First release of 31SI31D mission. This was actually the first song I wrote. Hope you enjoy.
Showing posts with label songwriting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label songwriting. Show all posts
Friday, August 08, 2014
LET THE RELEASE BEGIN...
Quick August mission update! One Instrumental a day is going well, so much easier and faster and also a ton of fun!
First release of 31SI31D mission. This was actually the first song I wrote. Hope you enjoy.
First release of 31SI31D mission. This was actually the first song I wrote. Hope you enjoy.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
It's All About Momentum!
Day 13. Yesterday was a real challenge. Between teaching, eating, getting my workout in and running some errands, it suddenly was 11pm; in panic I stared at the screen, pulled up the track, looked at the time and all I heard was a little voice saying..."you're not gonna make it today. There goes your 31songs in 31days".
I threw some first instinct vocal ideas on it, kept listening to the music, looking at the time and slightly freaking out again. Thankfully, it was a collaboration, I just needed vocals and lyrics. Hahaha, JUST...the voice kept saying "You're running out of time, don't have a clue what you're singing about" and for a second I wanted to accept the fact that I didn't make it, telling myself I could write two tomorrow. I did NOT listen to that voice.
I took a deep breath and started to tap into my subconscious mind, allowing myself to JUST BE and DO what FEELS right instead of thinking if it's good or bad or what time it is.(as long as I stick with the 2 hour time frame)
Melodies are easy for me. I can do 10 songs a day if I had to. (I really can) But WORDS is a different story. The trap you fall into when writing lyrics by yourself is that you tend to keep re-using some of your favorite words. Listen to some albums and you'll notice that many artists do this. Not all but many.
I decided to NOT worry about it and just write. Over-thinking, over-analyzing leads to writers block.
Once you let it go, think about the scene, the theme or title, the words start flowing. Are they final? Most likely not, writing is all about re-writing. What's important is MOMENTUM!
I must say I was truly amazed with myself. I was tired, frustrated and slightly panicking. I claimed writers block for such a long time while finishing my album ARC OF A DREAM. Looking back, I call it bullshit. Subconsciously I was stalling completion in fear of disapproval, failure or maybe just pure fear of completion?
As songwriters who take their career serious, we have to learn to write, start to finish, than re-write, start to finish and let it go! And repeat! Things are always way simpler than they seem. Life is good. Feeling accomplished! Cheers!
PS: Soundbites are coming next! Stay tuned!
xoxo
JVB
I threw some first instinct vocal ideas on it, kept listening to the music, looking at the time and slightly freaking out again. Thankfully, it was a collaboration, I just needed vocals and lyrics. Hahaha, JUST...the voice kept saying "You're running out of time, don't have a clue what you're singing about" and for a second I wanted to accept the fact that I didn't make it, telling myself I could write two tomorrow. I did NOT listen to that voice.
I took a deep breath and started to tap into my subconscious mind, allowing myself to JUST BE and DO what FEELS right instead of thinking if it's good or bad or what time it is.(as long as I stick with the 2 hour time frame)
Melodies are easy for me. I can do 10 songs a day if I had to. (I really can) But WORDS is a different story. The trap you fall into when writing lyrics by yourself is that you tend to keep re-using some of your favorite words. Listen to some albums and you'll notice that many artists do this. Not all but many.
I decided to NOT worry about it and just write. Over-thinking, over-analyzing leads to writers block.
Once you let it go, think about the scene, the theme or title, the words start flowing. Are they final? Most likely not, writing is all about re-writing. What's important is MOMENTUM!
I must say I was truly amazed with myself. I was tired, frustrated and slightly panicking. I claimed writers block for such a long time while finishing my album ARC OF A DREAM. Looking back, I call it bullshit. Subconsciously I was stalling completion in fear of disapproval, failure or maybe just pure fear of completion?
