[So] How is music in your life?

When did you first take an interest? How often do you pick up your instrument/write/sing? What have been your frustrations? Why do you do it? If you write, what leads you to write? Has it changed you any?

As someone who took to music in my mid-20s, I'm interested b/c it wasn't something I ever saw coming. I started writing songs a few years ago during a difficult time in my life, and it's kind of become a coping mechanism/outlet. Personally, I go through 'stages': I don't write for weeks/months, then suddenly the impulse hits me in 'waves' and I write multiple songs very quickly. Usually I don't compose 'complete' songs, but rather the chorus (the hook/catch) a verse or two and then either return to it later or dismiss it quickly if it sucks ass or doesn't really hit me.

I usually find singing very difficult. Although I've been told I have an unusual/interesting voice, I don't like my vocals...I've got the type of voice that sounds completely different from the way I talk and I've struggled to accept it. If I had my way, I'd sing like Ray Lamontagne (that rusty, raw voice) but my vocals tend to be smoother unless I'm hungover. I recently went to a vocal coach and she told me that it's imperative to accept your own voice and work with what you have.

Bandwise: I've just started a band on the side again. It's been 3 1/2 years since I last had a band. I'm very opinionated about music and why the majority of bands go nowhere...I think it usually takes musicians too damn long to figure out that talent does not equate playing fast or loudly...it's all about the 'when'. As such, music is now a very minor part of my life.

I'd like it to be more, but it's the way it is right now. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to music, and it sucks most of the time. However, when it works, it's great.

I don't play for the attention, I honestly write/play because I feel compelled to express myself through music. I'm sure you guys will understand (some musicians are in it mainly for the stage: i.e. that's the driving motivation)

When did you first take interest?
Very young, started violin and bass lessons around 8. Around 17 decided I really enjoyed playing and listening to music, got serious around 20.

How often do you pick up your instrument?
Everyday. I write new music everyday, granted, I'm in a bit of a creative slump write now. I have all my equipment hooked up 24/7, just pick up jam and record. I spend a lot of time programming drums and synths on my computer while I'm dicking around.

What have been your frustrations?
Writers block mainly, especially as of late.

Why do you do it?
To push music forward, to create original sounds and songs. There are so many musicians these days that write with the same formula as songs for the last 40 years and add very little to it.

What makes you write?
Generally, frustration or when writing something obscure, its for the sounds. Walk through town, see some poser with his white wired headphones and tight pants, pinching a cigarette but never taking a drag or finding a beer bottle on the bottom of a river. Conservation is key.

Has it changed you any?
No? I am me regardless of my music, my music is a collection of things which I consider me, a close reflection of things I love and things I hate, each represented.

Music is my life, maaaaaaaaaaaan.

I've always liked music.
Probably around 5 i liked listening to michael jackson alot. There were alot of songs that i liked then (goodness gracious great balls of fire). It could also be that my dad played guitar, uncle had been in a band and my grandfather was into opera. as i grew older i went through my fazes, classical, techno, rock, metal and finally classical.

It was thanks to metallica (nothing else matters) that got me into picking up the guitar. As i progressed into guitar and became better and better, i started to realise i enjoyed singing and seemed like a good instrument to sing since you always have it with you and always use it (car, shower,etc). I then turned to opera.

There you go. I was never pressured to do any of this, but it all just seemed to flow in. I'd be lying if i said that without music my life wouldnt be empty.
I guess its one of those weird things that makes us human. Vibrations and pitch, but yet i cant help but love it.

I've heard the same unusual/interesting voice comment. But then i've heard it also sucks. the only decent recordings i have i've already posted in here a long time back.

I got into music when i was young, elementary. Did choir for a long time, and some piano. Sadly i never learned to play an instrument rather well, and I've decided to make up for lost time for a new year resolution and learn guitar and keyboard. I sing everyday, in my car, in my room, at parties with karaoke.
When i was in a band, (with assfrags) they'd pick up instruments and start jamming out, and after a minute or so i'd start pumping out lyrics and scribbling them down as fast as i could while singing.

Like my writing in general though, i go through ups and downs. After writing 12 or so songs with the band, and 5 or 6 others for other people, i stopped writing songs for a good while. Sometimes i'll still belt out something in my head, and i sing new crap every time i mow the lawn. But i never remember what the words are after i'm done (hence the scribbling while singing).

