“I think it’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations. If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” --David Bowie
Great quote that I often come back to. It’s interesting to me that if you combine this quote with another thing David said in the same interview- that you should never play to the gallery- he was basically describing two key components of achieving flow. I don’t think that was intentional on Bowie’s behalf, it was something he knew from experience. If you are intrinsically motivated, slightly out of your comfort zone and ideally getting some kind of feedback from an audience as David was from very early on, then you are setting up the conditions to get the most enjoyment out of your creative process for your own sake, regardless of commercial/ mainstream success.
At first I was starting to get a bit triggered when he said that the world doesn't need any more music or musicians but then shortly after he proceeded to really blow my mind and say one of the most beautiful and inspiring monologue I've heard
Hi Maayan384, we're happy to hear you sat through your initial feelings and were inspired by Steven's words :) A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, what kind of music do you make? Take care, and have a lovely week :)
It is true basically - we have decades of great music to search thru for what we like, and new bands often sound like something from the past - here comes Steven's advice - embrace what makes you different :-)
Yeah, this resonated with me. You’ve gotta be happy with the reality that no one else may ever enjoy your music. You’ve got to please yourself first and enjoy the process.
A legend speaking words of wisdom. Thank you Hack music theory for bringing in such a marvelous musician. Next up we need a Porcupine tree breakdown, but before that Tea ☕.
Hi Arjun, great to see you, we hope this finds you well! Happy to hear you enjoyed this one, and definitely stay tuned for our upcoming PT tutorials ;) Take care and we'll see you soon!
Wise words from Steven. You know, Devin Townsend has had longevity in his career, and he too embraced the unusual side of his writing. He now has a huge fan base and is one of the most original artists out there. Nobody sounds like him. Same goes for Steven Wilson. The man is brilliant!
Same goes for Buzzo from Melvins, Kirk Windstein from Crowbar and Dylan Carlson from Earth. Not everybody will be into drone and sludge metal, but they're innovation has kept them afloat for the last three decades
Hey Wesley, thanks for stopping by, happy this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Hi Mike, great to see you again, we're happy you enjoyed our new video :) We absolutely agree, music is a wonderful gift! Thank you for sharing Mike, and we wish you a lovely upcoming weekend :)
He is so right! I recently took up an instrument again after years of not playing or writing any music. And although right now I am dealing with a movement disorder from long term psych med use and have had to put it down again, I also have re- started drawing and a few other interests that I do purely to express my troubling thoughts and emotions, which is really satisfying to me. I also meditate/pray in order to connect with the universe and the dead.
Hi Carol, thanks for watching and connecting, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're happy to hear this connected with you, although we're sorry to read about your health. We pray that you recover quickly and are able to play and make music again soon :) Take care and talk soon :)
Carol you say meditate and connect with the dead? do you mean freeing yourself of resistance thoughts and raising your frequency so you can access non physical? X
Carol, thanks for sharing that. We are all alone, but we are alone in company :-) I'm up to much of the same things - it's almost intuitive, nothing to achieve or prove. Kind of like a like a bird taking care of its feathers... Natural, no guidance essentially needed
This reminds me of the quote by Vincent van Gogh; 'If you hear a voice within you saying, “You are not a painter,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.' Even if you suck at the artform or style you've chosen, if it makes you happy, do it anyway!
There's actually so much great music from last decades to catch up and not enough time - while most of today's music seem to be not that appealing to me, it's outstanding musicians like Steven making some difference.
This is a good thing to hear. I've been struggling to get into sync licensing and most of the time I get ZERO responses even after follow-up emails. When I do get responses it's usually "That sounds too old, there's too much lead instrumentation, you don't have enough risers/downers at these specific points, not enough of your song fits the grid where we can edit it, on and on and on...Dang it, this isn't fun anymore. Dust gathers on the synths. I've forgotten the cool key commands in my DAW. HEY! screw all that. I'm going to do what's FUN again!
Woohoo!! That' super exciting, Sherpa Cast, we're cheering you on! Music making should be fun, not made to please other people :) Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you! Take care and have a lovely weekend :)
I think it is great what tools we have these days - youtube and other platforms anyone can publish their work on. So yes, do what you feel is right and if it sounds good to your ears, put it online :-) will you make living by doing this? Probably not. Will you have fun? Most probably :-)
Happy to hear you enjoyed the music/Steven combo, pras vasu :) A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, what kind of music do you make? We hope you enjoy the new album, and be sure to stay tuned for more from Steven!
@@HackMusicTheory Thank you for your comment. I just turned 30 and have no formal training in music. So wanted to start with a computer eg. making IDM (a la Aphex Twin) sort of stuff, since it contains rhythm design also. For now, focus on composition over songwriting. Or even atmospheric ambient (like Richard Barbieri or Brian Eno). Hope to make some recreational Prog Rock (like my favorite bands PTree, Floyd, Tool, King Crimson, Radiohead etc.) after some songwriting literacy.
