Re: The forgotten art of melody

Richard Smol <richard.smol@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On 18 jan, 13:13, "js" <noth...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Once upon a time, people learned the art of songCRAFT by studying the
masters in their genre(s) and performing "cover" material until they
felt they were able to write their own stuff AND that they had
something to say.

Now, every jackoff with a drop Db guitar considers himself a
"songwriter", even though he can't play/sing even the most basic
material from the most popular musicians in the genre he's writing
for.

in fact it's considered some sort of "sellout" to even aspire to
learn someone else's material - because it would point out their own
shortcomings?

Paradoxically, not being able to play someone else's songs does not
automatically mean that you can't come up with your stuff. Writing
songs is simply hard and most people are not good at it. It has to do
with this uncontrollable, undefinable quality called "talent".

RS

Talent alone isn't enough. Songwriting is a craft, and like most other
crafts, an apprenticeship goes a long way toward fulfilling that talent
(in this case the apprenticeship being the study of the works of
acknowledged masters in the appropriate genre).

And yes, most people will flop miserably even given that preparation;
however, that fact does *not* mean that a person with the relevant
talents will automatically become a good songwriter.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: The forgotten art of melody
    ... Talent alone isn't enough. ... acknowledged masters in the appropriate genre). ... talents will automatically become a good songwriter. ... Cover-bands usually play stuff that has proven its worth already, ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Jazz Virtuoso?
    ... What's the line between great talent and virtuoso talent? ...  who would you consider as a bona fide virtuoso? ... natural talent are found not to become the masters. ... I think the above list of dhn of guitarists as masters is good. ...
    (rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz)
  • Re: OT: For Old Guys who Remember the Sixties: Grace Slick or Mamma Michelle Phillips
    ... talent, there would have been no contest. ... singer and songwriter. ... Going by these 2 photos I would choose Michelle. ... Songwriting and Music Business Info: http://www.sethjackson.net ...
    (rec.gambling.poker)
  • Re: NBC:Any Drive by Truckers fans here?
    ... but I wonder how losing Jason Isbell's talent as a ... songwriter will affect the group's output. ... albums, I enjoyed his songs the best overall. ...
    (rec.music.artists.springsteen)
  • Re: In all seriousness about Masters/HBK
    ... > Whether Masters is the right choice for this or not is debatable, ... > This is how you get new talent over. ... Not lame Masterlock challenges, not ... semi-decent in the ring its our very own workhorse HBK. ...
    (rec.sport.pro-wrestling)