellent advice. I do the same!
It's a difficult balance. Personally I think you'll ultimately be happier making music you really connect with, rather than making music you think other people want to hear.
Agreed
Thatâs pretty much what I do and when I get my âplaysâ total every week from Apple Music and see zeros, the reality is strong. Lol. I enjoy making music, but Iâm never expecting many if any people to listen to it, but I still put it out there.
I don't think that was the point of this video. It's not that you should only try to make music based on what you think others will like. I would say unless you are writing jingles or something for strictly commercial reasons, most artists write stuff they connect with. It's simply asking yourself why you are making music and what are your goals. I'm sure there are people who only do it for themselves, which makes them happy and that's fine. I'd say that's pretty rare. Most people want recognition and others to like their music. And if you want to actually make a living as a musician, the "only doing if for yourself" mentality won't take you very far.
In its most simplest form, yes I completely agree. This video is much deeper than that though.
yess! it's the reason I started and the reason I'll keep going! I really just like the experience of creating the exact music I want to listen to. but hey, posting music is a great bonus to that too!
A friend gave my CD to the local lo-power FM radio station. Since then it's spread through all of the tri-state lo-power stations and even as far as Israel, Australia, and Russia... that I know of.
Thatâs a good friend right there
Fuck yeah!
What CD?
@@CenterThePendulum i think he meant his music/songs
Iâd love to hear it actually! Iâm from the Tristate myself, NJ, and yeah its hard out here to get your music played or heard out here especially in South JerseyâŠ
Here's my #1 pro tip as a graphic designer that also applies to music: Build a frame in which your music making is only allowed to take place. Another term for this could be "voluntary constraints". In other words, before you even write or play the first note, you have made a conscious decision about the limitations you will apply to the song. This could be choices about which kind of sounds you gonna use, genre, feel etc. This way, you have built a frame that limits the choices you can make when actually writing a track. You could take this even further and make conscious decisions beforehand about which kind of audience the track should be for or for which market. When creating logos, luckily these kind of helpful restrictions are determined by the nature of the business i'm doing a logo for , their core values, their USP, their competition, their market, their customers etc. These predetermined restrictions allow me to not be overwhelmed with the "too many options" paralysis, something that could happen when making art for the sake of art, something logos are not. But you can apply the same idea to any kind of art: Simply set some rules before you even start. Believe me, there's a reason why i call this my #1 tip.
yes, it is correct. This is called style and technique
Have definitely seen this work for visual artists, maintaining a solid aesthetic keeps your stuff recognisable
Quite a long time ago I gave up of external validation and now I just make music for myself and the people who play it with me. Music has become a center point for my social life and personal gratification. Ever since then I have enjoyed making music much more
I will still get family members and friends asking âwhy donât you try to do something with your music?â And my response is twofold:
1) my music is out there for free and my closest friends and family donât even listen to it, the musicians that lay on it donât even really listen to it. If that audience isnât interested then I shouldnât expect the general population to listen
2) why would I want music to be my pain-in-the-ass job? I make what I want when I want, itâs my fulfilling hobby right now and turning professional and playing crowd pleasing music would ruin my therapeutic hobby
My approach isnât for everyone, but I did answer those âwhyâ questions a long time ago and it gives my music purpose and makes it more enjoyable. And as a casual musician, I put quite a bit of hard work and effort into my music, more than many musicians that consider themselves more âseriousâ
Having a direction and a plan sounds like it requires 100% commitment as you said in your other most recent video. I think the fear of commitment keeps me from choosing a direction and making a plan. Thus, as you said, it has become more difficult to find the motivation to make anything new or to finish my tracks. And if I don't change that mindset soon, then, well... I'm running out of time to see the fruition of my years of struggle. Thanks for the poke and dose of reality!
Make a CZcams or/and Soundcloud account with one theme. One style.
Than uploud a Track every week on the same time.
You are now making steps.
I think taking the leap is okay. It can be daunting in both coming up with answers and in creating the following music, but I don't think it's a one way street. You can change your answers and change your overall music-making foundation, and as many times as you want, even when doing so feels (again) daunting. I think maintaining a willing-to-change mindset throughout the process and also using tools like creative constraints (healthy ones, as they can make the process easier), etc. can make everything less stressful and more efficient.
You're speaking facts here. As someone who is a music producer myself, I feel this way. You earned a subscriber.
Speaking the truth and in love mate. This resonates with me so much.
I make music of course for myself but also that my peers will hear and enjoy it as well and plus they motivate me to do better and grow my sound. And definitely for my late dad who instilled a joy for music and really has been healing and another great creative medium that i truly can put focus and effort into learning and growing.