Not just music, but every form of entertainment. I have more books, songs, films, shows or games than time/will to dedicate to them. And the list never-stops-growing
I cannot agree more with these sentiments. I have come to music late on in life. It is no coincidence that this has occurred soon after I accepted myself as a transgender woman. Music has found me and it will be through music that I tell my story and my journey through life to this moment. I will have to tell it my way. Thank you for posting this video. Love to you all, Elsa
Hi Elsa, we're happy to hear you enjoyed our new video! What kind of music do you make? Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, and until next time, take care :)
To paraphrase the marvellous Suzie Collier, I doesn’t matter what stage in your life you choose to have adventures in music so long as you bring enthusiasm. All the very best to you on your journey, good lady.
@@HackMusicTheory Hi, I am trying not to put myself in a pigeon hole at this time. I have always had an eclectic taste in music and this is being reflected in the type of music I am writing. At the moment I am drawn to hybrid orchestral. As I am still early in my learning I find myself wanting to taste everything 😺. I am putting a portfolio together that will consist of 4 pieces. 1 will be orchestral, 1 will be orchestral hybrid, 1 will be ambient and 1 will be metal. Being a former avid gamer, this is also influencing my choices at this stage. It is a joy to be part of this wonderful community, thank you 🙏 Elsa
Thanks for sharing, Elsa! We love that you're exploring and have a great goal to work towards :) We wish you all the best and are cheering you on 100%!
This man has touched so many lives in such a big way, hearing him speak its amazing how humble he is about his career. I know personally that without P/T my teen years would have gone alot worse. Thank you Steven, for your works, and for your music.
LOVE these wise words. In a world so filled with people doing what you do… it relieves the burden of songwriting and makes it something to do only because YOU want to do it. Love that.
Hey Maurice, thanks big time for stopping by, we're happy to hear Steven's words resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
This is the most important stuff about creating. no matter what... music, pictures, sculptures.....this is what I love about creating. everyone who understand that- win happiness. cheers to all creative humans ;)
Hey gentileschi, thanks so much for stopping by! Happy to hear this resonated, and we totally agree with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we wish you a wonderful week ahead!
I make music because after I finish it and listen to it while I'm making lunch or washing dishes I think 'Wow, that sounds great.' It should sound great to me. I had a plan for it to sound the way I like, and I followed that plan. I don't know if anyone else will like it much, but I'm retired and financially secure, so I just make the music I like and I'll still be OK tomorrow if it never sells.
That's very kind, Catalina :) Thanks for watching, we'd love to know what kind of music you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
That is so true. There are enough copies of copies of copies of successful songs in the marketplace. But is that interesting? Of course not. The question is, what is your personality about? What is your creativity about? Then it gets interesting. Trying to become a star is boring. Trying to be yourself, unique as you are, is always the best you can do, for music and for yourself. I don't listen to the radio anymore, I only listen to things hidden in the undiscovered places of the internet. That's where the treasure can be found.
Happy to hear this resonated with you, tcrijwanachoudhury :) Do you make music? Thanks for stopping by and connecting, we're wishing you a fantastic weekend!
Hey Glen, thanks for watching and connecting! What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Very well put. This eye-opening advice is actually applicable to most other fields. You have to bring something unique to whatever your craft is. That is the only way to stand out and survive in a world where there is an oversupply of most things.
I started to listen to Steven Wilson since 4 years ago or so. Since then he has been a big inspiration for me and some of his songs reminds me of certain moments in my life. Specially The Raven That Refuse To Sing, which reminds me the lost of my dog Blacky, a dog who lived in my family for about 12-14 years. I defenitely can see what he's saying on this video at his own songs. The things that the mainstream audience would hate cause it's too complex for them to listen to, but makes his songs so unique and special. I love the unusual time signatures, the chromaticisms, the time and tone modulation and his way of showing feeling in his compositions.
I really really agree with this. There is a billion songs that are fairly cookie cutter and a million artists making them. But there is only one you. Find your own unique and quirky musical voice and dedicate yourself to honing it. The world doesn’t need any more conventional music, but it will always need the authentic and new.
Thank you Steven Wilson for this advice. In a world where everything has become questionable one may question the reason for making music by himself. In an overwhelming complex world it's the only way to express yourself if you have the urge to do so. If no one is listening to it, who cares? It's about you not about the other ones.
Hey Michael, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! We're happy this one resonated with you :) We're wishing you a lovely weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Well said! I'm one of those musicians -- it's like I need to write songs in order to feel normal, or sane, or something (I can't fully articulate it!). Because I'm still learning new things; get excited about them, and want to explore using those ideas. Because making music, for me and we like-minded musicians, is essential; like food and water.
You know what's the best thing about Wilson he have worked a lot ,A fantastic list of songs, albums but no ego, no criticism that's a pure soul. Cheers for the love of music🎶.
For the first twenty seconds of this video I was shaking my head and formulating my rebuttal, thinking, "People DON'T make music because the World needs more music; people who make music do so because THEY NEED TO MAKE MUSIC." That's not exactly where you took this, but we agree that making music isn't about what anyone else needs!
