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Everything posted by john
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Eek! How did it get to be so many? 34. That’s not including the radio edits. So while I am recording, I am also sorting songs, creating a song inventory and trying to make sense of it. I’m not so sure about how to categorise the way isolated riffs, one or lines of lyrics, recordings of melodies. Not my problem today. Today, I choose my lead singles. The 2 or 3 stand alone sings, not currently planned to be on an EP or album. The track lists are shaping up nicely. Today I get to go over the track selections with my A&R dude. I’m really looking forward to finally getting them nailed down! I’m also beginning to rattle around ideas for music videos for the singles. I bought a drone for some outdoor shots. That should be fun.
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Breaking through the noise in today’s music industry can be daunting, especially with the sheer volume of new music being released every day. However, there are several effective strategies that artists can use to enhance their visibility and stand out in a crowded market. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can increase your visibility: 1. Utilize Social Media Platforms Strategically Content Variety: Post a mix of content related to your music, including behind-the-scenes footage, live performances, and personal stories. This variety can capture the attention of different segments of your audience. Engage Actively: Respond to comments, participate in trends, and engage with other artists and fans. Active engagement helps in building a community around your music. Targeted Ads: Use social media advertising to target specific demographics who are most likely to enjoy your genre. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer powerful targeting tools. 2. Leverage Streaming Services’ Playlists Submit to Playlists: Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have features that allow artists to submit unreleased tracks for playlist consideration. Getting your song on a popular playlist can significantly increase your visibility. Create Your Own Playlists: Include your tracks alongside other popular songs of similar genres. This not only increases your visibility but also positions your music among established names. 3. Collaborate with Other Artists Features on Tracks: Work with artists from your genre or related genres. This exposes you to their fanbase and vice versa. Cross-Promotion: Share each other’s content, appear in each other’s videos, or perform together live. This mutual promotion is beneficial for reaching broader audiences. 4. Press and Media Coverage Press Releases: Send out press releases for new releases, events, or significant milestones to music blogs, magazines, and news outlets. Interviews: Try to get interviews on podcasts, radio stations, or music channels. These platforms provide an opportunity to discuss your music in-depth and reach potential new fans. 5. Music Videos and Visual Content High-Quality Music Videos: Invest in creating compelling music videos that can be shared across various platforms, including YouTube and Vimeo. Lyric Videos and Visualizers: These are less expensive alternatives to full music videos and can also help maintain audience interest and engagement. 6. Live Performances and Tours Local Gigs and Tours: Perform at local venues or go on tour. Each performance is an opportunity to gain fans and sell merchandise. Online Concerts: With the rise of digital platforms, hosting live concerts online can also reach global audiences without the logistical challenges of touring. 7. Email Marketing Newsletters: Build an email list and send out newsletters to keep your fans updated on new releases, tours, and merchandise. This direct line of communication keeps your audience engaged over the long term. Each of these strategies offers a unique avenue for increasing your visibility in the music industry. By combining several approaches and consistently promoting your music, you can enhance your presence and reach more listeners, even in a highly saturated market.
