we probably all start from being unconsciously incompetent...
That is a great point and something definitely worth adding to this discussion to understand the "journey" of a member that sticks around
For those unfamiliar with this model of learning something and getting good at at:
A good example is driving a car:
UNCONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT
- before we learn to drive we have no idea that we can't do it. This usually means we don't - thankfully! In songwriting it might mean that we are writing songs but we don't realise they are not very good
CONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT
- after our first few driving lessons we realise that we can't drive and it is actually quite difficult! In songwriting this is usually the experience of new members who start to hear what others are producing and it can be a de-motivating time. This (for me) is where the forum really brings people on. ALL of the feedback I have received and continue to receive is the ONLY reason I have improved since joining. The generous time given by others (especially JAMES NIGHTHAWK and others for production advice and other different members I particularly look out for on other aspects - both old and new) have enabled me to grow so I am keen to find any opportunities to do the same for other members in this situation - we were all "consciously incompetent" and one point and it is a horrible period of realisation that you are "not as good as you want to be" - but it is probably the most important part of your development (although it really sucks at the time!)
CONSCIOUSLY COMPETENT
- so you have just passed your driving test so you can "drive" but you still need to think about when to change gear and remember to check mirrors etc. In songwriting this is where you really think about songwriting and think through what chord progression you will use, look for the "rules" to apply that other great songs use, think about what frequencies to cut using EQ (and probably using a frequency chart to look up what frequencies to boost to give a vocal some sparkle etc.)
This is a great phase and one that you will keep coming back to when you want to learn something new or step out of your comfort zone
UNCONSCIOUSLY COMPETENT - the holy grail when it just happens. Back to the driving analogy...this is where you just jump in to the car and drive without even thinking about it. It can be dangerous place to be as you now think you can drive, listen to the radio, make a phone call, programme the satnav, eat a packet of crisps, have a drink and text someone all at once!
It is the same with songwriting - this is the phase where it all just happens without thinking and the music theory you have learnt, the countless songs you have listened to over the years and the production knowledge you have picked up all come together without thinking and you write and record song in a few hours. The same dangers apply though and you may be unconsciously using the same chord progressions, the same production techniques, the same rhymes or lyrics, phrases etc.
In this case you may slip right back to "UNCONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT" - but at a higher level - and so the cycle continues
The other major benefit of this forum is that the reviews can help you avoid this so rather than falling back to the beginning you may read a review that says "the chorus needs to "pop" more and have more of a lift" - this one comment might make you review your song with fresher ears and realise that you could use a different approach to make the chorus lift - so you just fall back to "Consciously Competent" as you try to improve that song - or the next one
I automatically asses where I think someone is in this model (with my unconscious competence
) and tailor my reviews accordingly. If it is clearly a beginner that may not realise there songs are not great I will gently try to get them to realise that they could improve and point out some areas they may want to look at
If it is someone that is "consciously incompetent" I will try to be more specific about areas to focus on. However these are the ones I will likely give shorter reviews to - especially if it is a first time (or 123) poster that comes across that they think they are something special (eg the "here is the new single from my album" - and it is a dodgy iPhone recording!!)
If it is someone I think is "Consciously Competent" I will try to listen out for the things I can tell they have worked hard on achieving (eg getting a good kick and bass sound or a clever lyric) but also try to give some more "opinion based" ideas - eg "if it were me I would..."
We often have the discussion about whether to review the song, lyrics, production, performance etc.
We all have our own favourite areas to talk about so I think things generally balance out - I naturally gravitate toward performance and production as I find it difficult critiquing in detail something so subjective and personal as the song itself but will try to give my general opinion
A bit of a lengthy one but NEIL C mentioning this model really made me realise how important it can be to understanding where everyone is on their journey and then tailoring the review to fit