So i totally agree when someone says they make music just for themselves, the motivation wont last long as opposed to a purpose and joy. Thanks as always for your insightful videos that speak what many of us are feeling but cant verbalize. Thank you!
soooooo true! i ask myself similar questions everyday and by doing that i really got my priorities in check! Over the years ive learned that incentivizing my health and family/loved ones and GOING OUTSIDE really improved my musical output/experimentation , as well as my personal sense of direction as an artist. I know what its like to take long studio hours to the extreme, or those days of locking yourself away to just make music for myself. Ive gained so much confidence in myself by proving my versatility in private, but when its all said and done, my audience is just my handful of clients ive built through engineering and producing locally. They might like my music because they like me personally but because i never aimed to entertain a particular group of people with my music i just got caught up in making new stuff all the time and never thinking of the follow up for a proper roll out.
A friend of mine is a pretty successful musician and ive got to pick his brain for hours on end and he made it very clear to me that he knows his target audience and who and what he makes his content for. Its not about making the perfect song that feels the most personal and emotionally immersive, its about setting a goal, running trials , analyzing performance and adding and subtracting variables.
You can kind of look at it like you have to make sacrifices to get success. If your music is very personal to you and you want success as a musician you have to exploit your interests while chasing your dreams before you end up in a situation that exploits YOU!
Stay focused my friends! I believe in you all! :D
No matter if your audience listen to your music or not, staying obsessional to your passion forces you going forwards at all costs.
Yeah, also can be a little toxic. You may fall into the trap of âall execution and no theoryâ never developing or evolving just staying âobsessedâ.
I actually stumbled across you at the crossroads in my music making journey, and just so you know, Iâm one of those people who needed this, so thank you! Iâm having my first single mixed and mastered this week.
I really needed this video today. Thank you for this.
Who is more likely to be content: the artist or the craftsman? True satisfaction comes from the taking on and fulfilling of responsibilities. If you understand that your responsibility as a musician is about mastering your craft, you will find greater success and fulfillment.
Oooohh I love this.
Thank you for this! You eloquently put into words many things I've been feeling lately.
Glad to hear it. Thank you đ
Youâve made some good points. Iâm an underground Greek conscious artist hip-hop artist whoâs 0% successful, and I can say for a certainty that it all comes down to who you know. You can make commercial hip-hop songs till the cows come home, but nothing is going to happen if you donât have contacts. You canât just market yourself online without knowing anyone and without a fan base. It just doesnât work that way. Iâve accepted the fact that Iâm never going to be successful and that conscious hip-hop is only for a chosen few who have ears to hear and eyes to see!
Thanks for the questions and thanks for your honesty. These words that you convey from your truth are very much appreciated.
And I totally agree in all, especially with the question and the final answer.
It's a pleasure to follow you, and your inspirations in feelings and words really resonate with me. Total appreciation.
When you add years, in my case, the current moment of immediacy with music and networks, everything you say makes even more sense. Thanks.
As I always say; we hear each other through this sound universe.đđŸđđŸđ đ¶đđ
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, totally agree with you! Cheers.
I am so glad I find your content man, I really like your honesty and you are not afraid to speak about the problem directly even if someone might get upset about it. Thank you so much it made me realize that I need to simplify my "path" if you will and be consistent with it. I have do couple of styles of music, but only 1-2 which go well together really resonate with me and they feel like they are "my thing". Thank you
Simplicity is generally the best approach to most things.
@@mredrollo Yes, sometimes I am over complicate the process for no reason at all.
Damnit Ed, why are you always right about this? Thank you for your messages of hope!
Sorry! đ
Man. I learn so much from your channel. People really just throw platitudes out there instead of telling the truth.
Life changing. Thank you!
This is a tough but necessary message mr rollo! This is in line with what you said previously about picking a genre and sticking with it. After picking lofi as a genre, my spotify listenership and success has increased tremendously compared to where i was 3 years ago. As creatives, its difficult to swallow limitations, but picking a lane and sticking to it paradoxially can unleash ones creativity! I can attest to it !
Yes, my man! đȘ
100%. I have been struggling with motivation to make music the last few months. I've known it's in part due to a lack of direction, being unable to decide on what to focus on, what direction to go in. I feel the pull in multiple directions. Even when you know it's a problem, the solution is not easy!
Unfortunately, it's not the only problem, but I agree it is among the most important.
nice video mate. this is a really good topic, tks for the honesty.
