Am I just wasting my time?

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This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 8 months ago by Anonymous.

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August 19, 2015 at 11:38 am #82041

Anonymous
Inactive

Hi.

I’m 25 years old.
I struggle with depression, anxiety and some physical issues (Chronic Fatigue will simplify it, so let’s say I have that).

For years I’ve been into Music – writing my own songs and that.

But I really lack self-belief and I don’t have many friends.
I put things out there, online but rarely get feedback.
And to be honest, my ego takes a hit and I beat myself up for even trying in the first place.

Because maybe I’m wasting my time on something that won’t ever benefit me.
Maybe I should stop dreaming and become an adult.

But then, I hate being a stereotypical adult.
I don’t have kids right now, but I see adult life as revolving around children and anyone but you.
I’m not willing to give up my life to become who I’m not but I’m really struggling to find my place in this World.

I can’t say how I’ll ever make a living from something I enjoy.

Basically, can you listen to one of my songs and just be honest?
Am I actually any good? Or should I face up to the fact that there are better, more talented people out there?

Also, how do I get self-belief without relying on others to feed me positive feedback?
Because clearly, that isn’t working.

August 19, 2015 at 4:59 pm #82076

Cade
Participant

I think your music is fine. Keep at it, and don’t worry about the response (or lack) from the internet. If you like making music, then you are not wasting your time.

Have you read this: http://www.truthcontest.com/entries/the-present-universal-truth/ ?
It may help you to understand who you are.

August 19, 2015 at 8:48 pm #82088

Anonymous
Guest

Dear Dude:

I wasn’t able to listen to your music but then I wouldn’t be able to tell you if your music is good. You will probably vomit if I tell you what old music I like- okay, why not, I will tell you. One song I like is To Dream the Impossible Dream. I also like the 60s and 70s music, and I am 54, so my opinion of a 25 year old dude’s music doesn’t count.

See my comment to you on the other thread. I do hope you find a way to feel better.

MAYBE this will make you feel better, from The Impossible Dream

“To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To fight for the right without question or cause
To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause

And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I’m laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To fight the unbeatable foe, to reach the unreachable star:

What do you think of this, Dude?

anita

August 19, 2015 at 11:59 pm #82093
Matic
Participant
I am 21 so my opinion on your music is relevant I guess. I also guess you want for me totally honest so that is what I will be.
I think you have some very real talent. I like your style very much. I love the melody. What I dont like so much is the way I hear your voice. It is like you are singing in a cave or something. I cant really put my finger on it. I dont know if that is intentional or if it is a microphone issue but I would like for your voice to be more crisp. Just my opinion. Overall a very good song. I actually listened to it more than once and in the end I just decided to download it and save my browser some trouble.

Good luck with your dreams. You should hold on to them.
Matic
- This reply was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Matic.
August 20, 2015 at 6:57 am #82097

Inky
Participant

Hi Dude,

I think the music is fine. I would pay $$ though to upgrade the sound quality. A recording studio or a better recording studio?

So I have this talk with visual artists, but it’s kind of the same. Everyone wants to be a famous (or at least paid) artist. Then there is the Artist Life. The writing of songs/creating pictures. Holding shows. Getting equipment. Talking to other artists. Being in the studio. Teaching classes. Now, 9/10 nothing will come of it, and in fact, your art will cost you. But we keep doing what gives us joy: Making Songs and Art!! It’s OK to get a 9 to 5 job because then you get to have money to support your art!!

The other stuff: Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety. Get Holistic Health books on how to treat it. Follow the advice. If that fails, go to a regular doctor for drugs.

All the Best,

Inky

August 20, 2015 at 9:39 am #82105

Anonymous
Inactive

Thanks so much for the feedback you guys.

I still find it difficult to get the effect on the vocals quite right.
It doesn’t sound great without any edits, but then I usually add too much reverb (though I’m quite a fan of reverb).

That track was actually done 7 months ago and I only did the vocals and lyrics (it was a collab).

I recently did this song: https://soundcloud.com/stefan-lay/i-dont-know

I think the vocals are edited better, but I’d love to hang around a studio if I had the money and knew what I was doing.

I like that I can spend as much time as I like editing at home… I’m introverted so like my space and privacy.

August 20, 2015 at 3:51 pm #82122

Joe
Participant

I thought that song was rather good – I would definitely want to hear more of your songs. I really liked the echoey nature of the vocals.

I guess I’m in a similar kind of situation, although I’m more of a visual artist/illustrator than a musician. I’m about to launch my own online business selling hand-made crafts, artwork, prints, you name it, as well as maybe trying to score some freelance illustration gigs because I just haven’t had any luck whatsoever securing paid employment since graduation last year.

I am well aware it’s not going to be easy, and I too am having massive doubts right now, but I have to keep reminding myself that if I don’t try to have a go at this, I’ll never know. I also have to tell myself that whether or not I succeed isn’t important at this stage, what is important that I just try.

Don’t give up – you should carry on doing the things you love.

Hope this helps

August 22, 2015 at 1:14 am #82164

Anonymous
Inactive

Thanks J.

It’s cool you’re going for it.
Of course, it’s only natural you will have some fear.

I expect you’ll have fun trying, and if you keep pushing you will get somewhere.

I recorded another new track yesterday: https://soundcloud.com/stefan-lay/all-in-good-time

🙂

August 22, 2015 at 9:12 am #82171

Anonymous
Guest

Dear Dude:

The topic of your thread is “Am I just wasting my time?” I am now ready to give you my answer:

Depending on your goal:

If your goal is to be rich and famous based on your talent as a musician, your chances are slim, very small. Your chances are very small whether you have talent or not so I don’t need to listen to your recordings to know that.

If your goal is to make an adequate living out of being a musician, pay for necessities of shelter, food, health, at the least, then your chances are higher but still very small. Here I am assuming your talent is not exceptional (based on others’ responses here after hearing you and based on the lack of online feedback you attest to (“I put things out there, online but rarely get feedback.”)

If your goal is to have fun, then as long as you are having fun creating music, you are not wasting your time. If your goal is to improve your performance as a musician, then you are not wasting your time because I am sure you can improve.

If your goal… etc. etc. Depending on your goal.

You have a position on having children and I encourage you to honor it and not have children.

Depending on your goals. Just because society is based on the socially accepted and admired goal of improving one’s standard of living, that is buying things, owning things, it doesn’t mean you have to submit to it. Not at all. You decide what your values are, that is, what is important to you and then you look at what is and what you can do about it.

anita
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