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chicagodannyd · Post by **chicagodannyd** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 1:26 am

I think I have demonstrated to myself, at least, that almost any talented musician who has a degree of intellect, and unrestrained drive, has the potential to write great songs.

I tried without success to recruit two composers to write the songs for a hip hop R&B musical. Both wanted money upfront. My reaction was, "Damn! I'm gonna write all the songs myself if I have to." And so I embarked upon the task of writing 10 songs including 4 ballads, a new funky song, several hip hop songs with nice beats and melodies, even one that has a lot of backup vocals.

How in the world did I do it? . . . It wasn't easy, not at all. Right now my brain is exhausted. But the key is unbelievable determination and self criticism. For my new funky song I sat at the keyboard for 5 days, saying to myself, "No! That's not good enough! I need a better beat! I need a great base line. I need the real feel of funk, and I 'm not going to stop until I have it!" The first 3 days: nothing acceptable. Nothing. Then I started with a beat. Then I added a chord progression I liked, followed by an idea for the subject and melody of the song. Then I worked meticulously, driving myself to work out the entire structure of the song from beginning to end, constantly criticizing my work, until at the end, the song became alive, like the Frankenstein monster, getting his first burst of electrical energy. "Yes! Yes! I did it!"

If I can do this, so can anyone who puts in the sweat equity. Maybe sweat equity is the difference between mediocre songs and real artful songs that last forever.

Lunatique · Post by **Lunatique** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:10 am

You should give yourself more credit than simply having worked hard. Hard work alone is usually not enough, so you probably also possess other qualities as well.

After working in various creative fields since 1991 (comics, animation, film, music, photography, writing), I can say with certainty that hard work is only part of the equation--the other factors are emotional intelligence, talent, academic intelligence, passion, perseverance...etc. I have seen plenty of people who are very smart in an academic way and works hard, but lacking that certain emotional intelligence and imagination that makes people "artists," and they just don't have what it takes to rise above a certain level of artistry. Their efforts might be technically sound, but doesn't resonate with anyone emotionally.

From what I've observed, the really amazing ones usually have these qualities:

-High emotional intelligence
-Passion
-Perseverance
-Resourceful and efficient (understands that working smart is just as important as working hard)
-Loves a challenge as opposed to only taking the easy route all the time
-Highly critical
-Analytical mind with sharp observational skills
-At least above average IQ
-Ability to focus on something for a long time
-Not concerned with the shallow surface and prefers substance and depth (this one is more subjective depending on your taste)

dataminer · Post by **dataminer** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:51 am

All a successful artist needs is the three T's.
(1) Taste
(2) Talent
(3) Tenacity

At least it sounded good when I read it in some book.

kemikalreakt · Post by **kemikalreakt** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:44 am

All a successful artist needs is the three T's.
(1) Taste
(2) Talent
(3) Tenacity

Too true - the most important thing is keep at it, because with out the tenacity and persistence taste or talent never shows. Try write a song everyday! even if its not great it gets the gray matter working. Also show friends, their input is inavaluble!

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:56 am

Is this guy serious? He's probably written a load of shite for all we know and he's patting himself on the back for it. Although he does admit to being a talented musician, so maybe he has done a decent job.

chicagodannyd · Post by **chicagodannyd** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:03 pm

Bones:
I am completely real. I'm not saying that every one of my songs reaches the quality level of Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" or Tawny Paris's "The Warrior is a child," but, on the whole, the score I wrote has numerous very high quality songs. I already played several of the songs to a group of about 15 performers and received excellent compliments like, "That's a beautiful song." I am also bringing in an arranger to help me with all the arranging, which I am giving just as much focus and tenacity as the composing. It is very exhausting for me, but I am not going to give up until the project is completely finished. The hardest task, which I can not do, is lyrics. I must have a lyricist to complete the songs. Regarding my musical background; I have been playing music since high school. I was the first trumpeter in numerous bands in HS and also in other bands, and studied trumpet under Reynold Shilke, former first trumpeter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I'm also a computer geek who has top equipment and music software.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:29 am

Sorry but I think it is up to other people to judge the worth of your work and find it incredibly pompous of you to use that thread title when you're talking about your own music.

chicagodannyd · Post by **chicagodannyd** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:18 am

BONES wrote:Sorry but I think it is up to other people to judge the worth of your work and find it incredibly pompous of you to use that thread title when you're talking about your own music.

Bones:

I agree with you 100% in that if other people don't agree as to the quality of the music, the project I am writing is in deep trouble. That's why I have worked so, so hard to write an impressive score. I have a reputation also in that I will deep six an entire project if I detect that it fails in anyway artistically. You should be aware that the Play for the musical sailed thru a reading of pro actors who have been in the business for years. I questioned them very thoroughly about the merits and entertainment value of the project. We talked almost for 2 hours, because they liked the play so much. That's places an additional stress that I am under, to write exceptional music for the work. I don't want people walking out of the theatre saying, "Nice stage play, but the music was only average." Forget that noise. I will have great music or I will die trying. There's no pompous attitude here. It's all business to me. I hope that helps explain the situation. I posted my comments 'cause maybe they can help some other composer, in some way, who is struggling with his work.

HunterKiller · Post by **HunterKiller** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:01 am

From the first post it sounds like you've got something great on your hands.

Any links so that we can listen to this work?

bluedad · Post by **bluedad** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:58 am

well I was ready to congratulate you until I read that you couldn't write the lyrics.
Now that of itself is nothing to be ashamed of, as I struggle with lyrics myself. Usually I end up using something from the kvr lyric thread though.
So in light of your admition, I am now less impressed with your accomplishment. However, you are to be commended for actually being involved in creating something musical instead of spending time posting at kvr.

Dunbar · Post by **Dunbar** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:11 am

well, most successful composers mostly rip off other successful composers in a manor so cunning that your average "Joe" doesn't notice. Of course, they usually cite their "influences" and hope litigation doesn't follow.

Cut yourself some slack and get copying.

(i'm having a very cynical morning, don't take me too seriously)

Writing a great song