jeffbayson Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 I write a bunch of songs, record them, but the vocals don't sound so great. So I buy a better pre, condenser mic and compressor. The overall sound quality isn't that hot, so I start looking for a better digital converter. Really, my keyboard sounds would be richer if I got Absynth... and that Ibanez Tube Screamer would improve my Rhodes sound... and I need to learn to use Recycle to take my Rebirth loops up a notch... Suddenly, a year goes by, and my songs are still sitting here, unfinished. I'm starting to suspect that all of this gear acquisition just another form of procrastination. Couldn't I just MAKE THE DAMN RECORDING already? Do I really need that one more piece of equipment, or am I just creating obstacles for myself because I'm afraid to finish anything? I'm not asking anybody to psychoanalyze me. I'm just wondering if anybody other gear-heads out there feel this way.
Rog Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 I get this a lot. I could be working on stuff with Nuendo and OS 9.2, using the MIO without the DSP turned on. Instead I'm waiting for Nuendo 2 under OSX and Metric Halo to get it's finger out and release the DSP stuff and the enhanced console. "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards.
Ed A. Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 I think what it comes down to is either the lack of self-confidence in our abilities or possibily a fear that maybe we lack the talent. If we don't get stuff done, then there will never be any criticism to fear. Instead we use the excuse that we are waiting for that one piece of hardware or software that will now allow us to be productive so we can create our masterpiece. What kills me are these people that have a room full of synths and equipment and [i]never[/i] create any music for people to listen to. Their excuse is that they're really just collectors, and that justifies not having any music to show for it. I suspect that their original intentions were that they wanted to be electronic music stars, but now they realize that they can't actually play, let alone compose, and they're stuck with all that dusty equipment. :D
dahkter Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 Greetings I completely agree that it's a form of procrastination. I think it reaches into the realm of computers too. If you had a 500mhz PC four years ago, you would be a king. Nowadays you'd be lucky to get $50 for that set up. Everyone needs it to be faster, faster, faster. I have three samplers, two old (mpc60 and SP1200), one new(a3000) but not as efficient as a soft sampler on a fast pc or mac. I was actually considering selling everything to get one fast new box to substitute all three (MPC4000). I now am back to thinking I am a procrastinating fool wasting time. Need to finish tracks, sell tracks, make some money, then buy gear. You can spend a years buying, selling, reading manuals, etc.. Tough call, need to be strong, and need to realize it's the same marketing machine that offers us Flat screen tvs and that if you can play and you have a song to write, you can do it on a very minimal set up.... Apologies if I've been rambling, but I can definitely relate..... Farewell and best regards, The Dahkter
Dan South Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 This syndrome sounds all too familiar. Work really hard on something. Get it to where you think it's the best you can do. Compare it to a commercial release. Scratch your head and wonder what's missing. Try changing some things. Try some new gear. Get disgusted. Put it on the backburner. Repeat. We are barraged by message that tell us that all we need is Keyboard X, Recorder Y, or Guitar Pedal Z to have a "professional sound." This is great marketing, but it neglects the fact that professionals rely on skills that they've developed over years of experience, skills they learned from trial and error, from extensive study, from mentors, and from distinguished colleagues. If we want to approach the realm of professional results, we have to be willing to push ourselves, to distinguish between a good sound and a great sound and to know how to convert one into another. But that's a difficult and demanding path. It's easier to run out and buy the latest gizmo than it is to invest effort developing the skills necessary to take a recording project to the next level. No amount of gear will make up for a lack of knowledge or skill, despite what it says in all of those glossy ads. The Black Knight always triumphs!
