The Guild, Episode 1
Written on 25 July 2008 by JohnThis would be funny if it weren’t so true…
Songwriting, Part 1
Written on 17 July 2008 by JohnSo you want to write a song, huh?
Chances are, if you want to write songs, you’re probably already doing it, for reasons that will become apparent as you read the rest of this post. However, for selfish reasons (to remind myself of what’s important, why I do this, and get my head screwed back on straight, mostly), I’m going to walk you through my process for creating original music.
By no means is this the only way to write a song. “Whatever works” is really the only rule there is for any creative or artistic endeavor. My method may not work for you, or you may already have a method of writing that works for you. If so, fantastic!
Before we really get into the nuts and bolts of the creative process, there’s a couple of questions we need to ask ourselves first:
- Why am I doing this? What do I want to say or express to the world through my music?
Your answer to this question is key. What drives you? What is it that you are trying to get across to the world at large about yourself? This can be as simple as expressing a point of view on world affairs, or as complex as trying to reveal some inner truth about your life in a way that others can relate to. Or, you could just want to show some asshole that you can do it - also a perfectly good reason. There are as many reasons as there are songs, and there are no real right or wrong answers to this question. The key is to understand yourself and focus your energy in a direction that produces results. This isn’t hard, but it is essential to writing good songs. - What style or genre am I working in?
People like to imagine that musicians are rebels, and in a lot of ways they are. But, every style or genre of music has some basic rules that can guide you in the right direction, and most good songs have a structure, which we can use as a framework. Know your genre! You can break the rules if you want to, but you still need to know what they are. - What is my end goal?
Are you trying to get a major label record deal, or do you just want to make some cool songs for your friends, or are you just doing it for yourself? Do you want to make a CD? Are you going to upload the stuff to the internet? Do you want to use your demos to recruit a band? Make sure you have a goal in mind, and as you go through the process of developing your music, keep your eyes on the prize. - Do I believe in my music?
I cannot stress enough how important this one is. You are going to hear a lot of negative stuff about your work. That’s just a fact. Prepare yourself for it. You’re going to need a thick skin. If you believe in what you’re doing and do it like your life depends on it, it will get you through the rough times. Everything you do has to be done with conviction and you need to have your heart and soul 100% behind it. If you don’t believe in yourself, people will know. In my opinion, this is what separates the great songs and artists from the average ones - conviction, attitude, and the ability for the performer to get that across to the listener.
If you’ve gotten this far, then we’re ready to look at some of the mechanical aspects of songwriting. More in a future post.
Jens Hannemann “Complicated Drumming Technique”
Written on 7 July 2008 by JohnTalking Metal
Written on 7 July 2008 by JohnI just want to personally thank John and Mark for playing Lochinvar on the Talking Metal Podcast, and also for their kind words and support. Heart of Stone and Lasher, from Fire Eyes, were both aired on on episode 213.
If you’re a fan of hard rock and metal you really owe it to yourself to check out this podcast. John and Mark, in addition to being a couple of really cool guys, both have played in some pretty good bands themselves, and they bring a little different slant to their interviews than what you may be familiar with from jerkoffs like Rikki Rachtman. An interview on Talking Metal is a conversation rather than a bootlicking session.
Fuse has broadcast 6 episodes (I think it’s 6, correct me if I’m wrong) of Talking Metal on Fuse which included some great interviews with Don Dokken, Slash, Nikki Sixx, and others, as well as some all star jams at the end of the show where John and Mark get up with some of the great metal musicians out there and jam out some old school metal. My personal favorites were the cover of Running Wild with Bumblefoot and Frank of GnR, and Turtlehead featuring Bobby Blitz from Overkill and Mike Portnoy (who for once, didn’t dominate the jam by overplaying) doing Overkill by Motorhead. Kick ass!
I’ve gotten turned on to several new bands through the podcast. It’s a great way to keep up with what’s going on in the metal universe.
Today would’ve been Paula’s 49th birthday
Written on 7 July 2008 by JohnAnd she would’ve killed me for revealing her age if she were here. 
Happy Birthday Paula. I miss you.
Unite for Change!
Written on 5 July 2008 by JohnI’m voting Republican!
Written on 24 June 2008 by JohnNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Written on 30 May 2008 by JohnThere is so much wrong with this I don’t even know where to start.
Corporate Theft: The Orphan Works Act
Written on 27 May 2008 by JohnGo Pens!
Written on 24 May 2008 by JohnSince my beloved Stars are out, I am wholeheartedly throwing my enthusiastic support to the Pittsburgh Penguins in this year’s Stanley Cup finals, mostly because I hate the Red Wings. Go Pens!
Did I mention that I hate the Red Wings?