Thank you
You speak a truth many musicians donât want to hear or arenât ready to hear. Thatâs a rare thing in this space. I always enjoy your reasoned opinions, even when I donât fully agree. I will say that the art-for-artâs-sake thing can be enough for some, if they donât aim to monetize and donât place value on large algorithmic-driven views/sub counts; ârecognitionâ or validation is a relative, often subjective thing. A lot of outsider and fringe musicians are hobbyists who are grateful for the relatively small fan base they have. But you are dead right about this: creators who desire wider recognition and monetary/validation payoff need a focused marketing plan and strategy. I also think some creators need to go through the no-direction, music-for-me stage in order to find their voice and build confidence. Itâs healthy to stumble around in the dark and find your footing before you move toward the light.
Yeah, i fully agree with you here. I've never seen music as a hobby and my channel has been built up around developing yourself as an artist and all the struggles that come from that. There is a burning desire in many of us i believe, but often we take the easy route. It takes a lot of courage and it's not for everyone, but for those who choose that path, I hope this helps đ
@@mredrollo You manage to successfully straddle music educator and music creator roles. You do it as well as anyone, especially the advice/education part. And I loved your last single. Youâre really good at what you do in both realms. Your content has really helped me think and rethink my purpose.
Seriously thoughâŠ. I think the key is picking a lane and sticking to it and FINISHING STUFF. Iâm not a massive famous artist but all of my successes came when I finished something. My shirts and stickers have been spotted five, six, sometimes seven states away. When I play live, I know people know my songs because theyâre singing them back at me. But there have been years where I didnât progress at all and wasnât very happy with where I was in life. And those are the periods where I didnât finish and release anything. Find your voice, even if you think it sounds funny. Record that. And put it out into the world. And work to be a better version of yourself. Be honest. Brutally honest with yourself about how good you are at what youâre doing. It does not matter if youâre doing something so totally outside of whatâs popular as long as youâre doing as much as possible to make it the most kick ass version of that thing.
I loved this it really nailed the quandary on the head. Pity some people are missing the deeper message. Great stuff.
Ahhh itâs inevitable mate! Thanks for the support â€ïž
Thank you for releasing this.. Something that people can 'recognise'.. That cut deep! :)
It felt nice when that just slipped out. Off the cuff vids are beautiful that way đ
Thanks for making this video. Many successful artists only have a few hit songs. It's not easy!
Hits are inevitable when you just focus on doing your thing đȘ
Great points, well communicated!! Bravo!!đđ
Mredrollo,
Thank you for making this video! You make some excellent points and I share several aspects of your musical journey. But, I do not need a plan for my music -- I truly make music for myself. In a perfect world, I would hopefully earn the respect of my musician friends and family. I started out with the goal of creating "Song Sketches" -- thinking that I could play these sketches for a group of musicians in order to spark their creative input. The song framework would quickly evolve as the group's input developed. Beyond this limited group of musicians, I did not care if anyone else listened.
Echoing what you said in your video, "no one cared". I really couldn't get anyone's attention or interest. So much for my efforts!
In the long run, I am able to write music that matters to me. I can write what I want and enjoy the musical exploration.
Thanks again!
Very well said cheers man ! The 5 Ws are always a good key to understanding and developing any artistic projects I guess :)
Oh, which ones did I leave out?
Well said, wanting an audience and successful career as a musician or any other artists requires so many other skills and knowledge, and being able to understand people
Only within the past year or two have I found "my sound"... now I just have to overcome my dislike/hatred for social media.
Great vid, I have written and produced many songs in different genres for most library companies, but the songs I have done for myself that I think are better than the library songs I have never released!!! Itâs due to not having any following. Maybe one day Iâll finally find a way to release them so they get heard.
I know the reason I make music and where I want to go with it. I know how to arrange music that's dynamic and interesting and I can finish a song 90% of the time I start one. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong beyond that. And I'm not saying that everything is perfect and that I don't have more to learn or room to improve. I just don't know how to attract an audience and cultivate a fan base. But I'm also willing to accept that people just don't like what I'm putting out.
A lot of people fail to focus on actually writing a good song. All the production techniques in the world can't make up for a song which has no depth to it. Perhaps focus on song writing, rather than techniques.
It's 100 %, the focus. I don't worry about technique.
I checked your videos, and i TOTALY understand your point of view. (I wish I read that before i put out my pulp fiction-like comment).
First of all, you have to not care. Or at least look like you donât care. If you really want people to like it, follow trends. Better yet, make what you want and stand behind it. Be consistent and be as good at that thing as you possibly can be. And then make yourself work to get better.
To be honest, most music out there is mediocre or annoying. However Woody Allen has said he makes movies as a distraction of the reality that weâre all eventually going to die. So get involved with your music and be busy
Spot on.
If you want to make music for yourself, then you've already succeeded! That's it, done! It can be literally anything you want.