Lately i've had some reasons to write some songs again, and been doing it when i get a chance. I love singing when its loud music and lets me belt something out. I sing better that way i think


I'm frustrated that i dont know how to play anything or write notes, but thats going to change. I can hear the music in my head but now i need to figure out how to write it down.

I sing because i love it. The songs we crafted were fun and most people enjoyed listening to us. Was it pushing boundaries? Not really, but i at least had a lot of fun doing it.

I'll write about anything really. Breaking up, emotions, psychological ideas, space flight, destiny of the planet in terms of astrology.. If i hear a song without lyrics in it, i feel how the music sounds and write up lyrics that are congruent with how the music makes me feel.

Blah blah blah blah.

i'm a singer

blah blah blah

fixed :sunny:

ahhaha precisely! And really chase gets my singing form out best i think. Even in highschool when we'd chill by our cars in the afternoon :sunny:

I've heard the same unusual/interesting voice comment. But then i've heard it also sucks. the only decent recordings i have i've already posted in here a long time back.

I got into music when i was young, elementary. Did choir for a long time, and some piano. Sadly i never learned to play an instrument rather well, and I've decided to make up for lost time for a new year resolution and learn guitar and keyboard. I sing everyday, in my car, in my room, at parties with karaoke.
When i was in a band, (with assfrags) they'd pick up instruments and start jamming out, and after a minute or so i'd start pumping out lyrics and scribbling them down as fast as i could while singing.

Like my writing in general though, i go through ups and downs. After writing 12 or so songs with the band, and 5 or 6 others for other people, i stopped writing songs for a good while. Sometimes i'll still belt out something in my head, and i sing new crap every time i mow the lawn. But i never remember what the words are after i'm done (hence the scribbling while singing).

Lately i've had some reasons to write some songs again, and been doing it when i get a chance. I love singing when its loud music and lets me belt something out. I sing better that way i think


I'm frustrated that i dont know how to play anything or write notes, but thats going to change. I can hear the music in my head but now i need to figure out how to write it down.

I sing because i love it. The songs we crafted were fun and most people enjoyed listening to us. Was it pushing boundaries? Not really, but i at least had a lot of fun doing it.

I'll write about anything really. Breaking up, emotions, psychological ideas, space flight, destiny of the planet in terms of astrology.. If i hear a song without lyrics in it, i feel how the music sounds and write up lyrics that are congruent with how the music makes me feel.

Forget that pushing boundaries crap...unless it happens to be a byproduct of the music you write, don't bother trying to force it. Some of the best songs are just new spins on old boundaries, and that's perfectly fine...the gold comes out of how the song connects with others: the lyrics, chord structure, dynamics of the song etc...that's what ultimately counts (imo) and is what it's all about: expressing an emotion or a moment and other people identifying it.

If it works, your expression becomes the label of a file in their life

I have always been a big music fan since I can remember. My father is a musician and has been in quite a few bands in his lifetime. He can play bass and guitar including a sexy 12 string Gibson. One of the first cds I owned was the original TMNT movie soundtrack with Vanilla Ice among others. I was also a Michael Jackson fan at a young age.

I attended a private Catholic elementary school and I started singing in church when I was in maybe 2nd grade. Also learned how to read sheet music. Around 5th or 6th grade, I stopped putting effort into the tryouts for song leader because I got teased by fellow classmates

I started playing percussion in 4th grade and did so till 6th. I never really practiced much but liked playing. 6th grade was when I first got behind a drum kit because they had a set in the adjacent church. I would leave lunch early to play but was never really any good.

I kinda gave up on music in middle school and part of high school. My mom would pass away suddenly when I was 15 so I decided to get back into drumming. Got my first set a couple weeks after she passed away. I am now 21 and looking to get into my first legit band. For the first time, I actually have room to keep my drumset at school. I have never taken lessons and mainly have been playing along with an ipod or jamming with my Dad, friends, or at random parties.

One problem that is holding me back is that I am really self conscious. I am kinda shy about my playing because I know there are so many people better than I am. I also think the neighbors may not enjoy the racket(I live in a townhouse with one common wall).

Whatever though, I've been getting numbers of people who play and will try and get something going. Any advice or suggestions for you guys is more than welcome.

Personally, I believe I'm a better vocalist than drummer but I can't write worth a dime.