musicians subreddit

I've been working with different groups of aspiring musicians he past few weeks and the realization of how A LOT of newbies don't know how to stay in tempo or play to a click track is mind boggling.

I had to remind and even re-train most of them on how to do so and how it will really help them in the long run especially if they want to record their songs -- imagine trying to master a song with tracks that have different speeds in different parts of the song!! 😵 I even joked that I should've charged them more for the free lessons I gave them just to get through with it and it's obviously more than half meant.

Believe me, knowing how to play to a click track will save you. We don't just use click tracks on recordings. We also use them in live performances via in-ear monitoring and it's a must to a lot of the professional gigs I've been to.

It'll be hard and distracting at first but it's a discipline worth learning. 👌

I (29F) haven't played a show since before the pandemic, and only little house shows for crust punks sharing the same PBR can as an ashtray. I have my first "real" show at an actual venue next week opening for a friend's band. The promoter/venue has been a nightmare to get in touch with for all parties. I don't even know for certain that I'm playing and I'm told I'll have an answer by end of day tomorrow.

This is more of an ettiquite question than anything, but I need to play seated for disability reasons. I am capable of standing most of the time, but I'm a fall risk if my spine starts spasming and my legs give out. Is it normal for a bigger name venue to like....just give me a chair or something? This wasn't something I needed 5 years ago. Sorry if this is a stupid question. With how hard it's been to even confirm that I'm on the lineup I don't wanna come across as more annoying to a venue that already does not seem to care much about this particular show.

Always see these pictures of awesome at home music rooms. Are all of you professionals or any hobby level musicians have an over the top music room?

My friend (M32) and I (M25) are joining to play as an acoustic country cover duo in East Tennessee. We’d love some suggestions to help brainstorm a new catchy, simple name for the duo.

Apologies for the novel. Writing about 'what i'm feeling' is a pretty new thing for me, but figured it might be a healthier option than just bottling up all my frustrations.

I've aspired to be a professional musician for the last 17 years under the same banner, since I was in fact 17. I've released multiple records through fairly prominent (but not major) labels, as well as played hundreds of shows since then. Much older and maybe a bit wiser than my teen years, I feel as though it's a vicious loop of highs and lows, where the lows become ever so brutal to manage. From touring across North America, to everything blowing up in my face, sitting in an airport by myself, and having to rebuild just to do it again. It's taxing.....but yet, I still hang on to that dream of performing worldwide.

The rush of performing is like nothing I've ever encountered, I feel the most care-free when I am on stage...i'm not worried about anything at work or at home, i'm in the moment and just enjoying the energy and atmosphere. But, when the lights go out and the logistics of 'behind the scene' is where I fall off and struggle the most because likeminded attitudes in terms of that same drive and ambition are so hard to come across. You can deal with what you feel are the right pieces to fit the puzzle, but for how long?

I guess what I'm asking, is how do you manage to keep those dreams alive that depend on others to fulfill? I've spent years trying to understand what it is to be a leader, and to try and deal with partners in a likeminded way but it always seems as though that gets taken advantage of, and I'm left to scramble and try to do everything that needs to be done on my own to try and accomplish those dreams, which in turn leaves me burnt out and contemplating everything from giving up, to things much worse.

Hi guys. I'm about to mix a song which is basically a few arpeggiated piano chords and a sweet female voice, something calm and airy like a lullaby or a dirge. I'm basically a metalhead, so I'm out of my comfort zone for the genre. What great sounding female vocals + piano tracks can you suggest?

I'll go first!

One time I got a call in the afternoon from a buddy to play saxophone with this cumbia/salsa band in the evening. Get in contact with the band leader, ask him about what gear I had to bring and he told me all I needed was my horn? No music stand, mic, in ears, or any of my usual kit would be necessary from what he told me.