As soon as you complain it's not "doing well" or "being heard" then it's not for you is it! That's a completely separate thing. Adding external success factors as criteria have to inevitably change why it's made in the first place.
I agree 100%. Great video!
Thanks!
I'm the same as you was with the "Just making what ever I wanted" however a substantial amount of My music even 15 years ago was not actually rubbish, I did Hiip Hop, Drum n Bass, Techno, Hard house, trance and even rock music along side and other production. Alot of it sounds good however like you said in a previous video a brand needs focus, no point Me publishing a Trance tune if My brand is supposed be Hiphop or Boombap. Over the years multiple people were completely confused as to what music I make because what I make is so random. If I just do say Boombap then about 90% of My music is never to be published or sold.
This is great to hear mate!
Check out the Wikipedia article on how many brands were under the Tamla/Motown label group. It sounds like you've got at least one more brand in you. đȘ
*When You Give, You Receive*
As Simple As That
thanks for keeping it real
Love the real honest truth. Thank you
I think that most artists/producers need to do the "making music for yourself", making whatever comes out as part of the journey. At some point, if they stick with it then the mindset changes to wondering if there is an audience out there and then tweaking their music, concentrating on a style, genre, or sound as that audience is found. Without the just make stuff though, I think a lot of valuable lessons and self discovery is lost. It s true though that, with time making our own art we find that we need to an audience for it outside of ourselves. Getting recognition from 1,10, 100, 1000 other people helps validate our work and can encourage us to work harder.
Well said!
Every word is right. I made exact the same experiences.
Agree with most of this but I think having good music is only 70% of it. If you don't put the effort into building your "brand" (I hate that word lol) and building genuine connections with other people in the industry it doesn't matter how brilliant of a musician or songwriter you are, because nobody will ever hear you. Also, this kind of shit really fucks with your mental health if you commit to it. Sometimes fucking about with a synth or pedals or whatever just for the sake of it is really important. We have to remember what first made us want to pick up our instrument in order to remain inspired, otherwise we'll be serving other people more than ourselves. Key word here is balance.
Great video, hit up a lot of truths.
Thanks so much.
I approach it with Van Gogh in mind. They may not like it now, but in a few decades. You gotta build it to last.
Very well said! ...just got your self another subscriber! đđ
I really needed to watch this video
This is such a quality video. Exactly where I am currently. I've never been one for structure and we don't always relate the creative process to being organized and having a plan really because its meant to be this natural whatever comes whenever it comes to you thing but in all honesty if you want to be taken seriously you need to take yourself seriously. Its probably one of the best decisions you will ever make if you choose to do that. Thanks for doing these videos I'm gonna go watch the other one you referenced as well. Sub'd.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for truth. YOU ALSO MOTIVATED the real muse in the real musician to push further and to check your goals.
Very interesting!
That's the biggggggest strugle... great video, man!
Welcome đ
Good advice
So many simple truths. Thanks ed⊠You would always get my last rolo! đ
I wonder if they make vegan rolos? đ
I've been playing and writing for 35 years, all as a studious hobbyist...
I'm preparing my life to do a BMus at least in Jazz & Improvisation and composition (a double major of sorts) because i dont want to look back and wonder why didn't I/what if? If I'm going do it I'm going all out.
Great perspective - thanks for the honest truth here.
I hear what you are saying and I understand that for most people recognition is what they want, and direction with a clear vision helps with that but.....
Like masturbation, there is always room for doing things for yourself, and sometimes it feels good!
Even when you do have a clear vision and direction it doesn't guarantee success in the arts, Van Gough only sold one painting while he was alive.
Ultimately we make music for ourselves, because we love it. But there comes a time when we need a greater purpose than "I like music". I mean... who doesn't?
@@mredrollo I have had some moments when I have fallen out of love with it. When it has become a chore and a grind. I think the key is the balance between purposeful motivation to produce a product and doing something you love. Too much focus on either and you end up with either burnout or as mentioned here self indulgent twaddle.
Well, judging by the thumbnail, this info is something I've been knowingđ€Łđ I'll still have a watch though lol
A lot can be said on this topic but Iâd also add early artists can smother the process by being âdifferentâ and the quality of their music.
This was just what I needed to hear right nowâŠ
So glad to hear it â€ïž
When I was about 18, nearly 40 years ago, my musical ambition was to have my music played in public by someone else. It wasn't to be rich or famous. Since then, I've had 3 f my tracks played on BBC Radio here in the UK, which I never thought I could have done. I think the key to having my goal realised was that I just made music for myself. I never tried to make the type of music that other people were making and I never tried to second-guess what I thought people would want.
