[johnlondon]

Hi Guys,

A quick intro, My last venture into music was in the seventies with a punk rock band. I played bass badly and wrote some lyrics, which I enjoyed very much. I`ve recently been learning acoustic rhythm guitar, just strummy takes on old favourite songs.

I have just completed a free six week online MOOC with future learn called `how to write your first song`. I enjoyed it enormously and would highly recommend it to any interested in song writing. This has reignited my interest in writing lyrics after a lengthy gap.

I am intending to study music informally, courses are too expensive. And am looking for kindreds and peers to bounce ideas off. So here I am listening to some of your members songs on Soundcloud and being very impressed at the quality and the commitment.

Regards John

[seriousfun]

Welcome to the forum. I am sure you will find this a very friendly and supportive community. There is a lot of knowledgable members here over a wide range of areas. What ever interests you or what ever stage you are at I am sure you will find someone to help or collaborate with.

[tone]

Welcome to the forum John! It's great that you've had a second bite from the songwriting bug. I hope you enjoy being part of our brilliant little community.

Tone

[johnlondon]

Hi Guys, Thanks for your responses.

A couple of questions about forum protocols, as a new member and an inexperienced muso, is it appropriate for me to offer critiques of songs/lyrics?

Also I`m wondering what as a newbie I can bring to the forum, my needs far outweigh my knowledge. Actually as I write this it occurs to me that inevitably I will have far more questions than answers. I intend to do a little write up on the Future learn online course. So that at least will be a contribution.
 
Regards John

[seriousfun]

Your input is always valued as far as a critique goes. If you feel you unable to offer comments at a technical level you can still comment as a listener. Posters not only need to how they have succeeded technically but also lyrically and also how well they have reached thier listening audience.

A comment on the lyric, good or bad, and what you liked or disliked in the song is a valuable step in the process for the poster in establishing what has worked and what hasnt worked in their song. If it is a style or genre outside your normal listening range a comment to that effect added is a good idea so your comments can be taken in context.

Just read you intro again, we have something in common. I too am a bad bass player

[MartiMedia]

Hi JohnLondon, great to have you here! Welcome!
I always have 1 note, so here it is: if for now you have more questions than answers: please ask them! So if you hear a song and you don't understand certain aspects of it: ask! Asking can be the best feedback for the poster, and in that way you will certainly be contributing.
Of course I'm very curious what you have to share, and I maybe asking questions as well, or just telling how your work felt to me. Just like SF says: subjective feedback (or questions) is(/are) very useful to the poster because he/she hears/learns how their package is delivered, so they can compare that to their intention...
There's a lot of talent here, enjoy and let us help each other! MM

[johnlondon]

Thanks for your replies guys,

I think I`ve worked it out, the standard here is much higher than I had anticipated, which is good for me on my learning curve, but I feel uncomfortable criticising people who have been at this decades longer than me. However a lot of younger less experienced writers also seek critical feedback and I am more than happy to assist there.

Its been a fascinating first few weeks, I`ve learnt tons just by reading the review postings. Thanks to all.

john

[Vintage54]

  Hello! and welcome.
       Just take a seat man, every chair is an easy chair. Just be yourself, and don't worry about offending anyone with your comments. Best to be upfront and honest, Plenty of rhino skin on here my friend.

                          Vintage54

[MartiMedia]

Thanks for your replies guys,

I think I`ve worked it out, the standard here is much higher than I had anticipated, which is good for me on my learning curve, but I feel uncomfortable criticising people who have been at this decades longer than me. However a lot of younger less experienced writers also seek critical feedback and I am more than happy to assist there.

Its been a fascinating first few weeks, I`ve learnt tons just by reading the review postings. Thanks to all.

john

Hi John, just another quick reply. I can't speak for everybody, but I feel you have to make a difference between 'you as a songwriter' and 'you as a listener'. The listener in you has a certain 'level' and the songwriter in you as well. You feel that. But comparing levels is a waste of time. I want to learn and help. I often catch myself feeding back 'as a listener' to a songwriter that is (imo) miles ahead of me. But I always have faith in myself cause I'm trying to help. As said: every subjective opinion/feedback is of value to any songwriter to learn from as long as it's honest and respectful. I'd say: please don't be shy! MM