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Understanding the 80/20 Rule in Music Success In the music industry, there's a popular saying that goes, "having a successful song is 20% about the music and 80% about the marketing." At first glance, this might seem a bit surprising. Isn't it all about the music? While the quality of the music is undoubtedly crucial, the role of effective marketing in the success of a song can't be overstated. Let’s break down why this is the case. The Importance of Music Quality Firstly, the 20% that pertains to the music is vital. This portion represents the foundation—without a good song, the rest of the effort might go to waste. The music itself needs to be compelling, well-produced, and resonate with listeners. This is where musicians, songwriters, and producers focus their craft to create something that stands out and speaks to the audience. However, even the best song can remain unheard without the right exposure. Why Marketing Takes The Bigger Slice Once the song is ready, the next big challenge is getting it heard. That’s where the 80% comes in—marketing your music effectively. Here's why marketing deserves this much attention: Visibility in a Saturated Market: The music industry is incredibly crowded. With thousands of tracks released daily, your song needs to cut through the noise. Effective marketing ensures that your music reaches potential listeners across various platforms—from social media to streaming services. Engagement and Connection: Marketing is not just about visibility but also engagement. Strategies like social media campaigns, email newsletters, and music videos help build a connection with the audience. They provide a platform to share the stories behind your songs and interact with your fans, making your music more relatable and memorable. Monetization Opportunities: Proper marketing strategies also open up various monetization channels. Whether it’s through streaming, downloads, merchandise, live performances, or licensing deals, good marketing ensures you maximize the revenue potential of your music. Longevity and Career Growth: Effective marketing can also pave the way for long-term success. By establishing a strong brand and loyal fanbase, you can enjoy sustained interest in your music, leading to more opportunities and a more extended career in the industry. Balancing Both The 80/20 rule in music highlights the necessity of balance between creating great music and investing in marketing it. While it might seem disproportionate, the emphasis on marketing simply reflects the realities of the modern music landscape. Your music deserves to be heard, and investing in marketing is how you make sure it reaches as many ears as possible. Key Takeaways For upcoming artists, remember that your journey doesn’t end when you finish a track. The completion of a song marks the beginning of its journey to the listeners. Paying attention to how you market your music is just as crucial as how you make it. Focus on building a strong online presence, engaging with your fans, and staying consistent in your promotional efforts. Conclusion While quality music is the cornerstone of any successful song, robust marketing is what takes your music from the studio to the world. Embrace the 80/20 rule as a reminder of the importance of seeing your music career as both an artistic and entrepreneurial venture. Your music may be great, but people only get to decide that once they encounter your music. Marketing is what makes that encounter happen.
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Hi Gang Do you have any funny gig stories to share? Go on, give us all a laugh! I don’t mind starting. Picture the scene: My band were among 6 bands playing at the annual bikers ball. 300 Angels and their partners and friends and my band were 4th on the playlist. The dance floor was empty apart from people crossing it to go to the bar. the mood was pretty grim. I and the bass player were both bikers ourselves, and we knew some of the audience, but by far most were strangers. We had just watched 3 or 4 bands die on stage. The bikers staging the event were getting pretty hostile with the bands. Our turn came, and we went on stage. We played 4 songs and nothing but grim looks. We were largely an originals band. We were known locally but there were guys there from all over Europe. At this point we played 2-4 gigs a week, we filled large bars, clubs and played on festival bills and regularly played to audiences in the 800-2000 range. Even with hostile audiences we always won them around, usually pretty quickly. No response was a bit unnerving. At this point I thought, f*ck it. We had nothing to lose. So, we played the theme from a kids TV program, “Postman Pat”. I was half expecting to be dodging bottles and maybe even some fists and boots… yet… some did double takes. They were looking at us trying to decide if we were taking the piss or not. Still, the sun must have shone upon us, because before the end of the first line the dance floor was filling. I was trying not to laugh, all the more so as I was the singer. The dance floor was filled with angels and their partners dancing to Postman Pat, and many of those still sitting were singing along. Too funny. Who’d have thought it? I don’t know if they thought we were crazy or had huge nuts. After that, the dance floor never emptied and we went off to loads of applause. Awesome gig. So, what’s your story? I have more, but I want to hear YOUR stories! Cheers John
