Do the songs you write always 'irk' you afterwards?

dogwhisperer

Hey there, Just a quick question...
After I have written a song, I always feel like...yuk afterwards...like when you listen to your own voice on tape...is that normal? Embarassed

I always feel like embarrased to even show anyone because they sound real funny, as do the rhythim, no matter what!
Is there anyone out there that has felt the same way at times ? Perhaps someone would have some tips for overcoming it. Also, I have just started playing in a christian band (church) and while I am practicing I am nearly perfect, however just this morning I had practiced soooo much I knew it would be no problem playing it out front (my first time), however when I actually got up the front my hands shook so much Embarassed

that I kept messing up on the chords and loosing my place in the song Mad

grrrrrr!!!!! Any ideas?
Thank you all so much!!!
Love in Christ,
Melissa

PunkStar · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:22 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I think every artist is a bit embarresed about every song they write. We just never feel our songs are good enough for people to listen to. But I think it's just something you have to push past. You have to learn to ignore that little voice in the back of your head telling you you're not good enough. Just ignore any little insecurities you may have, getting over them will make you a stronger performer and person in general.

First time nerves huh. Yeah, everyone gets that. But when you play in front of a church, people usually don't judge you to harshly. They know you're heart is in the right place. And I think they recognize you would have to be pretty talented to sing and play in front of an entire congregation, brave too. Best thing to do when performing in front of people is this. Ignore them. They aren't there. Best way to do that is to focus solely on the music. Don't let your mind wander to thinking about the crowd and what they think. They don't matter. If God put you with the church band, then he thinks you're talented enough to do it. Just focus on the music, ignore everyone else, and just do your job.

I'm lucky though. I don't have to sing. I'm solely a guitarist in my church's band. My voice is actually terrible. I can't even sing in key. Therefore, I focus completely on the guitar and nerves don't bother me.

Just remember, God put you there. And He knows you can do it. Just do it for Him. Focus on the music and don't let your mind wander. Because then you will lose your place.

dogwhisperer · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much...I know God will get me through! Very Happy

I am really glad this is quite a small congregation...usually under 50ppl and also they all keep their eyes mostly on the ohp instead of staring at us musos in the corner Wink

Isn't it sooooo stupid this 'fear of man' thing??? I absolutely HATE it (obviously, I struggle with it alot :big:) The other thing is that I have been wondering lately if Guitar is really (metal string accoustic is what I play) a man's instrument? I dunno... I started most of my life doing mostly 'boy' stuff (helping dad fix cars, building sheds /farm equipment...always in overalls / jeans / guys work shirts/boots/daggy hat etc, ) rarely ever did (or should I say enjoyed) doing 'girls' stuff. I can't say how thankful I am for the training and that, but now I am getting more interested in doing girls stuff (at one point I even hated the fact I was a girl...'what's the use of a girl anyway'!!!) Smile

...now I'm getting really interested in Christian 'fashion' designing (if you can call it that..some of the stuff nowdays is appalling!! according to 1Timothy 2:9) etc

Any ways, if there are any girls out there that play guitar, send me a note.
Melissa

ACfixer · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 8:19 pm Post subject:

I always feel like the chord progressions I come up with were written by a four year old kid. Not only that, every one of my songs sound alike! I actually like my recorded voice better than I do live, but I am really critical of my rhythms just like you said. My lead breaks are so-so, kinda pre-schoolish again... Welcome to the wonderful world of music! Every once in a while it all 'clicks' and then it's all worth it! Smile

PunkStar · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 8:32 pm Post subject:

Sounds like your church is about as small as mine then. I like a smaller congregation. There are less people to notice your mistakes. But we can also take some comfort in the fact that most people in the congregation don't have enough musical training to pick up a mistake anyway. Very Happy

I don't think the guitar is a man's instrument. I think it is an instrument for anybody who wants to play music, or just stuff around with an instrument. I guess the thought that guitar is a man's instrument comes from the fact that most of the people who play guitars are men. But I don't believe that should stop women from giving it a go.

There is actually a company called Daisy Rock that makes guitars designed for girls. The article I've got in front of me says they reduce the scale length of the fretboard a bit, make the guitar lighter, and they make the guitar look more female (they've got a picture of a light pink colored acoustic guitar here). The person who built the company (Tish Ciravolo) is trying to change the "guitar as a male instrument" stereotype. Good luck to her. I hope she succeeds. I'd like to see more women playing guitar. So Daisy Rock might be worth checking out.

