VoiceEx

Welcome to Songstuff @Auburn! You've mentioned that you love music for its ability to tell stories and that you also "gravitate to the more extreme and violent sub genre". If that's the case then I have a question for you. Speaking as a fictional writer, one that also happens to enjoy exploring gritty sounds and dark concepts, may I ask, is there a way for me to check out some of your work?

Welcome @Auburn! Speaking as one of the regular members, I can attest that this place is livelier it seems on the surface. For example, some members prefer to talk in private, while there are also those who prefer to only focus on their particular area's of interests. Not to mention, there is also the matter of maintaining one's own activity in relation to others. To put that in perspective, If all a person ever does is create topics that are centered around them, without ever showing the slightest interest in other people and other topics, then chances are that such an individual may not get many responses. After all, Its called a 'community' for a reason. What I'm trying to say is, the first steps are always the hardest. However, I can tell you from experience, if you take the initiative and give this place a proper chance, you'll find that we have plenty to offer. Much more then you'd expect 👍

Absolutely. In fact, there are a million things I'd like to do, but can't afford too, due to my working schedule and other responsibilities. That being said, while its true that I can't afford to listen to music all day, thankfully, me being a musician has never killed the 'magic' for me. Which is why I always make time to listen to music just for fun and its why I still geek out (production wise) when I think something is super cool. Call me crazy, but I'm on the fence that enjoying something for the sake of enjoying it, helps to keep you fresh. Both on a personal level but also on a professional level. And while its true that re-creating that childhood 'spark' is impossible - I don't think that it should stop artists from taking full advantage of what will always be there. TLDR: I think that if listening to music for fun is important to you, then the only person standing in your way, is yourself. For example: After a long day's work, I really enjoy taking nightly/early morning strolls while listening to music. True, its just an hour or two per-day. However, it is a daily 'dose' that ultimately stacks up (mentally). It gives me a chance to check out new music, revisit old music, or even just listen to audio books and lectures, without ever feeling like having fun is somehow a "waste of my time" 👍

Are you telling me that we actually had a thread where anyone could simply waltz right in, for no apparent reason, and start yelling at complete strangers, while handing out verbal abuse and snide remarks as if they hot cakes?! 😮 Well as far as ticking time bombs go THAT IS gracious indeed! Practically therapeutic! 🤣👍 You know, I actually have a rather different take on that situation. While its true that such a thread was obviously going to get closed at some point because removing all filters tends to bring out the worse in people, I also happen to think that thread may have been rather useful. After all, when you give people a free pass to say anything they want, you also get better insight about them. Especially if they go off rails. And if by chance most if not all the troublemakers and their friends would volunteer to be in the same place.. then.. well.. that would be rather convenient, wouldn't you say? Better than chasing them around, if you catch my drift 😅 There's nothing wrong with finding out what you're okay with. The internet is filled with armchair critics whose advice could potentially be harmful to your production. That's one of the reasons why I personally don't pay much attention to suggestions given to me by people whose own production value leaves much to be desired. I'd rather listen to advice from people that know what they are doing, but also posses an in depth understanding of what would benefit my specific needs. To put that in perspective, I think that any good producer can give you good advice that's worth taking in, regardless of whether or not you happen to produce the same kind of music as them. However, I find that what's even better, is getting advice from multiple sources, as well as getting advice from producers whose livelihood revolves around specializing in what you're actually into. That way you get the best of multiple worlds. As for nit picking and finding errors in hits. Have you considered turning that into educational content? Could be fun. I'd give a watch, that's for sure 👍 Wow that's cool! 😮 Is there somewhere I could read/listen/watch said interview? Its nice to meet you too! I've actually been here since 2019 though my activity varies depending on my work. That's probably why we haven't bumped into each other until now. Not to mention, I mostly hang out in the Musician's Lounge because that's where the fun is for me. Its interesting that you're an Ableton guy. I am familiar with it I know many people that swear by it. Though personally, I mostly use Nuendo and Pro Tools. They fit my needs nicely and I probably won't switch to anything else in the foreseeable future. You know? I used to feel the same way as you do for a very long time. That is because much like you I didn't come here because I needed something. In fact, you could even say that I was rather hostile at the beginning. However, that was a long time ago. Nowadays I can safely say that this is pretty much the only forum whose community and staff I care for. And coming from me I think that says alot because my attitude is inquisition-style: "If you don't interest me as a person, you might as well be a fly on the wall. And I expect the same treatment from you". Pretty harsh but also fair 👍 Same here. Give me interesting people to talk too and I'm golden 👌 I don't really know. I wanna say.. an active one? 😅 I think that Songstuff has ALOT to offer to musicians of all ages. Though whether or not Songstuff reaches what I believe is its full potential remains to be seen. Though I am rooting for us all and I think that John knows what he is doing. I have faith in him. Way that I see it, if a person can't handle criticism is a place like this, which has a relatively mature audience, and is very tamed if compared to, lets say, Reddit, social media, Youtube, then how on earth do they expect to deal with a bigger audience? 🤔 I'd worry for their mental well being. I don't like to say it, but I do think that some people are simply not stable enough to share their music. Oh I'm sure that you could. These days practically everything is marketable. Though thankfully I don't think that we'll be seeing here any power hungry billionaires anytime soon 👍

Imagine you went to the dentist. Then all of a sudden he looks you dead in the eye and starts telling you "gum jokes", or some other cringe inducing nonsense. Now.. I don't know what you would do. But I for one would have asked him to ramp up the gas and put me in a coma. Same idea 🤭👌