Show up to the gig before anyone else, and as the band filters in, everyone is carrying a music stand. I absolutely was not going to have time to run and get mine, so I start looking for options. I find a small PA mixer that when stood on end comes just above my knees. That'll have to do. I'm also pretty intimidated already because I'm one of like two gringos in this band of obviously seasoned musicians in that style.

The band leader shows up and hands me the book, it's a three ring binder full of HUNDREDS of charts and I quickly realize they're not organized in ANY WAY, and there's a mix of tenor sax, trombone, and tuba parts.

The band kicks off, the horn players are nailing that shit to the wall, if you know anything about latin, salsa, and cumbia music, that shit is not easy at high levels. I'm not only struggling to find the right charts but I'm reading them really poorly. So poorly the band leader starts pulling his horn off his face and singing my parts at me.

Eventually, the book falls off the PA thing, charts go everywhere.

This continues for two sets, I'm flustered, playing like shit, and getting more embarrassed every tune. Make it to the end, none of the guys even look at me or want to talk. The leader pays me and I immediately leave with my tail between my legs. I never got called back. Haha

I’m a 16 years old guitarist, i mainly play funk, blues and rock, i understand quite well rhythm, subdivision etc, but i’m really bad at timing, staying on time. To the point sometimes i feel embarassed to play with others and record in studio. I know i should start practicing with the metronome, but more specifically how should i practice?

Hi guys, I’m a 26f and I’ve been playing music “for real” since the beginning of 2022. I’ve always had an interest in music and have always sang but 2022 is when I picked up the guitar.

Fast forward to now and I’ve manage to scrap up a band and have played live shows/play and performed original music. I even have a studio in my home. I’m an English major and I’m great at lyrics and my mouth organ is my original instrument. Music theory is not how I think about music. I know the basics to get by but im really just searching my instrument for the sounds I wanna make.

And I’m feeling really behind compared to my peers in a lot of ways. Singing and playing an instrument is something I’m always working on. I play bass for my band so I can get away with just having to play a few notes so it’s not as hard but I want to do more now.

I have a music mentor but he’s a drumming instructor. I went to him because I wanted to understand rhythm more and learn about the instrument/learn about song structure but we just kinda cover different topics sporadically with no structure. I still struggle with keeping time. (I just need to break up with him lol but I really enjoy him)

I’m feeling a bit stuck because I want to get my chops. I want to put in the time in. But I don’t want to go to school (no money for that lol). I could get a better instructor but I’m also pretty smart and have taught myself a lot in the last 2 years. I always just pick something like learning a song or a new concept then just end up writing my own stuff. Do you guys have any suggestions on how I can start honing in on my struggle points? And programs you’d suggest?

Thanks for reading if you made it this far!

Hi! I am a musician doing videogame remixes on soundcloud and youtube under the name "FAZZY" and recently I've found myself in a groove posting a new song every single day. Recently someone said to me that it would be bad to post every day because you need to let your songs "simmer" before you post a new one.

That maybe it could hurt your views. I was wondering is this true? Or do you think I am fine to release a new track everyday. Because I am really enjoying posting my songs but if it is hurting engagement I don't want to overdo it you know? I hope to get some insight! Thank you fellers.

Hey aspiring artists!

I'm building a platform specifically designed to help you navigate the exciting (and sometimes challenging) world of artist development and networking.

To make sure it's exactly what you need, I'd love your feedback! I'll be posting questions throughout the next few weeks, so be on the lookout and share your honest thoughts.

Your input will be invaluable in creating a platform that solves real problems and helps artists like YOU reach their full potential.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Here is one of the questions:

Do you feel you would be open to having others comment on your song, with their ideas on how to improve it? While providing real samples to show how it could be changed. 