I don't believe you should give up the guitar just because it is often associated with guys. If you're any good, keep at it. If nothing else it's a great hobby. It's also an awesome way to serve the Lord.

Good to see we have a Christian fashion designer on the way. You're absolutely right, fashion has gone to the dogs. Good to see some Faith in fashion.

tommyd · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 8:34 pm Post subject:

If you are actually creating new music, you are in a place not many people dare to go. Its great to even be writing songs. I admire you for that.

As far as getting nervous playing live for people... yes I have that problem in church, but only because I've done it about 5 or 6 times ever. It gets easier every time, and I find myself being able to relax a little bit more each time.

I've only sung AND played solo a couple of times in my life and its terrible how nervous I get.

I have been leading the youth in singing praises once a week for over a year and I don't get nervous at all, even though I used to.

markm2553 · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:32 am Post subject:

Punk Star had a lot of good advice.The guitar is not just a man thing. I know several woman that play, and the best bass player we have in our Church is a 16 year old girl. She plays both bass and guitar (lead guitar!).
I have an uncle that use to have a band. He was the leader of the band and the front man. I'v heard him say before that to really reach people you have to connect with who you are singing to. His band played country music in all kinds of places and had a pretty good following for a few years around here. When I started playing and singing in Church I never forgot what he said. The big differance was who we are singing for in Church. We sing to the Lord, so that is who we must connect with. If we can get to the point where we can forget about the people out there looking at us, and try to just connect with God (look up) He can help us with our nerves the same way He helps us with everything else. All that said, I still get torn up sometimes, most of the time when I'm playing or singing with someone else, I don't want to mess them up. Praying together before we play has helped.
I try not to listen to myself on tape, I tend to lock onto some part of it I really don't like and feel funny about doing the song afterward. I guess that is natural? Keep writing, when you see someone touched by something you have written, it makes all the "ikky" seem worth it.

dogwhisperer · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:46 pm Post subject:

Well, it looks like I'm not the only 16 y/o girl that plays the guitar! I was talking to mum the other day and she said that the top players of flute are men! (she's played it since she was like a little kid)...I always associated it with women! Oh, and ACfixer, your description of your chord progressions kind of fits me well...I think my 4 y/o bro could have done better on some of my silly songs. Idea

Hey, come to think of it, seeing as we seem to have such a talent in writing preschool sounding songs, lets start recording them and selling them to kindergartens...forget the hard nut cases that call themselves 'grown-ups- Exclamation

PunkStar · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:03 am Post subject:

So you're 16 too? Cool, good to have another person my age on the board. You're the second to my knowledge. Welcome to the minority.

I agree, we could all write some really good children's songs and sell them. The Wiggles have nothing on us. Laughing

NOTE: The Wiggles are a children's band here in Australia.

dogwhisperer · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:34 am Post subject:

Wiggles??!! Stupid-Nonsense you mean! Smile

tommyd · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:15 am Post subject:

I have two boys, 4years and 1 year old. We all love the Wiggles. Couldn't stand them when I first saw them, but hey, its for the kids. Plus, they're kinda freaky and sometimes you just can't look away. Confused

PunkStar · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:00 pm Post subject:

I don't mind The Wiggles. I never listened to them much as a kid, a bit after my time I think. But I don't mind some of their stuff now. Although I don't hear much of it. I don't mind it. Besides, at least you won't find anything offensive in their music.

dogwhisperer · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:25 am Post subject: The Wiggles

No, you aren't likely to find offensive language in it, however isn't it kinda promoting a really silly atmosphere that has nothing to do with the Lord in it?...I guess I am a strong believer in the idea of if you don't want it when they grow up, don't promote it when they a little...its really hard to find kids around punkstar's and my age nowdays that have any sense in their head...mostly they are just interested in whats cool and the latest and how big a party can they throw. I find it really hard to find solid friends that really want the Lord! I don't mean this to offend though Smile

markm2553 · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:30 am Post subject:

Wise words little sister. Just cause people get older don't mean they get and smarter at what really matters...
Why can't everyone see,

Knowing Jesus is cool Cool

Switchfootfan77 · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:12 am Post subject:

It always happens to me. All I think about is God, He gave me this talent and I am using to His glory, whatever happens is up to God, He knows and He will help us out. I pray that you do good.
GOD BLESS YOU!
MATT E. LEAD OF THE BAND :FADED: