Writing originals... What's the point?

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TrueTone500

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A current recording artist recently told me that there's no money in record sales due to the advent digital downloading. He said that the days of corporate promotion is a thing of the past. He says you get a about a week of CD sales, and then sales drop-off because by then someone has downloaded it to the internet!

My question is this: What's the point in continuing with what seems to be a pointless endeavor? Playing covers was fun when I was learning to play, but writing originals has always been my passion. I have a small library of demos that I've been sitting on that I would really like to put some serious effort into - but again, what's the point? Do any of you feel the same way as I do? Are you playing as a hobby, covers, originals, tribute band...etc. All of the above maybe? I've always had a vision of what I wanted to do musically, and I totally believed I could make that dream happen. Back in the day the inspiration to play was perpetual... These days I have to actually seek-out that inspiration.
 
I play as a hobby. I record my own material for my own enjoyment.
 
It's in a sad state. Not sure how writers make money any more. :confused:
 
My living doesn't come from music. I play what I want and fart in the general direction of those who don't like it.
 
Covers, tribute. Did some originals back in the day, and though I liked it, I just chose college and opening up some businesses over trying to make it. I was super poor when I left home at 16 and decided I didn't want to chance "making it" over having a roof over my head - since at the time I didn't. My wife and I do some acoustic original stuff for playing small gigs, but we wouldn't even try and take it further as we could never dedicate what we would need to go anywhere.

Write for pleasure, play constantly, and put it out there. You never know what will happen. Don't give up the dream - if it really is the dream. But don't be the girl from Oklahoma getting off the bus on Hollywood and Vine thinking you're going to be the next Marilyn - might as well play the lottery.
 
Shark Diver":2f1t2ke2 said:
But don't be the girl from Oklahoma getting off the bus on Hollywood and Vine thinking you're going to be the next Marilyn - might as well play the lottery.
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Brah, don't be harshin' my gig so hard... core, cruster.
 
TrueTone500":1vkro107 said:
A current recording artist recently told me that there's no money in record sales due to the advent digital downloading. He said that the days of corporate promotion is a thing of the past. He says you get a about a week of CD sales, and then sales drop-off because by then someone has downloaded it to the internet!

My question is this: What's the point in continuing with what seems to be a pointless endeavor? Playing covers was fun when I was learning to play, but writing originals has always been my passion. I have a small library of demos that I've been sitting on that I would really like to put some serious effort into - but again, what's the point? Do any of you feel the same way as I do? Are you playing as a hobby, covers, originals, tribute band...etc. All of the above maybe? I've always had a vision of what I wanted to do musically, and I totally believed I could make that dream happen. Back in the day the inspiration to play was perpetual... These days I have to actually seek-out that inspiration.
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Depends... But mostly I play guitar for the same reason I started playing guitar. I enjoy it as another source of expression. It remains a means unto itself, rather than merely a means to a financial end. If you are looking at it from a business perspective vs an artistic one-- then obviously other considerations come into play.
 
For creativity and expressing yourself. Just because you don't make money doesn't make it pointless.
 
I agree that writing original material is about creativity and expression. It is all about the person not about making money. I hope it is not a dying art since I am not big on seeing cover bands although it is fun at times. That is why hard rock/metal is so much better in Europe IMO. I play because I enjoy playing and really do not try to learn songs note for note. It is all about playing/creating stuff from me even if it may suck!! :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:
 
Just do what I do man..

Pound ass non-stop,

if anybody catches ya..

tell em you were just practicing for prison.

:lol: :LOL:

sign-up sheet is in the lobby :rock:
 
We have a band that does only originals. The way I see it is basically what for example Zachman said. We're not expecting to "make it" but it's just good fun too. Throw some money into making a cd etc, good times :)!
 
Michi":fz0vkur0 said:
We have a band that does only originals. The way I see it is basically what for example Zachman said. We're not expecting to "make it" but it's just good fun too. Throw some money into making a cd etc, good times :)!
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Everyone forgot about the girls!!! :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:
 
If someone's only reason to play guitar was to sell music and make money then they werent going to get anywhere to begin with. Of course the current slew of pop, shit hop, C-rap doesn't apply to that since that garbage is void of any substance but those schmuks are making big money.
 
TrueTone500":3nd27mh2 said:
A current recording artist recently told me that there's no money in record sales due to the advent digital downloading. He said that the days of corporate promotion is a thing of the past. He says you get a about a week of CD sales, and then sales drop-off because by then someone has downloaded it to the internet!

My question is this: What's the point in continuing with what seems to be a pointless endeavor? Playing covers was fun when I was learning to play, but writing originals has always been my passion. I have a small library of demos that I've been sitting on that I would really like to put some serious effort into - but again, what's the point? Do any of you feel the same way as I do? Are you playing as a hobby, covers, originals, tribute band...etc. All of the above maybe? I've always had a vision of what I wanted to do musically, and I totally believed I could make that dream happen. Back in the day the inspiration to play was perpetual... These days I have to actually seek-out that inspiration.
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What are you looking to learn here? What can we contribute to this to help you out. I'm not following the point of this discussion. Its obvious people play for fun, are in cover bands, tribute bands, pros, etc.. Whats your Point is the question. That's personal between you and the mirror.
 
Of course people should keep writing original music...otherwise there would be no new music! Keep writing pal and enjoy it! Never a pointless task!
 
At this point I just do it in hopes of getting better at it strictly for my own satisfaction.
 
I've been in bands where we were making a serious commercial effort. Amazingly our biggest naysayers were other musicians, telling us how music should be free. There was a time when people would gladly pay the paltry £5 for your output, or £12 on a t-shirt. There were times where the music scene was enthused enough to put some effort into seeing bands live. Sadly, music is so commoditised now, it's 100% image and no substance. Add to that the entitled generation who justify crimes due to lack of enforcement methods, pretty much doing anything genuine, creative, original or artistic is pretty much a waste of time. IT also strikes me the guys who are "doing it for free" are generally not worth listening to either. I've had stacks of "free music" and not a bit of it bearable for even a single play through. There are exceptions of course - and I'm not just talking about music!

For bands these days, it's impossible when you reach a certain level. When you should be seeking label interest, you're sitting on a bank account with no money coming in yet 2000 "fans" illegally downloading what you would ideally want to sell and reinvest into the band. Though try to prove that prospect with terrible things like facts, you're a "dinosaur who should get a new model." This is usually the time when a mid-low-level band who should be taking off in a big way have to call it a day. Once you reach the prospect of looking at 4-5 figures in the hole simply because everyone steals your product, it becomes a fruitless endeavour. And there are many bands I know personally who went this way.

Of course, the entitled pirates don't want to hear any of this. Most likely as they're not talented enough themselves to ever be exposed to the reality. But whatever, eh?
 
in a digital world you can only sell one copy too.

the landscape is what it is. You don't need to spend a million dollars on a high quality production in a studio when you could do it yourself at home. You don't need to be signed to a major label, do an indie yourself and be your own boss ;) burn copies to sell at your shows and song downloads that can be purchased.

The bigger stop gap for original music is actually finding enough places who have original artists...its all cover bands and tribute bands.
 
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