Gtoledo3 Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 Just dive into using what you have, and milk all you can get out of it. Most the time if you really figure out how to push the limits of what you have, people will be scratching their heads saying "how did he do that?" I recently made myself record a song with just one mic, a shitty mxl 2001, and no effects, just to see what I could get out of it. I have to say, it ended up being great, b/c I totally concentrated on the performance. The weird thing is how hi-fi it sounds! After that I used just one little strobocon tuner mic to do a whole blues song, and it ended up sounding like an old record. I guess my point is- don't worry about expensive equipment, b/c you can get way more original results just w/ some creativity. Want mix/tracking feedback? Checkout "The Fade"- www.grand-designs.cc/mmforum/index.php The soon-to-be home of the "12 Bar-Blues Project"
Jotown Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 Good points all. Yeah sometimes it can be a form of procrastination. But I think it is also one of the byproducts of most of us wearing way too many hats in the process of making music. It's called being overwhelmed. You take someone who is writing the material, and has all the requisite insecurities of being a songwriter. Add to that the singing, and the typical vocalist's doubt. Now toss in the fact that he/she is also providing some of the musical accompaniement. Mix in the engineering, and probably the financing, usually done by that same person, and you get a teams worth of patho's in one head. Now sprinkle in some gear lust and you get...... Jotown:) "It's all good: Except when it's Great"
Gtoledo3 Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 You're right Jotown... I think the thing that people miss is that succesful artists really usually have two talents- 1)They work hard 2)They know how to make a good team Want mix/tracking feedback? Checkout "The Fade"- www.grand-designs.cc/mmforum/index.php The soon-to-be home of the "12 Bar-Blues Project"
Zweite Version Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 The same is true for improving your skills on an instrument. Yeah, I'll practice those bebop lines when I get a "real" Jazz guitar, I'll try to record that song when I have those DiMarzio pickups, I'll play more acoustic guitar when I finally buy a new one, etc..... I think in Psychology this is called "projection" if I remember correctly. "Ya gots to work with what you gots to work with". - Stevie Wonder
Jotown Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by GT3: [b]You're right Jotown... I think the thing that people miss is that succesful artists really usually have two talents- 1)They work hard 2)They know how to make a good team[/b][/quote]Anybody I have ever know who is "successful", has or was part of a team. One can only work in a vacum for so long. Jotown:) "It's all good: Except when it's Great"
DJDM Posted February 4, 2003 Posted February 4, 2003 Good stuff here! GT3 and Jotown, I am just starting to get what you are saying about the coordination of relationships. On that note it is very important to be careful who you select. Different people bring different skills to the table but there are so many factors in picking work partners for this process that you have to take a lot in to consideration. These are some of the things that I think about when working with others: 1) Do you like the person? Very important... 2) Does that skill they have (marketing, musician, promotion, arranger or whatever) seem well developed or are they running on enthusiasm for an area that they know nothing about? This can make or break a relationship. You may have to put up with some people in your group that have limited skills but they should either make up for it by being really good at something else or by being humble enough to listen if you have criticisms of their work. Make sure that they grow quickly into the new position or find something else for them to do and get someone who can do that job. 3) Commitment. Are they willing to go the extra mile? Without complaining much? This is one of most important and can really effect #1. 4) Focus on investing in the people around you and you will never go wrong. Just some thoughts about relationships in music. - DJDM PS Gear lust really is a form of procrastination or self doubt in my opinion. DJDM.com
Sylver Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 What a relavent thread! I decided that it's time to stop lusting after new things and focus on using all of the resources I already have to thier best advantage. I only need one thing to make that happen ... ;) I really don't know what to put here.
Skip_dup1 Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 I`m running into a variation of that-I need to put as much funding as possible into getting some of my work properly recorded and packaged, but my eye keeps wandering over new guitars and I`m thinking, `man, how much better would I sound with one of those`-and I already have basically all I need, though they are not with me now. I`ve also got a problem going from the opposite side-it`s like, `I need to get into a proper studio with real musicians and do justice to my songs`, with the implication that nothing else will do-so I sit on my ass and fume about how I can`t afford it, and nothing gets done-meanwhile I could be working on at least a listenable project with a few pieces of gear. Fucking sucks.