Congrats mate, thatâs awesome! I have to say though, this clearly states you made music for other people. Your goal was exactly that đ
@@mredrollo Yes. I had always wanted to have other people hear my music. But I always began with the idea that I was making music for myself, with the hope that others would also like it. That's what I meant when I said that I never tried to second-guess what I thought people would want.
@@rocknets what kind of music did you make?
Yes, I hear you. I'm roughly the same age. When I look back over my music endeavors, I feel really proud of what I've done. Enough recognition to validate my efforts and enough reality to know just how much I hate the business side of art/entertainment. In my mid 20s I came to some honest realizations about the scope of my talents and my level of ambition and set a path accordingly. Now at almost 60, I still *love* writing, playing, learning and listening to music. My 'day job' has still been fulfilling and supported me and my family well. Finding that honest balance is key.
@@wadehathawaymusic There's a lot of us about. People who recognise that we aren't going to be pop stars, but still making music part of our lives. It's a fantastic creative outlet that helps keeps my soul well-nourished.
Thanks.
Iâm making music since the early 90s . Still today a true spiritual / motivation booster and nothing is going to change that for the next two decades . All about the music .
The Law of Equivalent Exchange, pretty much sums up the âPlan-Directionâ path.
The law of equivalent exchange simply states that for anything given you must receive something of people with greater value and for anything received or expected you must sacrifice or give something of equal or greater value.
Oh I like this. Is there a good book on this? Sounds like the law of reciprocity also.
@@mredrollo I myself am still researching, iâd really use a book as well sir.
The universe basically accepts us as a conduit, afterwards intensive practice/planning. It is then we musicians develop the âAural imaginationâ, yâknow the way pianists can see every note before hitting.
These things sir, just like us humans were all strategically and systematically designed with intention, we just have to figure out that pattern.
I have NO Clue as Yet ! I am getting somewhere learning guitar not being stopped by anything yet. ALL Good Thanks for this !
It took me about an hour to find your channel! I realised I wasn't subscribed and I searched through 1000+ videos on my watch later list and looked for you on my other CZcams channel I was thinking I need to find this calming dude who looks like a yog and teaches music productiom and finally I found you... Anyways man why did you stop making videos?
Yogi*
Just been focusing on music full time. CZcams can definitely wait! Have a few goals I want to kick, Iâve kicked a couple already but still more on that list.
I've decided to make music for movies
Soundtracks
And ambient music
Where does that leave me ?
I'm still in a tough situation
It is so competitive in that world
You speak the truth man
Nothing but đȘ
I'm getting 5 likes for my weekly music on FB... Happy and fine with that :D After all if I can make one heart smile it is worth it...Isn't it? :D Great vid, subscribed
Yea I donât think these topics are mutually exclusive. Just because one makes music for themselves doesnât mean itâs not going to do well business wise and visa versa.
Excellent video brother đ€ , for those who havenât seen like any progress creating what they like
Iâll suggest jumping on some trends occasionally!
Like if you have 5 working days in a week , spend 4 working on what you like and 1 day for what people need , that way youâll have atleast some content ready which has potential to go viral overnight.
Once something goes âviralâ , you can introduce your own music to people and itâll motivate you even more to make more music.
Also learn marketing your music as itâs an essential skill to have as an independent artist :)
In the end , iâll say , just keep making music and posting regularly , donât get demotivated with numbers as when your time will come , youâll get more than what you imagine đ€
Our job as an artist is to create art and occasionally jump on trends cuz we can ;)
Hope everyone whoâs reading this comment gets recognised for their unique and lovely work đ
Stay positive đ€
I feel you on some points but I actually make music because I just love to make music. never once did it for fans or money or to be heard or recognized. music always has and always will be a release for me. I don't do it for you or anyone else that decides to listen. im grateful for the people that do of course. its a great feeling when someone appreciates your work but its silly to put everyone in this phantom box you speak of
Like I said, itâs a divisive discussion đ
Surely the 1st musicians that ever existed did it because they were trying to build their brand right? Lol
I'm not attached to recognition.
I see a lot of what you're saying and it has merit but it all hinges on that attachment.
I don't find that to be a good motive for making music and I'm someone who really, really struggles with making music.
I can't afford to have that extra burden if neediness.
That said, I also have an innate ability to do stuff that just works and I know a lot of people don't have that.
And I do accept there are parallel markets for covers and pop and dross on the one hand and those few listeners looking for heartfelt expression on the other.
I am, very late in life, finding ways to balance those things but recognition is only a necessary evil. It will never be a goal for me, just part of the process. I don't need to feel special, I just need to do what I was put here to do.
If my accountant needs to feel special, I'll find another accountant.
