Just1L

I reckon a mixture of both is the best but I always like the rawness that comes from someone making their own rules. I will say, a person will have less restrictions if they learn by ear as opposed to going "by the book." But in the end: Good is good regardless of what you were taught (or not taught). Although are you speaking as in "I'm a producer and need musicians. Should I hire trained musicians or ones that learn by ear?" If that's the case, my guess it'd be easier on you if you had trained musicians. It'd probably save time also. If you're a producer that wants to produce music by someone that has their own material and plays by ear, then I would think that would be okay also. Hell, I'm interested to find out myself now!

What style of music are you looking for??

I personally don't think there are too many meaningless lyrics. Not saying there aren't any but I'm gathering that just because they seem meaningless to you, doesn't mean they are meaningless to the band or writer. The pigs in the blanket, His feet are hanging out. Someone took one last bite, And nobody gave a shout. Meaning: The police officer laid dead in the street with a cover over him but his feet weren't covered. He was a crooked cop in a bad neighborhood and when someone shot him, nobody seemed to care. I think a lot of lyrics that don't seem to make sense usually do have a deeper meaning. You have to start with something to say and then alter it using metaphors and whatnot. Or if you don't want it to have any meaning, Lil Oranges idea above is a good one.

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days?!?

I voted other since I haven't promoted any of my music. Just looking for critiques.

I just got through reading a post about whether you should write lyrics first, or do the melody first. In the end of my post I brought up the song Smoke on the Water and how even though I have loved that song for over 20 years, I never had any idea what it was about until I saw a show on VH1 Classic a month ago. So, it brought me to the question. What defines good or great lyrics? The story? Key words that stand out that are fun to sing? Do the lyrics even have to make sense or just SOUND like they make sense? I'm thinking of The Beatles' "Across The Universe" on that one. Can't wait to here some thoughts. Randy

I also write the melody first, lyrics second. I've actually done both ways and found the flow of it all was better with melody first. Although, that's probably why I'm an amateur and not a professional! One of my favorite parts of that method has been described above. I enjoy having the music going and just "freestyling" lyrics and usually, something does pop out that I want to keep in there. I'm hoping not to offend here but my opinion is if you're trying to write a hit song, the melody is more important. Here's my thoughts on why. How many times do you hear a new song on the radio, mtv, etc... and have the words to read along to? For me, I never do for a new song. When I'm driving, working, at a bar or anywhere and I hear a new song, it's the melody that hooks me. Not to say that while I'm listening I don't try to understand the lyrics and try to figure them out. Later on in the day, or next day, I'll get to humming or singing in my head that song I heard that really stuck out. I don't usually remember the words, and sometimes the melody isn't exactly right, but it's the melody that has me humming. I, as most of you, have read hundreds upon hundreds of lyrics on sites like this that, to me anyways, are better than a lot of the hit songs I've heard. But even the greatest lyrics, without a great melody aren't going to get too far. In the end, the best songs out there are the ones that have the whole package, great lyrics, great melody, great voice, etc... Top to bottom it's the full package. But, there will be a hit song that has so-so lyrics and great melody, before one that has great lyrics but a poor melody. Consider Smoke on the Water. I love that song and have for over 20 years. Funny thing is, I just learned what it was about a month ago on a VH1 Classic show. I never had any idea what it was about but it always flowed together great, sounded good, and was fun to sing and play on guitar. Not to say I hadn't enjoyed the lyrics just never understood them. I guess that brings up a new question. What defines "good/great" lyrics? Think I'll have to start a new topic for that one!

1. Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments? What instruments? Guitar, Drums and anything I can get my hands on. Only own a guitar though. When did you start playing? 4th Grade Did you teach yourself? Yes, mostly. One teacher I had for 3 months before I realized I didn't like guitar. Had another teacher teach me songs about 5 years later. 2. Are you in a band or bands? NO 3. Do you write songs? Do you write lyrics, music or both? Both and all Do you have a writing partner? No 4. Do you record your music? Do you use a home studio? If so what gear do you use? Yes. I use Garage Band. Do you use a recording studio? No Do you have music available on the web? if so where? Reverbnation/TSF 5. What other roles do you perform in the music business? None 6. Are you a tech head? Kind of. 7. What country do you live in? USA 8. What are your ambitions? Make enough money to not have to work every day. 9. Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit? I am the Creative Director at the local newspaper and have a BFA in Graphic Design. Also co-produced, co-wrote and helped with editing, directing a short film for the 48 Hour Film Project which won First Place. 10. What would you like to get out of Songstuff? Someone to like my songs enough to either pitch them, help find someone to record them or help finance my own recording project.