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That sucks! It is still stage fright though. Stage fright covers a broad range of issues with performance. The anxiety itself doesn’t need to be fear of the audience, fear of being judged, fear of being watched, fear of making mistakes, fear of making mistakes on a public platform, fear of forgetting (usually the cause of the forgetting is one of the other reasons), fear of playing the wrong notes, fear of not being good enough, or out of time being the main variations. There are several on that list that have haunted me at various points, but I always overcame them and enjoyed myself even when things went wrong. My short term memory isn’t great because of pain medication, so I now have a general fear of forgetting that is nothing to do with music or being on stage. Indeed it applies to me almost every day. As for stage fright, I always found that when I didn’t care, in the moment, I played my best. If I was harassed, frustrated, angry, or in the grips of some larger issue, I really genuinely didn’t care about being on stage. It was something I had to do to get back to whatever was bothering me. Mostly, I just enjoyed being on stage. It was the one place I truly felt at home. When I was regularly playing I would feel some nerves before I started playing but I was usually settled by the end of the first chorus. I genuinely looked forward to that happy, connected moment I felt once the music got going, more than any fear. Cheers John
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Hi Gang As we all find our way in music video production, we regularly face the common challenge of working within budget constraints. Whether you're just starting out or simply looking to minimize costs on a project, the gear you choose plays a pivotal role to not breaking the bank. What's your go-to gear setup for shooting a music video on a budget? I'm curious to learn about the cameras, lenses, lighting, and any DIY rigs that you've found give you the best bang for your buck. How do you make the most of limited resources to still produce a visually stunning piece? Do you have any favorite budget-friendly equipment or hacks that have become staples in your production kit? Sharing our experiences can help us all discover new tools and techniques to enhance our work while keeping costs down. Whether it's a hidden gem of a lens, a creative use of everyday items for lighting, or software that delivers more than it costs, let's pool our knowledge and help each other out. Looking forward to seeing your recommendations and maybe even adopting some new strategies for my next project! Cheers, John
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Hi Gang We’ve all been there—staring at a blank page, fumbling with a melody that just doesn’t click, or feeling like the well of inspiration has run dry. Writer’s block can be a real challenge, but it’s also a common part of the creative process. I'm eager to hear how you tackle these moments. What strategies, tricks, or rituals do you use to overcome writer’s block or creative slumps? Do you take a break and step away from your work, or do you power through with different exercises or techniques? Your experiences could be just what someone else needs to hear to get past their own creative hurdles. So let’s share and support each other in keeping the music flowing! I use a range approaches, but I’ll only mention one to get the ball rolling, and then post back more once others are posting their experiences and ideas. Basically, I do things aimed at ensuring that I am firing on all cylinders creatively. It doesn’t even mean something musical. It could be coming up with something to eat from the contents of my fridge, or drawing a picture from my imagination. As long as my creativity is flowing, it is a good start. What about you? Cheers John
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Hi Gang Every producer has a few tricks up their sleeve—those little secrets that give their tracks that extra sparkle. Sometimes it’s a unique way of using a common tool, or maybe a creative workaround that no one talks about. Whatever it is, these tricks can be game-changers in our production process. I thought it would be awesome if we could pool our collective knowledge and share some of those lesser-known tips and tricks that help us achieve amazing results. Whether it's a specific way to layer sounds, a particular compression technique, or even a MIDI routing tip that simplifies your workflow, let's hear it! Here’s what to include in your post: Your unique production trick — Describe what it is and how you do it. The impact it has on your production — How does it enhance your sound or workflow? Any specific tools or plugins needed — Mention any gear or software essential for this trick. This could be a great opportunity for us all to learn from each other and perhaps discover new ways to enhance our music that we hadn't considered before. So, don’t hold back—dive into those production secrets and we can help each other grow! Cheers John
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Hey gang How do you deal with stage fright or nerves before a performance? Getting up on stage can be as nerve-wracking as it is thrilling, no matter how seasoned a performer you are. Today, I want to open up a discussion on a topic that I believe many of us have wrestled with at one point or another: stage fright. How do you handle the butterflies before stepping into the spotlight? Do you have any rituals or routines that help calm your nerves? Maybe there's a particular song you listen to, a pep talk you give yourself, or even specific breathing exercises that prepare you mentally and physically. Whether you've found a foolproof method to soothe your nerves or are still experimenting with different techniques, your insights could greatly benefit others in our community who might be struggling with the same issue. Share your experiences and tips on how you transform those pre-performance jitters into an electrifying presence on stage. Looking forward to learning from all of you how to turn anxiety into energy! Cheers John