I totally agree with everything Steven says here. I have put out a ton of stuff using Distrokid. I get plays from all over the world, but I could honestly say that I do it for me. I never have any expectation that anyone will find or hear it. Otherwise, that could be crushing if no one listened or bought the product you are putting out into the world. I started during COVID and it kept me sane. Now, I find the home studio very rewarding even with live session possible. Good luck everyone, and follow your heart and just do it.
Sure enough, I see this at precisely the same time that I'll finally starting to create my own music with some extra help from a friend who is a beautifully quirky experimental musician! This solidifies for me that making music that makes me happy is more important than pleasing some corporate shill who only cares about profits.
Steven Wilson is an asbolute legend. I only know a single song of his as a solo artist and a couple from Porcupine Tree. I don't need to listen to more, they have insane staying power.
Steven said this to me, because I'm at the very beginning of this path. I understand that my music will be a total non-format, but I'm unable to change anything. And I will definitely try to do something under the influence of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson.
Hi Andrey, thanks so much for stopping by! Happy to hear this resonated, be sure to stay tuned for more from Steven :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Awesome, Andrey, thanks for sharing! We recently did a tutorial you might find interesting on how to make polymetric drum beats: czcams.com/video/08hmJd1BVKk/video.html. And here's a couple others on odd time signatures: czcams.com/video/bTkhr2HmDmo/video.html & czcams.com/video/-BpGQo8CSyA/video.html We wish you all the best with your music making, Andrey, and hope to see you around again soon :)
100% agree. It's easy to observe, and simulate the formulaic sound that's repeatedly playing on the radio bashing your subconscious. If you are yourself, I find the people listening are there for you with authenticity.
Aww, thank you Fernando, that's super kind :) How's your music making/ theory learning going these days? Many blessings and we wish you a fantastic weekend! Kate :)
Thanks! This is the reality and I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I had to stop producing music for about 8 years because of kids and work. Got back into it last year and the web is absolutely flooded with music. It wasn’t easy 8 years ago, but the situation today is a lot worse. Now, lucky me that I just love making music so much, so I’m making it more for myself. One thing you said really resonated with me - “do the things that are all wrong”.
Funny thing, Ive been making music for myself since I was a kid and have zero compulsion to share it. But it plays a great part in my life, I enjoy listening, finding that I can replicate things I like and twist and shape it... sometimes I've put myself to sleep just by strumming a few chords, hares in my yard never run away when I play ... don't learn anything to become something .. just play ... play play play that's enough.
This is the most beautiful, inspiring and moving thought about music making I've heard in a while, and I've found it just when I needed the most. Thanks life for this.
Hey Stuart, thanks for stopping by, we're happy to hear Steven's words resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Hey Guglielmo, thanks for stopping by, happy to hear this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
@@HackMusicTheory I love classical, progressive of course, but also rock from 50 to modern, metal but not too brutal, Frank Zappa and all of the ideas he leave to us about music; now I stop a bit my ride, I was making a one man band project play some blues and rock and roll, easy way, but at 50yo I take books in my hand for study sperimental music start with John Cage and some other, the road is long and I try to find new way to express my emotion. I see the other video :) but thanks, it's nice to see what a great musician like Steven want to share with us.
Thanks for sharing, Guglielmo, that's awesome that you're digging deeper, learning and experimenting with your music making! We also love a huge variety of genres, but we listen to a lot of Bach :) A very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, Guglielmo, we're cheering you on with your music making journey!
I have been saying for a longtime there is a vast well of music sitting there that young artist just ignore thousands of songs already written waiting to be reimagined reinvented . The main difference between the song quality of the past decades and the current decade is the songs from the last decades come from living the experience as a real musician treading the stage playing with other musos Paying your dues understanding what it means to give yourself to the music spirits . Making music in your bedroom on a computer will never get you there .
Yea Steve you are right on it. You keep doing what you do. I discovered you back in the early 2000 and I will be 60 in August and you have been ever since my favorite song writer.
the reversed sychology used by these guys is perfect ...gut me gud ...loooooool i was like what ...then it quickly turn to my favor so jah ...bravo guyz ...
I’m glad Steven didn’t go mainstream because it allowed his music to stay unique and not be influenced by what is “popular”. Porcupine Tree to me are one of the greatest bands as a result
There's so much music, and I mean music and not mass produced hooks, we will never discover all of it in our lifetimes. That's precious, and unprecedented in human history. At least if you consider how accessible all the music actually is, we still don't have the time, soul or heart to properly enjoy it all. It's a never ending source of so much beauty, and if that won't bring you lifelong solace and cheer, I fear you either dislike music, doesn't understand music or are deaf. And I, for one, would choose going blind over going deaf any day.
