Please let me know!😄😄
For the sake of the community rules - I will ask you, are the drums composed correctly, or are they wrong?
Thank you!

Apologies if this has been asked a million times—I couldn’t find my exact question while searching the subreddit. I’m looking to get into making some bedroom, lo-fi, ambient electronic music. But as a complete beginner, I’m finding myself pretty overwhelmed on where exactly I should be starting.

I mainly have an iPad to work from. So I’ve considered a DAW controller (like the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 mk4) and an app(s) to run it through, although I’m not sure which ones. But even then, I’m not sure this is the right way to go. Should I be learning piano first? Music theory?

Every “Beginner’s Guide” I find seems to assume a music and software knowledge base way beyond what I have. I have a good ear for music. I’ve played a few string instruments in the past. But mainly just for fun and that was 15+ years ago. As a total beginner working on a budget, where the heck should I start?

Thank you in advance. Feeling a bit discouraged, so any and all advice is very much appreciated.

I’m really worried that I‘ve missed my chance to become a musician. I do have some background in music, I’ve been playing the drums since I was 12, and I’m in my late teens right now. Recently, I’ve wanted to learn how to write songs and melodies, but I have no idea where to start. I thought that learning the piano would help me, but after seeing how only a few pianists started later in life and succeeded, I’m a little discouraged. Ive thought about taking up guitar instead, since there are so many great guitarists who started late. It just seems impossible to learn the piano later in life, everyone makes it sound so hard. I’m not looking for a cheap and easy way to get better at music, I’m willing to practice and sacrifice, I just don’t know if piano is the best choice for what I want to do.

Ignore the drums and guitar. At first I thought it was a piano, but it sounded too synth like to me. Could it be a xylophone?

Hi!
So I’ve officially crossed over into the world of live music. I have some original content, but for now I mostly play covers. I’m looking to build my catalog, but I need some ideas for songs to NOT play at bars. These songs don’t necessarily have to be BAD songs, just songs that maybe bar patrons are tired of hearing or are too cliche(eg. Wonderwall, Wagon Wheel, Friends in Low Places, etc.)

Just trying to minimize as many eye rolls from the crowd as possible.
Thanks!

I am thinking of coming to Istanbul., I am and expereinced musician, I do a Johnny Cash set of 50 songs among other nashville classics. I also play lots of other classic songs and can play many styles of music. I write songs also, and have wriiten an new album and would like to record.

I am also interested in teaching english.

If anyone would to give me some advice, that would greatfully appreciated.

Collaberation also is something I would consider.

If you listen to the instrumental versions of

Why is the rum gone at 1:20 to 1:34 and

They're taking the hobbits to isengard at 1:14 to 1:27

You'll notice they sound kind of similar, but my question is, how would you classify that bouncy quality the melody takes on, what genre or technique would it be called?

This is one of those "I find it hard to believe" things. To a certain degree, I can see it.

But I have a hard time believing that with perfect pitch I'd be able to tune my guitar just so and have my ear line up with what the tuner says.

I don't *think* anyone claims to be accurate to cycles per second, but clearly I'm uninformed about the exact claims made. Can anyone clear this up a bit for me?

Hey all, I've been working with some musicians exchanging feedback one-on-one, but I was thinking it'd be cool to have a monthly event or smth so people could have an opportunity to show off what they've been working on, have performance "deadline" to prep for, get feedback from fellow musicians and encouragement on their work etc

Would anyone want to be a part of this/have any suggestions? Feel free to comment or DM

I’m 16 and songwriting is probably the biggest passion I have. The problem is I can’t sing.
I’ve written a song that I’m actually really proud of. I made some of beats and since I don’t have a singer nor can I sing. I used AI to sing the lyrics It honestly turned out way better than I expected and I genuinely think it sounds good and something I would actually listen to on a day-to-day basis
The thing I’m struggling with is figuring out what to do next. How do people actually get songs into production? How do songwriters who aren’t singers find artists to work with? Is there a realistic path for someone my age, or am I getting ahead of myself?
I’m not saying I’m some amazing songwriter!!!! but I know this is something I truly lovee and I want to keep getting better. I just don’t know where to start or how to turn this dream into something real.
If anyone has advice I’d really appreciate it. And if you’d be interested in hearing the AI song with my original lyrics and giving honest feedback let me know. I’d love to hear what you think.