Compact Diss Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 I'm the same way-but when I picked up the guitar after being away for so many years I haven't been able to put it down. I think I found what I was looking for. I had a Roland keyboard-88 keys- blah blah blah-then the MPC4000--with all of it's bug intact-got rid of that and picked up my roots-the original instrument and I progressing like never before--I'm having fun too-it was what I had to do until I found the instrument that would fit-I'm happy now and it's still going :)
offramp Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Yes, it is definitely a form of procrastination. I have two Tele's, two Strats, a P-bass, a Jazz bass (some of these guitars are vintage); a sizeable and respectable microphone collection (some vintage there, too); drums, keyboards (some vintage), Mac desk and lap tops, vintage and modern processing, and a ton more of shit, and have you heard anything from me? No. I'm a gear dick--there always seems to be just ONE MORE piece of processing I need--and I stagnate myself. I've gone from having real talent to having 'insufficient gear'. Part of the reason I do it is that I keep setting my standards a little higher than before, just before I reach a pinnacle; add computer manufacturers' evil ways, and you can see the perpetual state of 'willbe' I'm in. I have begun cracking down on myself recently. We'll see where it gets me. Meanwhile, I'm listening to a Christian McBride CD. Someone who 'gets it done'. Where did I go wrong!?!?! man, sometimes this place is better than a psych couch. I've upped my standards; now, up yours.
Wewus432 Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Well I think I've really perfected procrastination at this point. I've got my "magic" synthesizer pulled up (Synth1 and Crystal layered and played through VSTHost) and I'm playing little riffs with my left hand from the pads on my DR5 and surfing the net with my right hand. There's something really soothing about this, BUT WAIT, I have to figure out some way to record the output of this into Ableton Live. Yes that's it, the perfect set up.
ernest828 Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 The thing is we all have in our heads what we think sounds "commercial". There is no such sound. Listen to the new Dave Matthews stuff..its not sounding very commercial to me but its good. We all find excuses and the "I don`t have the right gear." is a common excuse because it justifies our gear lust and it "makes sense". Basically the thought is..."So and So records on a SSL with an $8000 pre and a Distressor and an Avalon $4000 EQ." We want the same thing BUT we don`t have the same singer, the same players, the same song, the same producer chops. Theres only one way to get over this and that is to improve upon your own skills as a vocalist, player, mixer, producer or whatever else you do. Lately I`ve been working with other musicians/friends and I am amazed that my songs sound so good. Yes my songwriting has vastly improved but the players are also better and the sound is more universal because its not me on every instrument. I have not purchased gear in months and my music sounds the best it has ever sounded so the gear is not what makes the music better. Its the people, the attitude and their talents. So stop buying more and more gear. Get yourself some trusted friends to help you out and work on becoming a better songwriter. Namaste, Ernest :D
Mark V Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Good thread.Gear lust must be very common,I get it from time to time,but all I want to be able to do is walk into my studio,flick a couple of switches,and start creating something.I can more or less do that now,but I've become a bit of a default technician on the road to getting to that point.Still there's no excuse when I've got 2 acoustic guitars and a piano at my disposal. I once had a quasi-religious experience..then I realised I'd turned up the volume.
not coaster MODERATOR Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 I always think a new piece of gear can be very inspirational.
Skip_dup1 Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Cereal: [b]I always think a new piece of gear can be very inspirational.[/b][/quote]ya, but inspiration shouldn`t be associated with a price tag.
Dave Pierce Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 I have a stunningly insightful response that I'd like to write to this post. But first I need to get a better computer keyboard.... :D --Dave Make my funk the P-funk. I wants to get funked up. My Funk/Jam originals project: http://www.thefunkery.com/
Skip_dup1 Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 that reminds me-I have to buy that headphone thingy that`s supposed to improve your...uh... memory! your memory.
Rim Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Dave Pierce: [b]I have a stunningly insightful response that I'd like to write to this post. But first I need to get a better computer keyboard.... :D --Dave[/b][/quote]LOL! Good one! All of you songwriters should be thankful for the gift you have. I am not so blessed. I haven't given up totally but right now, I'm thinking I may be better helping others getting their music out to the public. I WILL make a CD of all original music I record myself, and I don't care if it doesn't sell a dime. But unlike the rest of you, I don't even have songs to record - not yet. :) Like with gear, I think it's best to eke out the most out of the talent you do have and not focus on what you're missing. aka riffing Double Post music: Strip Down http://rimspeed.com http://loadedtheband.com
pigknuckles Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Beyond being just a form of procrastination, gear worship/lust has become a stupid form of tech snobbery. Too often people are much more concerned about what gear was used rather than what was created with that gear. When an artist paints a magnificent painting, nobody cares what brand of brushes were used, only how well they were used.