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Hey gang, As we all navigate our unique paths in the music industry, it's fascinating to see the different strategies each of us employs to get our music out there. I'm particularly interested in hearing from both sides of the spectrum—those who have experience with traditional marketing methods used in the mainstream industry and indie artists who've had to think outside the box. How do you approach marketing your music as an indie artist compared to what you’ve seen in the mainstream industry? What innovative or unconventional methods have you tried? Did they work as expected? Do you feel that being independent gives you more freedom to experiment with your marketing strategies, or does it come with its own set of challenges? What strategies have you seen other artists using that you want to give a try with your music? Looking forward to hearing your stories and maybe picking up a few new ideas along the way! Cheers, John
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Joel Senior - Soundcloud as a music streaming platform
john replied to Joel Senior's topic in Introduce Yourself
Hey, Welcome to Songstuff Joel! You might get a better response to this if it was posted in the Musicians Lounge board. Members usually come to the Introduce Yourself board to welcome new members. I like soundcloud and have an account, but struggle with it, just as I struggle with a whole bunch of old-style OMDs. The majority of site users are other artists, looking to promote their music more thn finding new listening. Because of that, there’s a lot of gaming the system by members, which is a shame. At the same time, because non-artist listeners are few and far between, it does little to benefit artists by helping them to build their genuine following. That’s just me though! Whatever, welcome to Songstuff 🙂 Cheers John -
I would mostly agree with @Glammerocity. People have short attention span for the first phase of discovery. One they discover interesting or, commonly, triggering content, people are prone to deep dive. It is that axiom about first impressions being made in the first few seconds. People work with tiers of attention, depending on them being hooked or triggered to watch/consume more. That first impression is made in less than 5 seconds. There are stages after that of typical engagement. There are lessons for any music or music video creator. First you catch attention, then you have to keep it and use additional hooks to deepen connection and extend attention further, building curiosity with new things to be curious about. If you can surprise and keep the surprises coming, while still delivering great music and great entertainment, you can do amazing things.
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Have you ever felt like your music was a hidden gem waiting to be discovered? Guess what? It’s your time to shine! The Songstuff Music Community is here with our awesome Showcase feature, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this. What’s the Buzz with the Showcase? In the vast ocean of music, finding a spot to bask in the limelight can be tough. That's where the Songstuff Showcase sails in! Located at the heart of our community (right here, click away!), this special area is all about shining a spotlight on the talented independent artists among us. Yeah, that can include you! Who Can Join the Party? Anyone who’s a part of our community! And if you’re thinking, "Wait, I’m not a member," here’s some good news - joining the Songstuff Music Community doesn’t cost a single cent! No hidden costs, no sneaky fees. Just a space filled with music enthusiasts ready to welcome you. The Showcase Lowdown Are you wondering what it takes to get your music featured? It’s as simple as hitting a play button! Head over to the Showcase Info page (find all the deets here) to check out the straightforward requirements. We’re talking a little bit about yourself, your music, and that spark of passion that drives your art. That’s it! Why You Should Absolutely Be There Spotlight, Baby! Getting featured means getting your music heard by a community that’s all about supporting its members. More ears, more cheers! Zero Cost, Max Fame. It doesn’t cost a dime to be showcased. Your talent is the only currency here. Connect and Grow. It’s not just about the showcase. It’s about connecting with fellow artists, getting feedback, and growing together in this musical journey. How to Jump In Ready to light up the Songstuff stage with your music? Dive into our Showcase Info page, check out the simple steps, and submit your masterpiece. Whether you’re a singer, a band, a producer, or a songwriter, this is your chance to stand out and show the world what you’ve got! The Beat Goes On... Remember, the Songstuff Music Community is more than just a platform; it’s a family of passionate musicians and music lovers. Beyond the showcase, there are discussions, collaborations, and a whole lot of music-making happening. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of something special. Joining is just the beginning—staying active, engaging, and sharing not only elevates your profile but enriches the entire community. After all, music is all about connection, and what better way to connect than sharing the very essence of your creativity? Tips for a Successful Showcase Submission Be Authentic: Share your unique story and musical journey. Authenticity resonates with people. Quality Matters: Ensure your submissions are the best representation of your work. High-quality audio and a compelling description can make a big difference. Engage with the Community: Don’t just drop your music and bounce. Stick around, listen to others, and support fellow artists. The more you engage, the more visibility you’ll get. What’s Next? Once you’ve submitted your music for the showcase, it doesn’t end there. Keep an eye on feedback, engage with comments, and use the momentum to drive your music forward. The Songstuff community is a fantastic place to discover collaboration opportunities, gain insights from fellow musicians, and even find new fans. And remember, the Showcase is regularly updated, so there’s always a chance for your music to be featured. Keep creating, keep sharing, and who knows? The next showcase star could be you! Let’s Make Waves Together The Songstuff Music Community is all about empowering independent artists. We believe in the power of sharing, learning, and growing together. The Showcase is just one of the many ways we support our members, but it’s the stories, the music, and the connections that truly make our community shine. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the Showcase, share your sound, and let’s make some noise together! Remember, in the world of music, there’s room for every voice to be heard, every beat to be felt, and every melody to be cherished. Let's light up the stage, together. Join Us Now! Ready to showcase your talent? Join the Songstuff Music Community today, and let’s turn the spotlight on you. Visit us at Songstuff Music Community and Showcase Info to start your journey. Here’s to making music, making connections, and making it big! Rock on!
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Any questions, just ask. If you focus on specific questions hopefully it will feel less overwhelming:)
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Hey Dave A big welcome to Songstuff! I look forward to hearing your songs! The forums are about to close down for up to 24 hours as they are moving server. Just saying so that you know to expect the community to be offline for up to 24 hours. Cheers John
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Out of interest, I’ve always been a massive Zep fan. Well, at least as long as I can remember. I still remember when I first heard Bert Jansch’s Blackwaterside. I did a double take, instantly recognising it as Black Mountain Side from Led 1. After some research I understood it was a traditional Irish song, “Down by Blackwaterside” that Bert Jansch had arranged, and that Jimmy’s version was very, very close to Bert’s but with zero accreditation. I was crestfallen. My hero tarnished. Not for the last time.
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Do you believe that such things do not happen? Far from thinking it is limited to pop, I think it happens in most if not all genres. I don’t think it’s the majority of cases, or even a large minority, but nor is it unheard of. The fact that there is any kind of dark side of music shouldn’t see us shying away from it. We shouldn’t be donning rose tinted spectacles, or grey for that matter. Surely we should be shining a light on poor practice? Yes, we should absolutely be celebrating the successes, the support given to unknowns for example. Look at the amount of people nurtured under the wing of Elton John. There may be a dark side to that, but I don’t know of one. Yet, just as there are people like Elton John out there, there are also not so nice characters. While we may know of these stories, surely we have a duty to let less experienced songwriters and artists know of both sides of the coin?
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It happens in the pop industry, where non-songwriting (or terrible songwriting) pop-cheesecake-stars are wanting songwriting credits and hard nosed managers push to buy songs or for large percentages for almost zero input. It’s a small percentage of large sales and possible exposure, with your name associated with a star… traded for unearned percentages. Not hugely common, as you would imagine, but it keeps happening with a certain type of pop star. I always wondered if that was at the root of Natalie Imbruglia claiming she wrote “Torn”. It was relatively common practice with those factory stars of the 80s and 90s, to try to intimidate writers out of percentages. I believe it’s common on big talent shows for large amounts of economic rights to be transferred that differs from moral rights. Gesturing to a wall of compilation CDs with decades of chart hits “We have plenty hit songs top choose from that we know appeal to the public. Why would we take a chance on an unknown song, written by an unknown writer, performed by an unknown artist?”. It makes for an effective lever on some writers. Of course, what people try is different from what people agree to. That’s why they also almost always say that your song is “one of a few we are considering”, intoning that you might lose out and they aren’t that bothered (true or not), giving the impression of walk away power in negotiations. Many music industry bean counters are a breed apart. They don’t seem to have any shame.