Why thank you. I appreciate the compliment! Well if a person is not interested in critique they could simply apply to post in the showcase. Might save them the trouble, no? Or if they are indeed looking for critique, they could specify what sort of feedback they are looking for exactly. That way if they see a response that is irrelevant or even offensive they could call it out 👍 That being said, I must say I am rather curious as to what happened. With your permission, would you be willing to fill me in? (perhaps via PM, if you'd prefer). I find that old drama makes for a fun conversation, if nothing else 😅 From my limited experience in forums I find that most people that look up forums tend to do so for a reason. As such, it would be fair to say that they want something. Could be critique, sharing for the sake of sharing, business opportunities, promotion, education (etc etc), or even simply as fans wanting to interact with musicians. I could come up with more reasons, but you get the idea. I don't know what other communities you frequent, though I think its great that you took the initiative and encouraged people to step outside their comfort zone. It would be nice if we had something like that in here. Also. Much like you, if Songstuff would host an event I would indeed try to attend, if given the opportunity. Though whether or not I would get invited in the first place remains to be seen, I suppose 😅👍 You've been labeled as a negative stereotype? 😮 I had no idea but man it sounds like you're days here are far more interesting then mine 😅 That being said, if this is the case, I'd like to offer you an interesting perspective in regards to giving feedback. I don't give feedback to people who I believe are too sensitive to handle it. How can I tell which is which? Its easy: Look into their interactions. People that can't handle criticism wave that red flag loudly and proudly. As such, instead of asking yourself: "But what if I could help them?", its better to move on and focus your energy on the people who are NOT just looking for praise. That's very true. People do try to put their best foot forward. Its also good for business. Though to tell you the truth, personally, when it comes to getting to know people, I have no interest in someone that constantly attempts to project an image of success and control. That's their way of attempting keep people at arm's length and its kinda sad if you think about it 😅

I hear that 👍 Though to be fair, I know that if I started posting all the things I find as being silly or funny, without any reservations or filter, and on a regular basis, I'm pretty sure that I'd get banned 😅 Another issue I often face in terms of sharing random silly things, is that I find that most music related stuff just isn't that funny. Not to mention, what's funny for a musician might not necessarily be funny to none-musician. Which means that, when I do share something silly, I prefer sharing something that might lead to an interesting discussion that anyone can join in on. Just my two cents of course 😶

I'm not too big on memes n' such. However, @starise what you said about keeping things clean got me thinking about a silly thought experiment. And since you haven't specified any restrictions on what constitutes as 'silly', I can only assume that a silly discussion may also be on the table 👍 But before I get into it, please allow me to give you some context. You see, I have often theorized what it would happen if Songstuff would host an IRL social event, like a meetup or party. I wonder what it might be like, who would attend, who'd get along with who, which personalities are likely to clash, what sort of interesting stories/scandals might be unearthed (etc), and how people's agenda would affect their overall interactions with each other. Basically, imagine an oldschool industry mixer but exclusively for Songstuff members. That's the general idea. Anyhoo, In the spirit of the thread, I've got a silly question for you 😅 (Obviously, you don't have to answer if you don't want too. I'll understand). If such an event took place, would you attend? And if you would, are there any particular members you'd like to hang with?

AKA, killing you're own thread 👍 To put that in perspective. A guy walks into a bar. He says: "Oh yee humorless husks, which brave soul among you can tell me something funny?". And then he leaves 😅 The moral of the story being, perhaps it would have been a good idea to start by sharing something silly/funny that happened to you and get that ball rolling. It may also be a good idea to Tag people you are on good terms with to encourage participation. In fact, you could also share funny things that happened to you on Songstuff and spice it up for entertainment value. That too might encourage people to participate. For example: "So today I found myself talking with @john about the definition of silliness. 'Premium' content am I right? If that's not a sign that we desperately need young members in here, then I don't know what is! Speaking of killing jokes, I just posted up a song of mine for critique and some rando that never posts any of his own songs gives me a comment that just says 'nope'. I was like, excuse me? context-much? This isn't my day.." I'm just joking of course, but you get the idea.

I'm always up for silly things 👍 Is there something silly that you'd like to share? Oh it was merely a playful observation about how most of our active members appear to be men. Which is absolutely fine but its also a bit funny IMO. After all, this is a thread for silly things, is it not? 😏 Besides. Even if hypothetically you did hit on members, that would be a you-problem 😅👍

No no its not German. Its slang. It means: an event or a place at which most of the people present are men, or a group that consists mainly of men (i.e 'Sausage' as in penis). A "dicks only club", if you will. We don't have many females, is what I'm saying 😅👍

No problem I'm glad I could help 👍 I never spoke with her but she seems nice. Though in the spirit of silliness, while I was skimming through her content, it made wonder why this place is such a sausage fest nowadays 😅

I remember her and she does indeed show up on the members list. Here 👍 I've also briefly looked into some of her back and forth communications with you, particularly in an old song of hers that's called "My Father", where you asked if she'd like to work with you. If you are not able to see any of these links then I suspect you might have been blocked. I can't help you with that, I'm afraid.

Yeah it makes sense and I couldn't agree more 👍 Though I would like to ask, in terms of how things could be, what do you mean exactly? Like, if you had the power to change what's going on, what would those changes be? i.e what is your vision of an ideal mix between the past and the present?

I completely agree with you on that 👍 In fact, I would also like to point that that overly excessive "content loops" also play a part in all of this. Not only is the amount of music growing faster, but the amount of content that many musicians force themselves to dish out for the sake of appeasing the algorithms is equally to blame (IMO). We are a little different. My interest in the music industry itself and its inner workings grew strictly out of necessity. But you know how it is. We are where we choose to be. You have your pills and I have mine 😅👍