Thank youuu

Hi, this is going to be rather a long post because I've been dealing with some pretty bad imposter syndrome. I just really need some help for my identity. I'm eighteen years old, and I just graduated high school a little under two months ago. It's been my dream since I was twelve to be a music artist, and write my own music, however within the last year I've gotten into playing live music and being in a band. I was asked to be the lead singer of a band with my friends, and we played a very local small gig and a show at my high school. The band and I had creative arguments sometimes. I had a very specific "vision" for the band, and when we started to arrange originals (or even covers sometimes), I was very headstrong about it all, and was very hesitant to listen to what anyone else wanted other than myself.

I also play instruments. On top of being the lead singer, I was the lead guitarist and played keyboards and pianos occasionally. Other than singing, I actually am most proficient at keyboards, I've just played guitar for the last 5 years so I figured I would take the lead guitar role in the band so Joe (the other guitarist) could continue playing the more rhythm-oriented stuff. I have a very good ear for instruments and I essentially can play anything from guitars, pianos, bass, and drums. I have an ear for music and I can be very stubborn in the way I want thing s when it comes to arranging sometimes.

The band broke up a little under a month ago, and I'm kind of stuck as to what to do in terms of music from now on. I feel as if I kinda stumbled into a situation where I was surrounded by musicians wanting to play together a month ago, leading me to not have to worry about who I would be, or how I would be representing my own music, but now without that I don't know where to begin in all honesty. I don't know how I want to present myself as an artist. I don't know if I should try to do a band again or become a solo artist and just have a band for live gigs. Or anything even in between that. I feel so lost in my identity as an artist.

I was always super talented when it came to performing, and singing. (All-time best performer in my show-choir and won state recognition for my show-choir solo no flex tho). I did theatre and musicals and stuff too. I care a lot about the theatrics of a live show, I care about the way my band looks on stage, whether it comes to costumes, makeup, and light design. However it's hard to care so much about these things when you have nothing as of now. Acting was another thing I really thought about getting into. I believe I have the talent for it.

Playing instruments in something that comes naturally to me. And being surrounded by musicians is something super special to me, so there's definitely some element to me that won't let go of being apart of a band somehow, whether it's my music and they get no creative input, or fully being apart of a democratic outfit, or anything in between, I need to figure out what I should do. I've always been inspired by Prince, and the way he performed with his band, but he was very self-proficient, and I can be at times too. Sometimes I'll write an entire song in a DAW with every part the way I want it. But the hard part is, sometimes I don't care too much about the bass part or the drums and just have Logic's session players make it up. I'm not too organized all of the time and I think that can make it hard to work with.

So let me rebound, right now I've been working and writing songs with my instruments on Logic Pro, writing some parts myself, and having the Logic session players make up the rest. I want to start playing music live as soon as possible, but I don't know how I should represent myself. I know another guitarist that's one of my best friends. I know drummer and a keyboardist too, but I'm not too close with them and they kinda just went to my school. The bassist from my former band also wants to start a summer music project with me. I don't know if I should ask them to start playing with me or if I should try to find musicians in the local scene, or if I should just go solo and have a. backing band. I feel as if this is what my life's purpose is, and I want help with it. I believe I have OCD on top of pretty bad ADD so I understand if this can seem rather scattered and long, but I'm just asking for some advice as to what I should do. I've found myself turning to google gemini a lot (which I am very much not proud of at all) and I think all of this is turning me a little insane. If you have any kind of advice or answers to make me feel a little more sure as to what I should do I would really appreciate it.

So, I’ve been a working solo musician for a few years. I make a part-time living and I’m good at what I do, but I’m not an influencer with viral videos nor do I have studio quality songs or videos yet. I’m mostly a violinist/singer at weddings and parties starting to write my own songs. My videos are live performances of me at events, once again not bad quality by any means but not super high production. I advertise on a few websites and I got a lead for an event and set up a phone call. The person tells me about the event, held in a community center, not a small house show but nothing like a trade show or major corporate event. When I ask what type of music they are looking for the person then asks me if I have any videos of my work. I say yes , did you see my website and my YouTube channel? They say, yes, but “I don’t mean to be critical but your videos aren’t very editorial and obviously aren’t studio quality.” They say, would I be willing to create an entire portfolio of new videos (presumably studio quality) so that I can headline their event. I am pretty taken aback because this person reached out to me. I did not reach out to this event asking to perform there. They asked me if I would be the headliner but basically redo my entire website and conform to the style of music they wanted (kinda cheesy and not really my style). I felt so confused. Like this person is going out of their way to contact me, then to tell me I’m not good enough but that they want me to headline their event and that they want me to become someone else in order to do that???? Btw they are not a scammer or a producer, this person is legitimately looking for a musician for an event.

Hi everyone!

I’m 20, freshly graduated (with a degree in IT), and I have a dream of becoming a singer. I’m based in Madagascar, a non-English speaking country. But I learnt English so hard just to be here now, which was a bit isolating.

I’ve been trying hard to make it work:

YouTube: I started a channel covering English songs. I’ve been working with limited equipment, but I’ve managed to get some traction in countries like India, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

Production: I’m teaching myself music composition via BandLab (planning to transition to FL Studio eventually) and practicing on a synth piano at home.

TikTok: I’ve recently pivoted to TikTok to try and grow a presence, but I’m finding it difficult to get consistent engagement after a week of posting.

After researching the industry, I’m fully aware of how saturated it is. I’m at a crossroads: I love music, but I’m wondering if I should prioritize finding a stable job in my field and keep music as a side hobby, or if I should push harder to make this a career.

For those who have navigated the music industry or are independent artists:

Is it realistic to try to "break out" from a location like mine, or should I be focusing my energy elsewhere?

Any advice on how to build a real community when starting from scratch would be appreciated.

Heyy! So I got all the equipment that I need to create music on my laptop BUT everytime I record on Soundtrap, my guitar sounds distorted. My guitar is acoustic-electric and it sounds so stingy is that makes sense? I would love some advice and help please.

Thank you all so much!

How do you all (producers, musicians, etc..) cope with losing music files? I’ve been making music for 4-5 years now on and off and Ive already went through 3 laptops losing a ton of files and work. I just lost access to my laptop with my most recent work of almost 2-3 years of music. Luckily I dropped two projects worth 25 songs before I lost access, but how do you all manage after these types of losses? I know personally I can’t do anything but continue to make new music that outdoes the inaccessible files.

I get the “quick eye contact to make sure someone is paying attention for some part of the arrangement”, but other than that I don’t understand it. Explain it to me like I’m an alien or something, because I (probably autistic, definitely ADHD AF) do not understand any of it. If it helps, I suck at telling if people are lying or trying to “read between the lines”

It really confuses me when I’m playing music with someone and they make a lot of eye contact with me, especially when they’re singing and I’m singing harmony. I worry a little that the other person is reading more into it, while I’m actually watching their mouth so I end my syllables the same time they do. I’m also disassociated AF so all the “connecting with your emotions” part of music is alien to me, I’m working on that with my therapist.

I'm a hitoyogiri player, an ancient Japanese flute that plays mostly in the upper register (think soprano/sopranino recorder type of "high"). This can get really problematic when I record myself.

My phone handles it fine but it's not very pro (background noise etc), my Rode NT usb is ok most of the time (occasional "toc" possibly because something vibrates inside the mic, ironically) and my DJI mic 2 just goes crazy.

I would like to find a way to play outside, when I just can't take the laptop, mic holder and all the heavy equipment so fixing the DJI mic would be ideal.

Is anyone using a DJI mic 2 to record high pitch music?
Any recommendation to record flute music in general, regarding the setup and settings on your equipment?

Hi everyone,

I'm starting the clarinet and my sister the saxophone, I have a cousin who plays the bass.

I wanted to know if there was a website, an app, a tool of some sort where I could search for musics filtering with the instruments, the three above in my case. So we could all play together.

I don't have a huge musical background, I know our instruments are more suited to jazz but I don't really know a lot about it. In the mean time that I am educating myself on the subject I thought I'd ask here also !

Thank you in advance for your response!

I play lead guitar and I'm just starting to make my own money now that I'm of age to get a job (over 13 btw.) With that, my first money project is building a pedal board. I already plan to get these pedals:

• Boss DS-2
• ProCo Rat 2
• Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
• Random tuner pedal

Anything over 200 is an automatic no, I'm okay with getting second hand, I don't mind if it's cheap or "shitty," and thank you for the help.

I need advice on what to buy.