Yes, this is the truth. Think more and ask yourself a bunch of "why"s. Music is not all fun and play. It's also feeling, but your feeling has to evolve. I watched interviews of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from ABBA. 1. Andersson ( the composer ) said that he was going everyday in the studio, even in stressful days, even alone, to allow himself to feel the "employee" feeling, and he didn't just bathe in the blaze of stardom. He continually went through Bach scores in search for new ideas. 2. Ulvaeus ( the lyricist ) said that many other musicians are searching for an idea first, lyrics first, and only later the music arrangement. Only, he did the opposite : Inspired by Benny's arrangements, he later wrote the lyrics. They even have a song titled : I Let the Music Speak.
Ahhh sounds like a great interview, I'll have to check it out!
@@mredrollo Not sure, but I think it's this one : czcams.com/video/PXXD4MeowIs/video.html
Yeah, that's true. It is so much work, too much for just having fun for yourself. If It was like that, I would be fine playing guitar one or two hours every two or three weeks. I get a little jealous about EDM producers, when the first sketch of their ideas ends up with a full production, and I need a full day only for programming the drums. I make a sketch of my song and then a demo, then a preproduction and finally THE production itself and I am still not happy with it when it ends up sounding like any random artist xyz. But since I am developing a specific style for me that gives me a frame and guidance (even when the process is not finished), it takes away a lot of brainwork and doubts. This and my progress in mixing gave me the amount of energy that I need to carry on with it. Now I am over 50 so I do not expect to get famous anymore, but beeing recognized still is my goal. Hope that my mixing skills reach the needed quality level when I am ok with what I found as "my" style of music.
Itâs not about getting famous at all. Just having your music appreciated by someone else. Keep going mate.
Man, I paint, write and make music almost all of my life and I'm 56 now. And I do it for myself, and I'm very happy this way. You know, I had a teacher when I was sixteen who told me I should quit painting because I didn't have enough ambition and discipline hahaha. Well, from all those disciplined , who worked so hard, (so not like me I only do it when I enjoy it) how many are still creating stuff now.... you think? Because if fame ore recognition is your drive and it dousn't work out, what's gonna be your drive then? You have your opinion but I don't agree. There are artist who died unknown and became known later, there are others who where known while alive and who are forgotten. In the end it will all be forgotten. For me the importance of my creativity can't be judged by others, it's a personal religious act. If others enjoy it that's fine with me, if not so what? For me art is all freedom, I'm simply a playing child. I had a million jobs, and they gave me kinds of inspiration I wouldn't have being only occupied with music. Why should I feel important? The purest art is made by children and if their mom or friend like it that's enough for them, and they forget it and go on with life..... I stay fresh, don't want to suffer while playing... the feeling of having no fixed goal is the endless source of energy for međŒ and you can't know If my music will be heard man!..........đThere's no formula for the success so many people are desperately looking for,.... but you can try to sell it here and hope it works for you, get more views, feel right,...etc....EGO STUFF... why the hell should someone care about my creations? If somebody does, fantastic! If not,.... well the most joyful and important part is already gone... CREATING !
Nailed it! I couldn't have written it better and it's exactly how I feel about the subject.
I have tried to create art and poetic songs, BUT. I always try and use the paramaters that I think will make it resonate with an audeience.
Nice
Part 1: Hello mredrollo! I'm a year late to add my two cents to this video. But.. better late than never.. So, I read through all 317 comments and listened to the video 4 times. Your message is reaching musicians from all over the spectrum, so there are many different entry points concerning how musicians will wrap their heads around this subject philosophically. First off I want to say that I agree with you as it pertains to the general statement you seem to be making with this video. Basically, if a musician knows what kind of music they're making, how they're going to make it and why they're making it, then they have a direction. A direction is paramount because, as you said, without it, a musician is not going to be productive and will likely make less music with less quality for probably less time as well.. The person will probably fall well short of reaching their full potential musically in this scenario⊠And that person may just walk away from music for months or years at a time⊠maybe forever.. "giving up" on music all together. Many have done this, and many will continue to do it. For some, it's part of their journey, to get involved with music deeply, not have a vision for what, how and why their doing it, and just "fall off".. Some will be bitter and blame the "system".. Some will accept that maybe they just weren't cut out for it.. For some, the timing was never right because of something called "real life" ⊠So, as I said, I agree with the main message of your video. Here's the beginning of my two cents. Because all musicians are evolving, and all are in process, and some are a lot more immature as people and musicians compared to others, that there will be musicians, who may try to incorporate the "What", "How" and "Why" construct that you've specified in your video, who will never be able to answer those three basic questions. A musical "identity crisis" so to speak. Because not all musicians, or people, are created "equal". As at least one other commentor stated, some people, are not musicians, but they love music on a level that they desperately want to be musicians. So, with the tools that we have nowadays, they jump out there and want to claim to their friends and family that they are a musician or a producer or whatever. And.. inevitably they run into issues and they may second guess what they are doing and eventually "bow out". Now, if you're reading this and you think that I may be talking about you, there's no reason to be concerned. Over time, with self-reflection and basic trial and error, the answer will be clear as to what you should do in time. Sometimes it might be the right choice, even if a person is a highly skilled and talented musician, to walk away from music for a time.. Or maybe forever as well. There's no written rule or agreed upon paradigm that says that just because someone is wired up with the right genes to be the next musical genius, that the person "should" go forward pursuing music at all costs. Sometimes there are costs that can't be paid in this life. Life is unjust at its core. Imagine how many beautiful, talented, amazing people's lives were cut short because of a whole host of circumstances that were beyond their control. And you and I are no better than them..