Midimonk Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 To be honest my gear lust is for the old school stuff,I want an old atari falcon/cubase,an akai s950 and a Juno106.Sometimes less is definitley more.Since i've lost most of my personal gear due to the need to live,when i rebuild it may go this way. :idea: I cannot be bought, and I cannot be threatened. But if you put them both together then I'm your man!"
gtrmac Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 This is an unfortunate by-product of a culture that has devalued talent and skill to the point where you can have zero talent and make millions of dollars. And it is accomplished through the use of millions of dollars of technology. So we begin to think that we need this stuff. I'm trying to keep focused on the music in spite of the influence of this mindset. Luckily I'm stubborn and anti-conformist. It hasn't led to financila success but I can at least make music that I enjoy and remain semi-productive. I lust after gear constantly but I keep working anyway. A close friend has become unable to produce any musical output due to terminal G.A.S. All he does is buy, reconfigure and setup his large collection of Macintosh computers. He's taken to paying me to do work that he can't finish himself. I can't convince him that he has enough gear, he won't listen. His situation is a warning to me at least. :( Mac Bowne G-Clef Acoustics Ltd. Osaka, Japan
Alndln Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Like everyone else I wen't through that for a while,but I alway's knew I had more than enough stuff to do what I wanted,still do.I just like tecnology.However,I never felt that I couldn't finish anything due to lack of gear,rather a lack of inspiration or time if anything.But I do see that in others more and more,for instance,if Logic gets a major update,I'll see users at the Cubase forum bitch and whine that if they don't get the same features they'll either fail in their quest to greatness or they'll sell eveything and switch! :rolleyes: "A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
T.H. Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 Quick little story: 3yrs ago, me and a friend had basically the same gear. But he continued to purchased, trade, buy & sell stuff, cause he had to be in sync with the big boys, 2 years later and a whole bunch of tracks later I had finished two CD's, even after hearing: Yo! you should get this, you should get that, maaaaan your tracks are gonna sound like trash if you use that mic" Universal Records are interested in my recordings and are waiting for me to do shows this summer (crossing fingers). All this to say, my friend has the newest G4, Pro-Tools, plug-ins etc, etc and still has not (1) completed CD, various 2 tracked grooves, but no songs, no compilation, nothing to show--- and even though I've upgraded to exactly what he has now, Universal didnt really care that I did (11) songs on a : Compaq Presario Pentium II Cubase 2.7 -- No Plug-ins MDR 24/96 AKG C2000B Behringer Composer 2200 DM24 -- used their EQ's, Effects Talent & Skill will take you where ever you need be, no gear in the world will make you talented, but it'll make you sound good trying. Stop procrastinating and get to work, the music says it all about who you are.
Sylver Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 I have set a goal for myself that is not gear oriented: FINISH one commercial piece a week(Finish composing, arranging and sound selection is always an ongoing process) and work on somethink new that is non commmercial. I really don't know what to put here.
jackpine Posted February 5, 2003 Posted February 5, 2003 In a former life (About 15 years ago) I ran a commercial custom cabinet shop. It was the "Trident Studios" of cabinet shops. All the latest and greatest machines, tools and techniques. All my friends would come in drool and say ....."If I just addded that (insert cool tool here) to my collection at home I could finally build (insert object of desire here)" It was the Tim "the toolman" Taylor syndrome. They thought the lack of tools were holding them back. My advice was to go home and build a box. I dont care how big or small . Just build a damn box. Make it purty. Sand it ... put finish on it... put a gold hasp on it... and give it away. Lather, rinse, repeat. With time we all get better at what we do, but we have to DO something. That's it...... Just go build a box, dammit. www.relayerstudios.com
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