help me, i'm an idiot

[daisymaisy]

ok, here goes; i have written songs [lyrics] for over a decade, but have never had the confidence to share them with anyone [pathetic, i know]. I don't really play any instruments, but I can sing the music down to the last drum beat and violin stroke as every inch of every song is 'recorded' in my head. My question to you all is how the hell do I record these songs at home? I don't particularly want to go to a studio as I am too embarrassed, yet I don't know where to start at home. Do I buy a keyboard with drum beats and violin sounds and record on this [is this possible?], or do I download software from the internet and create music on my pc and record this way? I am not looking for fame, but I would like to be able to just get everything onto disc so I can say to myself that at least I managed to put it together and then maybe, just maybe I might let my family listen to it.
Any comments are welcome xxx

 

[jviss]

Two words:

America Idol.

 

[Manslick]

Not playing an instrument seems like a big problem to me.

So I assume you don’t know music theory, names of chords, song structure, rhythms etc?

Therefore it would be hard for you to collaborate with other more knowledgeable musician’s long distance. I can’t imagine you having much luck posting a vocal piece and having anyone else just figure it out and add the missing pieces.

My suggestion is to find someone who can show you, in person, the ropes - so to speak. You need to learn the language of the craft.

Although, if you wanted to do a cover then that’s a whole different ball game.

 

[snatchman]

Well, if you can sing (in key) the melody and can structure the song as you want it ( ie..intro, verse, chorus,etc.), then there are some places on line that can play the instrumental parts to your song and make .wav files...Once you get the music bed down, if you have the ability to use multitrack files you can then recut your vocals to the newly inspired music bed..! ( unless of course you lay down the vocals killa from the start....).. Good luck...

 

[Chili]

Definitely hook up with local musicians. Go out to the clubs or venues where they are playing; bars, schools, churches or where ever. Talk to them, see if they are willing to work with you. You've got songs to offer, they might need a lyricist. Find someone who is looking for a songwriter, someone willing to help or collaborate (there's a difference and it has to do with copyrights!!)

Also search for a songwriter's group in your area. NSAI has chapters around the US and around the world. Just Plain Folks is another group with local presence throughout the US. In groups like these, you'll be in contact with people who can help you or point you in the right direction.

Be careful of demo services. Most are legitimate, but there are scammers out there too. A good demo service or studio can take the ideas from your head and put it on a cd or mp3 for you to pitch to artists, labels or publishers. They'll charge you an upfront fee and not claim any copyright ownership of your material.

Good luck and have fun,

 

[daisymaisy]

thank you for your replies, you all make perfect sense. snatchman, have you any idea where to find these 'places online'. If you could recommend any sites, I would be really grateful. xxxxxxx

 

[jimmitch]

Buy Band in a Box software

 

[snatchman]

thank you for your replies, you all make perfect sense. snatchman, have you any idea where to find these 'places online'. If you could recommend any sites, I would be really grateful. xxxxxxx

hello. I actually had a CD composed by a place. I'll see if I can dig it up. I'll post back as soon as I find it..

 

[daisymaisy]

thanks again everyone. i think it is a good idea to just bite the bullet and get mysef out there by approaching people like you suggest. I think after a decade of dreaming about doing something, I need to actually do something! I am so grateful for EACH of your replies, it means a lot that you are taking time to respond when it is pretty obvious that I am a bit foolish when it comes to all this.........! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Armistice]

Definitely hook up with local musicians

This means sleeping with them where I come from...

You might want to avoid that level of commitment in your quest.... after all, you could then create MORE musicians..

Last thing the planet needs...

Good luck!

 

[dastrick]

Where do you live, Daisy? There may be someone from these boards around you who would be willing to help out. And most likely they would have some way to record it.

 

[Chili]

after all, you could then create MORE musicians..

Last thing the planet needs...

I thought that was only drummers.

 

[daisymaisy]

i'm based in the uk. do i really need to sleep with musicians????? aw, ok then!