Steven Pressfield's "Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit" is in a similar vein and well worth a look. In fact all his books are great.
I want to read his shit
Oh wow, I've only read the War of Art and Turing Pro, this one sounds great though! Thank you! đ
We can never become truly influential as artists, until we learn that sarcasm will lead us to success so much faster than a hit recording.
What unheard musicians all seem to agree on, if they never met each other or anyone else...every one I've ever met has thought about all of these things their entire lives. After all that, they must be ready by now.
Dead on!
Hope you've been well man, I miss seeing your videos in my feed. Have you been able to check out Ableton 12?
Doing well mate. Just focusing on other areas of life đ Iâll be back though. Soon I think.
@@mredrolloglad to hear it!
Most people are in love with being rich and famous, not music. No vision, no direction, just the hunger for recognition and nothing to say.
But theres nothing wrong with having a dream.
Totally agree, but there are a few points missing, like how to build a story.
I wasted about 20 years just churning out song after song, playing in 3-5 bands at a time, putting random songs on bancamp with under random names. Finally realized I was doing it wrong about a month ago and now I am so much more focused. I can't wait to get this motor running and see where it takes me. Good luck everyone!
Hello. I'm music producer from Ukraine and I'm start making some progres only in last couple years, but I'm almost 32 now đ„Č But now I'm think about my music not only just for something creative but like about product and learn how to prepare and sell it. But its still harder and harder.
No ones heard my music hardly and I'm happy as Larry. I hear a lot of producers and music creators on you tube say they 're not fulfilled because they struggle to finish songs and I think its because they aren't really writing songs - they're creating ideas by getting a groove or a beat going first and then after the initial creative spark they run out of ideas and end up throwing in some lyrics that just fit a melody but have no deep personal meaning. I've stopped writing songs now after many years at it as I've got too many. I've probably written 160 - 170 songs and out of that I'd say about 30 - 40 are really worth recording and producing. What I've learned is that If it's a good song it can hold its own with just one instrument like a piano/guitar and a voice and when you play it live if it's any good people in the audience will stop what they're doing and tune in. That's been enough for me so far. I'd rather reach ten real people in a pub or at an open mic then 10,000 virtual people on the internet.
Youâre happy as Larry, but have also given up, which is a shame. You might surprise yourself if you produced those 30-40 songs đ€
@@mredrollo Thanks man - believe it or not that's what I'm doing atm - learning some production skills, re-making tracks, so that I can do those songs - I'm enjoying it but it's a totally different world to just writing, all part of the journey though. Really like what you talk about on your channel- keep on making great content - I reckon it's helping a lot of people :)
"I make music for me." That's something I don't hear via producer Twitter. Plenty of "beat makers" making beats and hustling "this sample pack is available beatstars...."
However, there was something I thought about the other day: "The art is the process, not the product." I even tweeted about it during a conversation, having pondered it for months.
Good to see you back in my subs notifications!
It may be likely that a person who doesn't seek audience building doesn't have goals, but if such a person has goals outside of building an audience, you'd never find out about it.
creatives with ADHD (like, all of them?), need to hear this. I think of myself as a genre hopping butterfly, crosspolenizing styles as long as my attention is interested in them, but in reality I'm more like a moth, constantly flapping around in the dark repeatedly banging my head against the light of my own expansive, but unfocussed creativity.
I think your opening line about taking the time to set up, but tripping over the light was a bit of an unintended metaphor.
I had that reconnection moment with myself after feeling like "gosh, I really suck at this, nobody cares," but that's on me. If not even the music artist themselves listen to their own music, why should THEY expect others to listen to their tracks?