Hi Debapriya, thanks so much for stopping by, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community :) We were definitely honoured to chat with Steven, as he's a very busy man! Ray and Steven used to be neighbours in London, and have kept in touch over the years, as they share a mutual respect for one another. Did you see our newest vid from the interview? czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html Stay tuned for more from the interview! Thanks again for connecting, and we wish you a lovely weekend! Kate :)
I needed to hear this, especially the beginning! Music keeps me going even though I turn away from it due to so many reasons and this video was a very needed wakeup call to embrace what makes me feel alive and what makes me want to be alive
The people world doesn't get to hear some of the best music because they won't even stop to listen. People are like fish now, swimming around in a big sea, looking for little bits of detritus they can gobble up. You need a hook and some bait to catch them. I give my music back to the the ones who give the inspiration. They mostly exist outside of (or in spite of) the noisy world and have feathers or fur or leaves.
Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by! We totally agree with you about the album :) What kind of music do you make? Stay tuned for more vids from our interview with Steven, and until then, take care!
I expressed that same sentiment to someone years ago, that there is too much music. It’s increasingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I think a part of the problem is that there is too much meaningful music, or people imagining that expressing their feelings is enough.
Wonderfull advise, I’ve been doin just that for years and no one cares for my music, at all, but me. Thanks. Because I care and what I do is important if only for me.
That's beautiful, thank you for sharing Frank, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make for yourself? Take care, and we wish you a lovely weekend :)
Hi Terry, thanks for watching, happy to hear this resonated with you! What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Love this vid! It's a breath of fresh air after the guitar tubers went on that submitted song reviewing kick last year that drove me nuts. They were hell bent on teaching random people how to make songs with commercially acceptable structure by picking apart all the submitted songs and complaining every time there wasn't vocals. Basically a how to make generic songs course. Honestly felt like pointless lazy content every time I watched it because I'm pretty sure anyone that's ever listened to a song on the radio knows basic structure, and if they aren't using it in their songs it's probably intentional. Just let people write whatever they want, odds are no one is going to listen to it anyway so you might as well write whatever makes you happy. Most of it will be crap and you'll likely know yourself when it is, but innovation will inevitably happen by not conforming to every generic songwriting standard. Just have fun and enjoy making whatever music you want.
Hi Ben! Thanks big time for stopping by and sharing your thoughts :) We'd love to know what kind of music you're into? Wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published a video on song structure, from our interview with Steven. We think you'll dig it: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Hey John, thanks for watching and connecting! What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Hey SkipperCS, thanks for stopping by, happy to hear this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
►Watch all the Steven Wilson videos in this series: czcams.com/video/ziKYBFki3kI/video.html
Thanks Ray and Kate for drawing our attention to Steven Wilson's videos.
@justletmepostthis I barely landed the 48 hours.
The reverb in Steven's voice is naturally occurring.
Haha, indeed :) Thanks for stopping by, Calamus, what kind of music do you make?
Take care and have a great rest of your week!
It's a natural phenomena 🤣🤣🤣
Steven Wilson is the most well known underrated musician ever.
Steven Wilson is the most musician ever. 😉
Hi Steve, thanks so much for stopping by, and stay tuned for more from Steven :) We wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Just found Steven a few months ago. I’d been missing out!
Krautrock,Spliff,Rush,Miles Davis,Frank Zappa ,Freddie Mercury,Yes ,King Crimson and Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree!!!Wonderful!!!!!
@@sidnew2739 Not only that, he's also one of the musicians of all time.
“I think it’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations. If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” --David Bowie
Great quote that I often come back to. It’s interesting to me that if you combine this quote with another thing David said in the same interview- that you should never play to the gallery- he was basically describing two key components of achieving flow. I don’t think that was intentional on Bowie’s behalf, it was something he knew from experience. If you are intrinsically motivated, slightly out of your comfort zone and ideally getting some kind of feedback from an audience as David was from very early on, then you are setting up the conditions to get the most enjoyment out of your creative process for your own sake, regardless of commercial/ mainstream success.
Ugh I feel that with every fiber of my being.
I agree with that so Hard. Feel it in my soul. Wow. That man.
Never saw this
Thank you.
Bowie was a very, very intelligent man.
At first I was starting to get a bit triggered when he said that the world doesn't need any more music or musicians but then shortly after he proceeded to really blow my mind and say one of the most beautiful and inspiring monologue I've heard
Hi Maayan384, we're happy to hear you sat through your initial feelings and were inspired by Steven's words :) A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, what kind of music do you make? Take care, and have a lovely week :)
It is true basically - we have decades of great music to search thru for what we like, and new bands often sound like something from the past - here comes Steven's advice - embrace what makes you different :-)
Yeah, this resonated with me. You’ve gotta be happy with the reality that no one else may ever enjoy your music. You’ve got to please yourself first and enjoy the process.
A legend speaking words of wisdom. Thank you Hack music theory for bringing in such a marvelous musician. Next up we need a Porcupine tree breakdown, but before that Tea ☕.
Hi Arjun, great to see you, we hope this finds you well! Happy to hear you enjoyed this one, and definitely stay tuned for our upcoming PT tutorials ;) Take care and we'll see you soon!
Wise words from Steven. You know, Devin Townsend has had longevity in his career, and he too embraced the unusual side of his writing. He now has a huge fan base and is one of the most original artists out there. Nobody sounds like him. Same goes for Steven Wilson. The man is brilliant!