View Poll

Multi instrumentalist and vocalist in Pittsburgh area looking for open minded musicians for an alternative/experimental band. The style is primarily alternative, lots of post punk, shoegaze and experimental influences. Wanting musicians who will contribute to original songs and will bring there own personality and influences to expand the style and add unique elements to the sound. Must be interested in trying different things musically and having fluid influences. You do not need to be a virtuoso but should be able to play consistantly and think critically about the songs and your parts. If you have any background or interest in management and business that would be great too, I consider myself an artistic leader but not much of a business man. I have a working knowledge in production and have some demos recorded that I can share with you. I’m looking for people who will take the band seriously, shows up to practices, practices there parts, contributes to the overall process. Group practice at least once a week, and I would like to get to a point where we could play shows frequently and someday tour.

Yo La Tengo, Slowdive, Flaming Lips, Pavement, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, XTC, Brian Eno, Wire, Replacements, Pixies, Talk Talk, Slint, Unwound, Ramones, Stone Roses, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, REM, Mitski, Lilys, Number Girl, King Crimson, Joy Division, Stooges, Gang of Four, Failure, the Cure, Codeine, Bedhead, Cocteau Twins, Blonde Redhead, Bjork, Supercar, U2

Check out this amazing line up of artists coming to the Paramount tomorrow on May 10! Super excited to be headlining my first show and hope to meet some of yall!

Doors at 8pm / I'm (St. Kio) on at 10:30pm

Tickets and show info: https://dice.fm/event/p3x28-st-kio-gabacho-el-haru-kuroi-mexico-city-heartbreak-10th-may-the-paramount-los-angeles-tickets?lng=en-US

I am booking a show, and the first 3 bands I asked to play are really slowing me down. They all said “let me ask the band and get back to you!” and I am still waiting for about 5 days now. I am afraid to turn interested bands away cause they waited too long to reply, but at the same time waiting on these 3 bands is burning valuable time when i have a list of 20 other bands that might be available. I am afraid to run into a situation where a band finally agrees to play and I have to say they took too long to respond and i filled the spot. I also want to get our flyer on the internet because the weekend of the show doesn’t have any competing events and I’d like to keep it that way. The anxiety of feeling this urgency and having to wait on these bands is killing me. Does anyone else have experience with this and can offer some advice on how to navigate this?

If any of y’all have experience in repair (specifically bari sax) i cannot play at a piano level. The song is supposed to be slow and quiet but i can’t play quiet! I’m begging for help

https://leonssounds.bandcamp.com/album/dreams-deluxe-demos

To celebrate the year anniversary of my second album I've remastered every track and included the demos and throwaways as well. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything, this album is free to enjoy. I'm open to any and all critique as well. Thanks!

I'm a professional artist and love creating artwork based on music. I think it'd be fun if I started a thread to paint/draw based on your music :)

UPDATE: Wow!! This is becoming the biggest thread I've ever had on reddit - I love hearing all of your songs! This is such a fun exercise for me - if I do enough I may even submit them to some exhibitions.
Since I am a working artist, please understand that if you'd like to have a high-res image of your concept for promotional materials I'll need to charge a commission price. But I am happy to even take things further as a commission to make a killer album cover for you! Otherwise, enjoy the artwork and other artist's songs!

Hey Everyone, can you recommend some earplugs/brands that I can use while playing a show? I need to be able to hear when I'm playing, but I'd like to avoid worsening my tinnitus. Thanks so much!

I just watched the Bob Marley movie, no setlist! Jimi Hendrix, Guns N Roses.. many others, just walk out and someone(?) calls the shots. I prefer a setlist to see how the flow of the show will go and what effects I need to get set for the next song; know to grab a different guitar.. etc.. not to accidentally repeat a song (if ur playing 2+ hrs).. make sure you finish on time… how have you seen the pros handle it? Any quirks? I dread the dead air of “what should we play?!” potential moments 😬😬

Hi! I am looking to record some acoustic drums in London (UK) to add to a track I've been working on. Has anyone here used any studios or places they could recommend? I'm on a budget so not looking at any huge expensive studios or anything like that. I've got a drummer, just looking for the place to record! Thank you!