And ultimately, not only did I discover how my tastes changed since last listening to every last track I had on the channel, but I discovered that I'm not particularly bad, but what's keeping me from making "enjoyable" music than just "decent" is mostly the lack of impact.
That is the step I will need to address in my own music, and simple marketing, even if just sharing with some people you know or on a discord server.
Ultimately, when reconnecting with my music, I also discovered why most people will probably never listen to it: it's rhythm game music. Very hard to market music that has borderline no real genre, is inspired by asian rhythm/music games that never get played on the radio. Not only do most tracks sound different, you need to give them your uninterrupted time to just relax, enjoy, and probably get hyped if it's a hyper-fast song. The most likely place you'll manage to get that combination of circumstances is when they're playing YOUR track that's been selected to debut in a rhythm game.
The people who know will know how to get featured and leave the outsiders in the dust. In the end, if I don't really get much because of my incompetence, I can be happy I just sat down and did something instead of making excuses. I noticed this is what's holding back most people who want to make music. "Oh, you gotta know music theory," "You need this sick DAW and buy all this equipment, and" shut up for a minute...
And create with what you have.
GLTA
Thanks for sharing mate!
In Creating Art for yourself the idea is if you have good taste and make music you yourself like - then automatically some others will also like it. Maybe a few, maybe a million - but some people will.
IMO the real issue is many musicians dont have good taste and sometimes think their bad music is good.
Lets face it - if its good - you could play it on a street corner and people would want to hear more or maybe buy it. - Or put it on youtube and the same thing. If its good - even if only 2 or 3 or 5 people hear it at first - it will spread. If it aint spreading - write something else - and be sure you like it - Cuz why would you expect others to like it if you dont?
Or I could be totally wrong. Im still trying too.
Wow, this damaged me lmaoo but this is all true. Thank you for this!
Haha fair call. All the best mate.
Very interesting video. In the end it's all about the sense recognition we get from outside, success in the music market is a representation of that. Most of us need that next to self recognition. Since we are human beings there is no single formula of course. The spectrum varies from people who are complete emotionally involved in the process - and want to see that investment reflected in the world around them - , to people who can dive into it detached with a clear focus on the goal or people who are perfectly happy just making a track that nobody else will hear, all of them have value. There is use in just making music for the sake of it in that you can craft your creating skills. The presenting it to the world phase is another form of creativity and craft in its own right. A lot of creative people don't have the complete package. Usually they lack the complementary skills that make the whole package successful so maybe it's also time to realise that not everything can be done completely on your own. Look for help to bring your songs to the next level. Take in advice, work with other creatives. Work as a team. And be honest to yourself if you are the really type of person that wants to dive into that type of process. It's okay if you are not, then another path might work better for you. A little bit of luck is also necessary. To release stuff at the right time, through the right channels, to connect with people that want you to succeed etc. Most of the time what you deeply want is just a small step further beyond that horizon of where you feel have already done all that you can do . Don't give up.
Truth is, the music business is over. it's been over for a long time now. Like any other business, it works on "supply and demand". In the 1960's there was a short supply and high demand, then came the Beatles. Bands sold vinyl records, they toured to support those record sales and got radio airtime. Fast forward to today, the supply side is over saturated, and demand has plummeted. People can get music for free over the internet, mp3's etc. Record labels don't care, they let it all happen. They only care about money. Streaming? you'd make more selling a t-shirt. it's over. So what can you do? Play, create, record for yourself as a form of artistic expression, a therapy of sorts. Because it really doesn't matter whether people hear it or not. The odds of winning the music business lotto are so astronomical, and even if you could win the downside of fame is so lame, you wouldn't want it anyway. So just create for the art of it.
I really like your video style, it always draws me in to watch the entire thing. But you keep leaving us hanging. What exactly was the point of this, and what are the solutions? The videos are more like commentaries on music, no actual solid advice or direction. I agree with what you're saying, just not to sure why you're bothering to say it if you don't have any guidance.
Perhaps we all want spoon fed solutions to our problems. Iâm not here to do that, but rather recognise the problem so we can navigate the solutions to it our selves. â5 tips to get your music heardâ type videos make me want to puke. So I hope you appreciate my style in that it involves a little more effort and personal responsibility to read between the words and really understand the message. Glad you keep coming back for more though đ
@@mredrollo Yup, cool I understand, and I'm behind you. Perhaps a little direction might help? Read this book, follow this guy, watch this video etc? I dunno, Im all for being literal, but there needs to be some kind of payoff for watching else we might as well just read the thumbnail and call it a day.
Oh and not just in music btw. People dont realize how much energy , love and time you put at building something and so frustrating they dont even say a word, like thank you or well done.
I keep music as a hobby