Same goes for Buzzo from Melvins, Kirk Windstein from Crowbar and Dylan Carlson from Earth. Not everybody will be into drone and sludge metal, but they're innovation has kept them afloat for the last three decades
Hey Wesley, thanks for stopping by, happy this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
I don’t even make music but I feel I can extrapolate this onto my drawing! I am glad tha I found this video
Happy to hear it, natodraht! Have a great weekend :)
This upload means everything to me. Music has given me so much throughout my life. I have never thought to attempt to monetise it.
Hi Mike, great to see you again, we're happy you enjoyed our new video :) We absolutely agree, music is a wonderful gift! Thank you for sharing Mike, and we wish you a lovely upcoming weekend :)
@@HackMusicTheory thank you and the same to you two too!
Okay Steven Wilson you've just changed my whole perception of making music. Thanks to this channel for sharing this brilliant moment.
He is so right! I recently took up an instrument again after years of not playing or writing any music. And although right now I am dealing with a movement disorder from long term psych med use and have had to put it down again, I also have re- started drawing and a few other interests that I do purely to express my troubling thoughts and emotions, which is really satisfying to me. I also meditate/pray in order to connect with the universe and the dead.
Hi Carol, thanks for watching and connecting, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're happy to hear this connected with you, although we're sorry to read about your health. We pray that you recover quickly and are able to play and make music again soon :) Take care and talk soon :)
Carol you say meditate and connect with the dead? do you mean freeing yourself of resistance thoughts and raising your frequency so you can access non physical? X
Carol, thanks for sharing that. We are all alone, but we are alone in company :-) I'm up to much of the same things - it's almost intuitive, nothing to achieve or prove. Kind of like a like a bird taking care of its feathers... Natural, no guidance essentially needed
This reminds me of the quote by Vincent van Gogh; 'If you hear a voice within you saying, “You are not a painter,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.' Even if you suck at the artform or style you've chosen, if it makes you happy, do it anyway!
True message. Follow your heart. Be kind for yourself.
There's actually so much great music from last decades to catch up and not enough time - while most of today's music seem to be not that appealing to me, it's outstanding musicians like Steven making some difference.
Love Porcupine Tree and SW. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for watching, Jason, always great to see you :) Happy you enjoyed this one and we're wishing you a lovely weekend!
This is a good thing to hear. I've been struggling to get into sync licensing and most of the time I get ZERO responses even after follow-up emails. When I do get responses it's usually "That sounds too old, there's too much lead instrumentation, you don't have enough risers/downers at these specific points, not enough of your song fits the grid where we can edit it, on and on and on...Dang it, this isn't fun anymore. Dust gathers on the synths. I've forgotten the cool key commands in my DAW. HEY! screw all that. I'm going to do what's FUN again!
Woohoo!! That' super exciting, Sherpa Cast, we're cheering you on! Music making should be fun, not made to please other people :) Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you! Take care and have a lovely weekend :)
I have no idea what any of those responses even mean 😂
I think it is great what tools we have these days - youtube and other platforms anyone can publish their work on. So yes, do what you feel is right and if it sounds good to your ears, put it online :-) will you make living by doing this? Probably not. Will you have fun? Most probably :-)
@@SaraKhan-by9jz A super simplified version would be "nobody would dance to this at Coachella"
That Suspiria score somehow fits Steven Wilson so well. Can't wait to listen to the new album.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the music/Steven combo, pras vasu :) A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, what kind of music do you make? We hope you enjoy the new album, and be sure to stay tuned for more from Steven!
@@HackMusicTheory Thank you for your comment. I just turned 30 and have no formal training in music. So wanted to start with a computer eg. making IDM (a la Aphex Twin) sort of stuff, since it contains rhythm design also. For now, focus on composition over songwriting. Or even atmospheric ambient (like Richard Barbieri or Brian Eno). Hope to make some recreational Prog Rock (like my favorite bands PTree, Floyd, Tool, King Crimson, Radiohead etc.) after some songwriting literacy.
This is why I produce music my way. Not like the others.
Not just music, but every form of entertainment. I have more books, songs, films, shows or games than time/will to dedicate to them. And the list never-stops-growing
"... accentuate the stuff that people have told me I shouldn't be doing ..."
Thanks a lot!
I cannot agree more with these sentiments. I have come to music late on in life. It is no coincidence that this has occurred soon after I accepted myself as a transgender woman. Music has found me and it will be through music that I tell my story and my journey through life to this moment. I will have to tell it my way. Thank you for posting this video. Love to you all, Elsa
Hi Elsa, we're happy to hear you enjoyed our new video! What kind of music do you make?
Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, and until next time, take care :)
To paraphrase the marvellous Suzie Collier, I doesn’t matter what stage in your life you choose to have adventures in music so long as you bring enthusiasm. All the very best to you on your journey, good lady.
