I'm new and in need of guidance

[Animbot]

Hey guys I'm new to this site and new to music in general actually. So I have no musical training and no previous experience in song writing but last year I decided I was going to learn. I went out and got a keyboard and some equipment and started learning how to play (kind of). I've also been recording "songs" here and there. I don't know if I'm going about this the right way by just jumping into writing songs without even knowing the basics but I've just patterned my stuff after music I like. I also don't have any musician friends so I could really use some advice on what direction to go for a beginner and I would really, really like some feedback on my beginner music So I've posted some songs and tests I've been working on over the last year and again feedback would be much appreciated.
Here they are. http://traviscameron.com/Things/

 

[shiatzu]

i listened to the first song on the site "fun13.mp3" and, frankly, it's kinda crazy that this is your freshman songwriting attempt... even though it's "not my style" i really enjoyed it.

 

[Tifstorey]

like shiatzu says, this is a quality recording, good ideas and amazing to be your 'beginner music'. Impressive stuff! Good work!!

 

[gibsonguy09]

I liked them they could be a great background for a song. now u need to come up with words!!! good work

 

[Animbot]

You guys really made my day I didn't expect such encouraging responses thanks I appreciate it. Shiatzu thanks for the comment that's actually what I consider my first succesful attempt although I never really finished the song. Gibsonguy09 I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "now you need words!!" I believe all the songs I put up had lyrics. Could you clarify?
I do feel pretty comfortable recording and mixing and so forth but where I feel I need guidance is in songwriting. Is it unusual for people like myself to just start writing music with no training? Would you guys suggest I go through training or do you feel it doesn't matter and it's the end result that counts?
I would also love to here comments on anything that's lacking in the music. Thanks again guys.

 

[walkperson]

songwriting

personally I wouldn't take songwriting classes or anything like that.but it could help.I'm writing five years,got about forty songs and still feel like i'm a beginner.everyone writes in different ways but if you're lucky enough to have close friends who write aswell then exploit this-i think this can be really beneficial to all involved.that's how i got myself in gear.
best of luck!

 

[Animbot]

personally I wouldn't take songwriting classes or anything like that.but it could help.I'm writing five years,got about forty songs and still feel like i'm a beginner.everyone writes in different ways but if you're lucky enough to have close friends who write aswell then exploit this-i think this can be really beneficial to all involved.that's how i got myself in gear.
best of luck!

After finally being able to talk to a few musicians the one thing everyone's said was to find people who write and exchange ideas. I think I may take clases even if I don't get as much out of the class I think it would be a good way to meet people.

 

[jasonm]

Hey man. Awesome tunes. The songs themselves are compellingly miserable and then the production is very apropriate. Not the bestest ever produciton but all the ideas work really well. Sounds like a mash of Elliot Smith with The Microphones with the Black Heart Procession with Air (maybe). These songs would make a great film sound track or something like that.
Yeah, getting together with other song writers is never a bad idea.
Keep doing what you've been doing!

 

[Animbot]

Thanks jasonm those are some of my influences for sure I guess I can't hide that

 

[skar]

You are a portal..only through you can you express what you are feelin and what makes you happy....music is the purest form of letting you express you...there is noone that can actually teach you..if you have a good composition of the instrument of choice then just let your mind..feelings and heart guide you and you will be a great artist...

 

[thane1200]

WoW! If that's your *first* attempt then we better watch out! An up-n-comer for sure.

Keep it up.

Deep. Dark. Electro. Sound.