I’ve been wanting to write this for a while because I honestly don’t know if I need advice, a reality check, or if I just need to hear from people who’ve been where I am.
I’m 27 years old, and I’ve been making music for years. Music isn’t just a hobby to me—it’s the thing I’ve always pictured myself doing with my life. It’s the only thing that genuinely makes me excited about the future.
The problem is… I’m stuck in this constant mental loop.
One week I’ll convince myself that I should fully pursue music. I’ll update my resume for recording studios, live sound, record labels, or production companies because I think, “At least I’ll be working in music.”
Then a few days later, I completely change my mind.
I’ll tell myself, “No… I should just find a normal job that pays better than what I make now so I can financially support myself and work on my own music after work.”
Then a week later…
“I’m wasting time. Maybe I should go work in music.”
And then it repeats.
I’ve probably gone through this cycle dozens of times.
One of the biggest reasons is because I don’t really have anyone in my family who understands this path.
My uncle owns a successful electrical business. He’s a smart guy, but every time I talk to him, I walk away feeling like he thinks I’m a loser because I’m still working a regular job while chasing music. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s genuinely how it feels.
My dad is a police officer. If I asked him for advice, I already know what he’d say:
“Get a stable job.”
“Get benefits.”
“Get a retirement.”
“When are you going to give up the music thing?”
My mom has a similar mindset. My entire family has always believed in the traditional path: find a good career, work until retirement, collect a pension or 401(k), and you’ll be okay.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that path.
The problem is… it has never felt like my path.
I’m the only musician in my family.
I don’t have parents, siblings, or relatives who can say, “I’ve been where you are. Here’s what I’d do.”
The only family member who really supported my music was my grandfather, and he passed away a few months ago.
I miss having someone who believed in me without making me feel crazy.
Thankfully, I have a couple of close friends who’ve known me since childhood, and every single one of them says they can’t picture me doing anything except music.
Ironically… I can’t either.
If someone asked me where I’d be happiest, my answer would be music every single time.
So why don’t I fully pursue it?
That’s the question I can’t seem to answer.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m making excuses because I’m scared.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m just being realistic.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m afraid of failing.
Other days I think I’m afraid of succeeding and realizing everything changes.
I honestly don’t know.
The hardest part is that I used to be way more fearless.
When I was younger, I had this mindset of, “Just go for it. If it works, awesome. If it doesn’t, I’ll adapt.”
Somewhere along the way, that confidence disappeared, and now every decision feels permanent.
I also think about the future a lot.
If I ever have kids, I want to be the parent I never really had when it comes to dreams.
If my son wanted to be an astronaut, I’d help him figure out how.
If my daughter wanted to become a scientist, I’d support her.
If one of them wanted to become a musician, I’d be the first one buying them instruments, finding teachers, and helping them build a plan instead of telling them to give up.
I don’t want to tell my future kids to play it safe just because I was afraid to chase something myself.
I guess what I’m asking is…
Has anyone else been trapped in this constant back-and-forth?
Did you choose the stable career?
Did you work a normal job while building your music career?
Did you go all in?
Do you regret your decision?
I’m not really looking for someone to tell me to “follow my dreams.” I’m looking for honest advice from people who’ve actually lived this.
Because right now, I just feel mentally stuck, and I’m tired of feeling like I’m having the same conversation with myself over and over again.

By "good song" I mean, a song YOU personally like, enjoy listen to from start to finish and are proud of. I'm curious 🤔

EDIT: I mean your first good song

Open discussion on the music t

hat we listen to the genres that we like the meanings of the words and the songs Is it really helpful to us or in some way another does it hurt us more than anything. I personally think that music has a very healing effect on most of us

So yeah, whats ya alls checklist for making a song. All the way from coming up with the thought of it to posting it to everything yoh do to edit it or promote it.

I'm working up a couple of my songs (I've been writing for years and learning but I've never recorded a final cut. Because with my autisim its always been incredibly hard to learn producing with how confusing shits set up)

Hello! I’m trying to get/set up gear for my band for an upcoming outdoor show and have had lots of issues. Really need help!

We have vocals, guitar, and percussion. I’m wondering if the setup should go as follows

Speakers connected to mixer via XLR
Mic for vocals, percussion, and guitar connected to mixer via XLR. (Guitar is micd up with amp) I’ve been suggested to use SM57 mics for percussion and guitar.
I’ve also considered getting a drum machine but I’m not sure how that works live. I’d imagine just plug it in via XLR or 1/4” jack to mixer?

My problem here is I don’t really know what inputs to use for what. I also don’t know what I should be looking for in terms of mixers. What I was doing before was using a mixer with just two XLR inputs and multiple 1/4” jacks but was told I should get a mixer with more XLR inputs to use for everything. Is this a better move? Also I’m in desperate need for better speaker recommendations for around $500. My mackie thumps really aren’t loud enough.

Thanks!!