@@HackMusicTheory Hi, I am trying not to put myself in a pigeon hole at this time. I have always had an eclectic taste in music and this is being reflected in the type of music I am writing. At the moment I am drawn to hybrid orchestral. As I am still early in my learning I find myself wanting to taste everything 😺. I am putting a portfolio together that will consist of 4 pieces. 1 will be orchestral, 1 will be orchestral hybrid, 1 will be ambient and 1 will be metal. Being a former avid gamer, this is also influencing my choices at this stage. It is a joy to be part of this wonderful community, thank you 🙏 Elsa
Thanks for sharing, Elsa! We love that you're exploring and have a great goal to work towards :) We wish you all the best and are cheering you on 100%!
Well, Steven, I just happen to love your long songs and unconventional structures! Please continue being "the best artist you've never heard of".
This man has touched so many lives in such a big way, hearing him speak its amazing how humble he is about his career. I know personally that without P/T my teen years would have gone alot worse. Thank you Steven, for your works, and for your music.
Hi Dillon, thanks for stopping by and sharing how Steven has touched your life :) Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
LOVE these wise words. In a world so filled with people doing what you do… it relieves the burden of songwriting and makes it something to do only because YOU want to do it. Love that.
Hey Maurice, thanks big time for stopping by, we're happy to hear Steven's words resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Wise words, Mr Wilson.
This is the most important stuff about creating. no matter what... music, pictures, sculptures.....this is what I love about creating. everyone who understand that- win happiness. cheers to all creative humans ;)
Hey gentileschi, thanks so much for stopping by! Happy to hear this resonated, and we totally agree with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we wish you a wonderful week ahead!
@@HackMusicTheory thank you. Music that makes me happy ;) So the most important...... 😉
Thanks for sharing, gentileschi!
I make music because after I finish it and listen to it while I'm making lunch or washing dishes I think 'Wow, that sounds great.' It should sound great to me. I had a plan for it to sound the way I like, and I followed that plan. I don't know if anyone else will like it much, but I'm retired and financially secure, so I just make the music I like and I'll still be OK tomorrow if it never sells.
That advice goes beyond just music honestly.
That's why i love Steven's creations
"home in those things and don't even think about what everyone else is doing". i feel pure love and cosmic wisdom from him ✨️♡
God Bless you Steven Wilson
That's very kind, Catalina :) Thanks for watching, we'd love to know what kind of music you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
That is so true. There are enough copies of copies of copies of successful songs in the marketplace. But is that interesting? Of course not. The question is, what is your personality about? What is your creativity about? Then it gets interesting. Trying to become a star is boring. Trying to be yourself, unique as you are, is always the best you can do, for music and for yourself. I don't listen to the radio anymore, I only listen to things hidden in the undiscovered places of the internet. That's where the treasure can be found.
This is very encouraging. Thank you
This is priceless advice to any artist in any field
Happy to hear this resonated with you, tcrijwanachoudhury :) Do you make music?
Thanks for stopping by and connecting, we're wishing you a fantastic weekend!
Breath of fresh air
Steven Wilson and Maynard James Keenan are the virtuosos of a generation, and they probably should be celebrated as such.
Hey Glen, thanks for watching and connecting! What kind of music do you make?
Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Very well put. This eye-opening advice is actually applicable to most other fields. You have to bring something unique to whatever your craft is. That is the only way to stand out and survive in a world where there is an oversupply of most things.
I started to listen to Steven Wilson since 4 years ago or so. Since then he has been a big inspiration for me and some of his songs reminds me of certain moments in my life. Specially The Raven That Refuse To Sing, which reminds me the lost of my dog Blacky, a dog who lived in my family for about 12-14 years.
I defenitely can see what he's saying on this video at his own songs. The things that the mainstream audience would hate cause it's too complex for them to listen to, but makes his songs so unique and special. I love the unusual time signatures, the chromaticisms, the time and tone modulation and his way of showing feeling in his compositions.
I really really agree with this. There is a billion songs that are fairly cookie cutter and a million artists making them. But there is only one you. Find your own unique and quirky musical voice and dedicate yourself to honing it. The world doesn’t need any more conventional music, but it will always need the authentic and new.
Steven Wilson is a genius and inspiration.
Thank you Steven Wilson for this advice. In a world where everything has become questionable one may question the reason for making music by himself. In an overwhelming complex world it's the only way to express yourself if you have the urge to do so. If no one is listening to it, who cares? It's about you not about the other ones.
Hey Michael, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! We're happy this one resonated with you :) We're wishing you a lovely weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Steven Wilson + Tom Yorke !!! Would love to see that become a reality !!!
That does hit a string in my head....
Well said! I'm one of those musicians -- it's like I need to write songs in order to feel normal, or sane, or something (I can't fully articulate it!). Because I'm still learning new things; get excited about them, and want to explore using those ideas. Because making music, for me and we like-minded musicians, is essential; like food and water.
Truth …. So liberating to hear such a view. X
I want sure where this was going at first but I like where it ended up.
Wow! Im so happy I found this channel! Good stuff all around!
Whether the world needs new music from me, or you, is arguable. I am going to err towards believing my music will have healing power.
Couldn't agree more with that!
You know what's the best thing about Wilson he have worked a lot ,A fantastic list of songs, albums but no ego, no criticism that's a pure soul.
