GarageSpin

Great blog. Thank you for it.

We may be on the precipice of somewhat of a revolution.

If you can call a bunch of dorks like us sitting in our rooms a revolution.

The most striking thing to me about easy-to-use software such as Garageband and Protools is how it has changed the process.

Even the use of the word "writing" in songwriting somehow seems obsolete. Why write anything down, when you can record and re-record so easily? We may soon find it more apt to call ourselves "songmakers" in the not too distant future. Or maybe not.

The important thing I've found is to not let it all get too complex. Stay simple. One instrument played badly by an amature songmaker can be charming. An orchestra of bad instrumentation, may cause pandemic of suicidal neighbors.

Yes, thank G-d for home recording.
And thank G-d for headphones.

Really interesting points, especially about songwriting. Creating scratch tracks is so easy with uber-fast and uber-big drives at our disposal.

And regarding keeping it simple. It's tough, sometimes, when you're staring down at a creation taking form, to just shoot from the hip. But you're right. Inspiration is quick to take leave when you stall. I've heard too many recordings (including my own) that just don't reflect the complexity involved, and many that are simple and mind-blowing. I still struggle with that every day.

I agree that sitting down and just doing it is good, and when inspiration strikes, even better. But when it doesn't, and when you are working a 10 hour day, and when you have a wife and 2 children...how does one make the time to pursue a career that probably won't end up going anywhere public anyhow?

I try not to think of my songwriting (or "songmaking" as Matt Schatz puts it) with as much pressure as a career, but in the end, aren't we all hoping to be noticed? To strike a record deal or have some 13 year old chick recognize our music? So how do we go from our real-world constraints to making music in a timely way?

Maybe that's what your site is going to be about. Kudos if it is, as this would be a nice forum to discuss that sort of thing and advise each other.

People can do amazing things in music and songwriting on their own with computers. It takes a lot of work to get started, with a huge learning curve. It requires a lot of motivation to overcome the frustrations of going solo, and finding the time needed to work on things can be demoralizing. But the rewards can be tremendous. A support group such as this, where questions can be answered and problems shared seems long overdue.

On that note, can anyone recommend a good publication or two for home musicians? Most of what I see out there is slanted toward specific markets and I'm looking for a more generalist type of magazine.

Olga, Welcome to GarageSpin! You're right, there aren't many press options for garage / indie bands trying to do their own audio recording. Most recording publications are geared towards professional studio engineers (where the "big" money is).

I would've suggested Home Recording Magazine, however, the publication was cancelled last month!! Not surprising, as the magazine was too high tech to appeal to casual and semi-pro indie artists. See the announcement here:

The Electronic Musician (www.emusician.com) is a good publication, though it leans a little towards techno music writers. Recording Magazine is another one to consider. There are many others, you need only find one that's "right for you," as they say. Try doing a Google Search for whatever you're looking for.

Whoops, I forgot to include the defunct Home Recording link page:
www.homerecordingmag.com

Tape Op is a good general recording magazine and it's free!