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What Sparked Your Musical Journey? Share Your Stories!
john replied to john's topic in Musician's Lounge
A great example of how random life can be. -
Hey gang, Hope you're all doing great and finding those creative vibes wherever you can. I've been thinking a lot about the magic that happens when the right visual concept meets the perfect track. It's like a dance of two art forms, creating something unique and unforgettable. This got me wondering about how we, when we are acting as music video producers, dive into this process. How do you choose the right concept for a music video that complements the song? Do you start with the lyrics, letting the story guide your visual imagination? Or does the rhythm, beat, or vibe of the track lead you to an abstract, feeling-driven concept? Maybe it's a collaborative brainstorm with the artist, finding a middle ground between their vision and your creative direction? I'm curious about your experiences, strategies, or even those happy accidents that turned into a masterpiece. Whether it's a heart-tugging ballad that called for an equally emotive narrative or a high-energy track that demanded something visually explosive, how do you find that perfect match between sound and sight? Let's share our insights and maybe inspire each other with new ways to approach our next projects. Can't wait to read your stories and learn from the incredible diversity of creativity we have here! Rock on, John
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Hey Gang Today, I thought we could kick things off with something a bit personal and super inspiring. We all have that one moment, that one spark, that pushed us onto the path of music and performance. Whether it was a concert that left you awe-struck, a record that felt like it was speaking directly to you, or maybe a person who believed in your talents before you even realized them yourself. What’s your story? What inspired you to pick up your instrument, step onto that stage, or sing your heart out for the first time? Was it a gradual pull towards the world of melodies and rhythms, or did a single moment change everything for you? Let’s share our experiences and the unique journeys that music has led us on. Who knows, your story might just be the nudge someone else needs to follow their musical dreams! I look forward to reading about what lights that spark in each of you. C’mon. Spill! Cheers John
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Hey gang I've been thinking a lot about the tools we use to bring our musical ideas to life, and I'm super curious about what everyone's go-to DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is. I know we've all got our preferences, often shaped by our workflow, the genres we dabble in, or even just how we got started in music production. So, I thought it would be useful to start a thread where we can all share the DAW we use and dive into the reasons why we've chosen it over others. Are there specific features that make it your top pick? Is it the user interface, the stock plugins and instruments, the community and support around it, or maybe its integration capabilities with other hardware/software you use? Here’s what I’m thinking we can share: Your DAW of choice Why you prefer it (specific features, workflow advantages, etc.) Your favorite plugins or instruments within that DAW Any tips or tricks you've discovered that might help others using the same platform Whether you're a Logic Pro X loyalist, an Ableton Live wizard, a FL Studio guru, Studio One expert, or rocking Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, or anything else — I want to hear from you! Even if you're using something less mainstream, don't hesitate to jump in. This could be a fantastic way for us all to learn something new and maybe even reconsider our current setup. Looking forward to your insights and stories behind your DAW selection! Let's make this thread a treasure trove of DAW wisdom. Cheers John
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Hey everyone! We all have our unique ways of kicking off the songwriting process, and I'm really interested to know more about yours. Whether it's a trusty guitar, a blank piece of paper under a shady tree, or a specific software that gets those creative juices flowing, each has its own magic. So, what's your go-to instrument or tool when you start working on a new song? Is it the warmth of an acoustic guitar, the versatility of a digital audio workstation (DAW), or something totally unexpected? Share your songwriting starters and let's get to know the diverse ways we all create music. Who knows, you might just inspire someone to try a new approach! Looking forward to your stories and tips! Cheers John
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Hi Gang, Please answer the questions, it would be very helpful for planning new content! Cheers John
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My names Jaymen Swygert and I would like to share my music
john replied to Jaymen Swygert's topic in Introduce Yourself
Did I scare you off?
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