Cheers for the love of music🎶.
For the first twenty seconds of this video I was shaking my head and formulating my rebuttal, thinking, "People DON'T make music because the World needs more music; people who make music do so because THEY NEED TO MAKE MUSIC." That's not exactly where you took this, but we agree that making music isn't about what anyone else needs!
Hi Ralph, thanks for watching and sticking it out to the end! We're wishing you a fantastic weekend :)
This was encouraging. Thank you.
I love so much his honesty about music, art, life, and also his sophisticated sense of humour.
One of my favorite Geniuses 🙏🏻 🇮🇱 🙏🏻
Wise, respect him so much
Finally someone said it. Thank you
I totally agree with everything Steven says here. I have put out a ton of stuff using Distrokid. I get plays from all over the world, but I could honestly say that I do it for me. I never have any expectation that anyone will find or hear it. Otherwise, that could be crushing if no one listened or bought the product you are putting out into the world. I started during COVID and it kept me sane. Now, I find the home studio very rewarding even with live session possible. Good luck everyone, and follow your heart and just do it.
Sure enough, I see this at precisely the same time that I'll finally starting to create my own music with some extra help from a friend who is a beautifully quirky experimental musician! This solidifies for me that making music that makes me happy is more important than pleasing some corporate shill who only cares about profits.
That's super cool, Beth, it's all coming together! We'll be keeping an ear out for your creations in the apprentice network ;) Can't wait!
In the world dominated by pop bands and marketable people , Steven Wilson is a breath of fresh air .
Steven Wilson is an asbolute legend. I only know a single song of his as a solo artist and a couple from Porcupine Tree. I don't need to listen to more, they have insane staying power.
You may not need any more, but you might like what you hear if you dig a little deeper :D
Best music advice ever
Steven said this to me, because I'm at the very beginning of this path. I understand that my music will be a total non-format, but I'm unable to change anything. And I will definitely try to do something under the influence of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson.
Hi Andrey, thanks so much for stopping by! Happy to hear this resonated, be sure to stay tuned for more from Steven :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we wish you a wonderful week ahead!
@@HackMusicTheory I think it will be mostly alternative rock, but I really want to try progressive time signatures.
Awesome, Andrey, thanks for sharing! We recently did a tutorial you might find interesting on how to make polymetric drum beats: czcams.com/video/08hmJd1BVKk/video.html. And here's a couple others on odd time signatures: czcams.com/video/bTkhr2HmDmo/video.html & czcams.com/video/-BpGQo8CSyA/video.html
We wish you all the best with your music making, Andrey, and hope to see you around again soon :)
100% agree. It's easy to observe, and simulate the formulaic sound that's repeatedly playing on the radio bashing your subconscious. If you are yourself, I find the people listening are there for you with authenticity.
A long and big hug to all of you.
Aww, thank you Fernando, that's super kind :) How's your music making/ theory learning going these days? Many blessings and we wish you a fantastic weekend! Kate :)
That gave me goosebumps, thank you
Thanks! This is the reality and I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I had to stop producing music for about 8 years because of kids and work. Got back into it last year and the web is absolutely flooded with music. It wasn’t easy 8 years ago, but the situation today is a lot worse.
Now, lucky me that I just love making music so much, so I’m making it more for myself. One thing you said really resonated with me - “do the things that are all wrong”.
Funny thing, Ive been making music for myself since I was a kid and have zero compulsion to share it. But it plays a great part in my life, I enjoy listening, finding that I can replicate things I like and twist and shape it... sometimes I've put myself to sleep just by strumming a few chords, hares in my yard never run away when I play ... don't learn anything to become something .. just play ... play play play that's enough.
This is the most beautiful, inspiring and moving thought about music making I've heard in a while, and I've found it just when I needed the most. Thanks life for this.
Exactly what I do since long ago. Thank you for saying it.
Hey Stuart, thanks for stopping by, we're happy to hear Steven's words resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Well that's really liberating. Thank you!
Yes, I was very much digging the background music. Absolutely watching those tutorials.
Beautifully said ... and this applies not only in music but generally everywhere!
Yes, writing fiction is an example.
100%! We make music that we and both of our fans enjoy 🙂
Thanks Steven, make me more proud of this for of art, the Music is not a commercial product.
Hey Guglielmo, thanks for stopping by, happy to hear this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend! ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
@@HackMusicTheory I love classical, progressive of course, but also rock from 50 to modern, metal but not too brutal, Frank Zappa and all of the ideas he leave to us about music; now I stop a bit my ride, I was making a one man band project play some blues and rock and roll, easy way, but at 50yo I take books in my hand for study sperimental music start with John Cage and some other, the road is long and I try to find new way to express my emotion. I see the other video :) but thanks, it's nice to see what a great musician like Steven want to share with us.
Thanks for sharing, Guglielmo, that's awesome that you're digging deeper, learning and experimenting with your music making! We also love a huge variety of genres, but we listen to a lot of Bach :) A very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, Guglielmo, we're cheering you on with your music making journey!
Thank you! Needed to hear this
I needed this today! Thank you!
