john

It’s conclusions were more based on who and why. Specifically those who work or try to work as musicians as their job. The why, relating more to the way musicians are treated, valued and abused, creates a uniquely stressful environment. I believe the study did look at the broader case of musicians. Certainly the arts too attract people quite attuned to their feelings, expressing those feelings, and those who are particularly capable of empathy over sympathy.... all of which is further encouraged and developed. Interesting, to me at least, is that once we have reached out to and developed such people, we don’t then teach them how to deal with those feelings in a way that keeps them safe and healthy. Personally I think they should be teaching mindfulness to musicians. It is used for treating anxiety, depression and pain now, but there are also many studies that demonstrate increased performance at mental and physical tasks, and a far better emotional resilience. Not to be sniffed at.

Hi and welcome to Songstuff Xue

Hey Geraldine, welcome to Songstuff Dive right in

The big issue with Soundcloud is the same as with most indie distribution platforms... the listeners are 99% other artists. The reason listens have dropped off is because the uncertainty artists feel about it’s future has them looking elsewhere at other platforms. It makes perfect sense, that when you are unconfident about something like that surviving you become reluctant to put in extra time and effort. After all why post new material, and promote it there, if the site will not be around? Better to post and invest your time and hard work somewhere that your effort will count for longer, reach more people. I am not saying that is right, or fair... but it is what is happening. Really, indie needs a platform that addresses the listener base. I have a load of ideas on fixing the problems for indie artist distribution, but I struggle with time and money to set something up. I already do plenty. Lol I don’t see Soundcloud, ReverbNation etc giving me a call any time soon!

Hi and welcome to Songstuff! Now that is what I call in-depth! I feel I know you so much better lol

Best way is via diet. It takes a while but gets good results as it changes your system. Cut out any and all fizzy drinks Cut out animal fat. So go for chicken instead of beef etc. Or become vegetarian Cut out caffeine. Not coffee, no tea. Avoid eating after 8pm Avoid alcohol Avoid spices food, chilli etc I also had to avoid bananas and some nuts. Avoid fruit juice. I found pineapple was the worst. Some people cite milk as a cure, or way to alieviate heartburn, but it largely depends on the cause of the heartburn. Instead of helping, It can make mattred much worse. Have a drink to hand. How do I know this? As a teenager I threw up the lining of my stomach and tore my oesophagus, almost detaching it from my stomach. It almost killed me. I was left with chronic reflux. I tried all the main antacids, including two in liquid form. Aluminium Hydroxide work the best from this treatments... but diet was the clear winner. You might find mineral water works better. Obviously still water, not carbonated. Also, try simple sips, not so much larger gulps Hopefully this will help.

Hi and welcome to Songstuff Carl!

Now that is a hard question. Obviously I would be beating them back with a big stick. *coughs* Ahem. Its complicated by by the fact that I write for a few genres. While some of my mor acoustic songs I could see artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Damien Rice, Ray LaMontagne doing some sympathetic versions of my songs. That said a band like Radiohead would bring some interesting creativity. At the more pop or electronic end of my songs, Zero7 or Röyksopp would be very interesting. The more rock stuff, Foo Fighters, Led Zep, Jethro Tull or Pink Floyd? An imagined supergroup? I’m not so sure. I always remember the recording my uncle made of Jimi Hendrix jamming with Jm Morrison in London in the sixties. Car crash doesn’t quite cover it. Ach what the hell... I think Dark Side Of The Moon era Pink Floyd doing one of my songs, with some backing vocals from Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention), David Crosby and Sia would be an awesome mix. Produced by Nigel Godrich (produced OK Computer for Radiohead). I feel after that my connections would be good enough to get a pretty good follow up lol

Many things may catch my ear, but the one thing that grabs and holds me is originality. Don’t get me wrong, emotion is what connects... but what fascinates is originality. That could be melodic, rhythmic, harmony, lyrical, performance, the voice, sound or production;, structure, emotion or concept. As long as it works, I love the unexpected.

Hey Jeremy, welcome to Songstuff

Hey Kerry, welcome to Songstuff

Hi and welcome to Songstuff Dan

Welcome aboard KingKon Just remember to give others feedback on their songs too. It's not about trading feedback, it's simply recognising that people naturally put in more effort for people that they see making an effort. on behalf of others. Also remember critique is not simply a review. It's a discussion. You bring up observations, ideas and suggestions. You then dicsuss them with the writer. They may take your ideas on board or not. It's their song. Often you ill find you learn more helping others than you do when it is your own song that is being discussed. Such is life! Anyhoo... I look forward to talking to you

Hey Andrii, welcome to Songstuff! Good to have you aboard!

Hi BCraig Welcome aboard

Hi and welcome to Songstuff Toby

Hi and welcome to Songstuff

Hi Any Pinterest users? If so, I thought you might like this... http://pin.it/sSzRwpO Cheers John

Hey Josh Welcome aboard

Hi and welcome to Songstuff Empuls. Nice intro. Make a post to the musician’s lounge if you want to promote your artist page or a song. Use the critique boards for works in progress. Cheers John

For reference tracks, it depends on what they are references for. Mixing? Production? Even mastering. I use a few, genre specific tracks that give me the chance to evaluate how the elements in a mixintegrate, and the density compared to clarity of the mix: The low and high end detail and balance, the overall impact of the mix, and of course where the vocals sit within the reference track. Then there is just how much emotion a reference mix conveys to the listener. That’s a fundamental component to any mix. I would suggest, if you want a modern relevance, you should use a tracks that are no more than 5 years old as a reference. That way, no matter the genre, you get the current way to mix, produce and master the track. I will dig out a few suggestions, but really it comes down to something that has the sound YOU want to achieve

Hey Niko, welcome to Songstuff! I’m doing great, thanks for asking!

Welcome to Songstuff Iamsloth. Great to have you aboard

Hi Ekene, welcome to Songstuff!