Beautiful
I have been saying for a longtime there is a vast well of music sitting there that young artist just ignore thousands of songs already written waiting to be reimagined reinvented .
The main difference between the song quality of the past decades and the current decade is the songs from the last decades come from living the experience as a real musician treading the stage playing with other musos Paying your dues understanding what it means to give yourself to the music spirits .
Making music in your bedroom on a computer will never get you there .
Yea Steve you are right on it. You keep doing what you do. I discovered you back in the early 2000 and I will be 60 in August and you have been ever since my favorite song writer.
the reversed sychology used by these guys is perfect ...gut me gud ...loooooool i was like what ...then it quickly turn to my favor so jah ...bravo guyz ...
I’m glad Steven didn’t go mainstream because it allowed his music to stay unique and not be influenced by what is “popular”. Porcupine Tree to me are one of the greatest bands as a result
Steven Wilson is what people who share inspirational quotes on facebook imagine smart people to be like.
There's so much music, and I mean music and not mass produced hooks, we will never discover all of it in our lifetimes. That's precious, and unprecedented in human history. At least if you consider how accessible all the music actually is, we still don't have the time, soul or heart to properly enjoy it all. It's a never ending source of so much beauty, and if that won't bring you lifelong solace and cheer, I fear you either dislike music, doesn't understand music or are deaf. And I, for one, would choose going blind over going deaf any day.
So much content out there yes but nobody is making MY music… so I’ll just continue even if I’m the only one that hears it
holy fucking shit you guys got Steven Wilson holy shit man
heartiest congratulations guys
Hi Debapriya, thanks so much for stopping by, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community :) We were definitely honoured to chat with Steven, as he's a very busy man! Ray and Steven used to be neighbours in London, and have kept in touch over the years, as they share a mutual respect for one another. Did you see our newest vid from the interview? czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html Stay tuned for more from the interview! Thanks again for connecting, and we wish you a lovely weekend! Kate :)
This is why we love his songs!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Indeed, Eduardo!
What kind of music do you make?
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more from this interview with Steven :)
So deeply wise words
Hey Lu, thanks for watching and connecting! What kind of music do you make?
Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
I need to listen to this once a day, as my mantra. I love this !!!
I needed to hear this, especially the beginning! Music keeps me going even though I turn away from it due to so many reasons and this video was a very needed wakeup call to embrace what makes me feel alive and what makes me want to be alive
The people world doesn't get to hear some of the best music because they won't even stop to listen.
People are like fish now, swimming around in a big sea, looking for little bits of detritus they can gobble up. You need a hook and some bait to catch them.
I give my music back to the the ones who give the inspiration. They mostly exist outside of (or in spite of) the noisy world and have feathers or fur or leaves.
Steven Wilson, what a boss! The new PT album is just awesome!
Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by! We totally agree with you about the album :) What kind of music do you make? Stay tuned for more vids from our interview with Steven, and until then, take care!
I expressed that same sentiment to someone years ago, that there is too much music. It’s increasingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I think a part of the problem is that there is too much meaningful music, or people imagining that expressing their feelings is enough.
This is so beautiful
Perfectly put.
Love it!!
Wonderfull advise, I’ve been doin just that for years and no one cares for my music, at all, but me. Thanks. Because I care and what I do is important if only for me.
That's beautiful, thank you for sharing Frank, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make for yourself?
Take care, and we wish you a lovely weekend :)
Amazing insights. Another sidebar is that it can be fun seeking out new music.
Hi Terry, thanks for watching, happy to hear this resonated with you! What kind of music do you make? Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Love this vid! It's a breath of fresh air after the guitar tubers went on that submitted song reviewing kick last year that drove me nuts. They were hell bent on teaching random people how to make songs with commercially acceptable structure by picking apart all the submitted songs and complaining every time there wasn't vocals. Basically a how to make generic songs course. Honestly felt like pointless lazy content every time I watched it because I'm pretty sure anyone that's ever listened to a song on the radio knows basic structure, and if they aren't using it in their songs it's probably intentional.
Just let people write whatever they want, odds are no one is going to listen to it anyway so you might as well write whatever makes you happy. Most of it will be crap and you'll likely know yourself when it is, but innovation will inevitably happen by not conforming to every generic songwriting standard. Just have fun and enjoy making whatever music you want.
Hi Ben! Thanks big time for stopping by and sharing your thoughts :)
We'd love to know what kind of music you're into?
Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published a video on song structure, from our interview with Steven. We think you'll dig it: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
Thank you Steven. You have helped to dispel my insecurities surrounding my own compositions.
Steven is awesome 👌👏😎
Hey John, thanks for watching and connecting! What kind of music do you make?
Take care and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our interview with Steven: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html
All of the quirks you shouldn’t be doing are exactly why I love it so much.
Hey SkipperCS, thanks for stopping by, happy to hear this one resonated with you :) What kind of music do you make? We're wishing you a fantastic weekend!
ps. if you're interested, we just published another video from our SW interview: czcams.com/video/oBCrOMkSdwU/video.html