As songwriters who take their career serious, we have to learn to write, start to finish, than re-write, start to finish and let it go! And repeat! Things are always way simpler than they seem. Life is good. Feeling accomplished! Cheers!
PS: Soundbites are coming next! Stay tuned!
xoxo
JVB
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
DAY SEVEN
It's been pretty fun so far.The biggest challenge has been to not write about the same old things and to use different approaches, let's say, one song starts with a vocal melody, another get's inspired by a drumbeat, guitar riff or synth sound. Yesterday was my first Collaboration on this project, felt good to only come up with lyrics and melody. I did feel a little resistance at first but once I let go of the "inner judge" allowing myself to just dive in, it became effortless.
I don't always have a concept when I write, some writers do. I usually let the music take me, picking a theme has been another one of my challenges. The beauty in writing is, it doesn't matter how you start the journey, as long as you end up with a completed song that resonates with you. A song that captures a feeling, a vibe, a mood. And of course if I was writing for a specific project, a music library, I'd have more of an outline and theme, most likely writing a sound alike. What's fun about this project is that I can write whatever I want without having to fit a format. It's fun to express myself any way I want, goofy, serious, off beat. No RULES! Of course in the back of my mind I am thinking about where that track could be placed and ultimately, I want to find those 31 babies a good home but as of right now. All I need to do is give birth to another creation. ;)
I've been pretty good as far as only spending a couple of hours on writing, not all in one sitting, I work for 30 min, get the idea down, take a quick walk with the dog or do my workout than come back with a clear head and fresh perspective. It's working really well.
The frustrating part is that I can hear some of the songs fully produced and want to do it right than and there (yes, I've spend several hours on a couple of songs I felt strongly about). I have to remember to just WRITE the song first, start to finish, THAN focus on production, although in some cases tweaking the sounds along the way is extremely inspiring, as long as I don't get caught up in "tweaking" that sound forever.
What I did notice is that I am more creative, ideas keep popping up consistently, I've recorded some ideas right after writing a track or while waiting for a student. The fossett is open and little symphonies keeps flowing, effortlessly. Day Seven accomplished. (Just realized, I spent so much time on this Blog it's already day Eight, hahaha.
Starting tomorrow, I will post snippets of the tracks, I don't know if it would be a good idea to post the entire songs. (copyright, quality and time wise)
My goal is to do at least 10 Collabs on this project.
Stay tuned the fun is just about to start!
xoxo
JVB
I don't always have a concept when I write, some writers do. I usually let the music take me, picking a theme has been another one of my challenges. The beauty in writing is, it doesn't matter how you start the journey, as long as you end up with a completed song that resonates with you. A song that captures a feeling, a vibe, a mood. And of course if I was writing for a specific project, a music library, I'd have more of an outline and theme, most likely writing a sound alike. What's fun about this project is that I can write whatever I want without having to fit a format. It's fun to express myself any way I want, goofy, serious, off beat. No RULES! Of course in the back of my mind I am thinking about where that track could be placed and ultimately, I want to find those 31 babies a good home but as of right now. All I need to do is give birth to another creation. ;)
I've been pretty good as far as only spending a couple of hours on writing, not all in one sitting, I work for 30 min, get the idea down, take a quick walk with the dog or do my workout than come back with a clear head and fresh perspective. It's working really well.
The frustrating part is that I can hear some of the songs fully produced and want to do it right than and there (yes, I've spend several hours on a couple of songs I felt strongly about). I have to remember to just WRITE the song first, start to finish, THAN focus on production, although in some cases tweaking the sounds along the way is extremely inspiring, as long as I don't get caught up in "tweaking" that sound forever.
What I did notice is that I am more creative, ideas keep popping up consistently, I've recorded some ideas right after writing a track or while waiting for a student. The fossett is open and little symphonies keeps flowing, effortlessly. Day Seven accomplished. (Just realized, I spent so much time on this Blog it's already day Eight, hahaha.
Starting tomorrow, I will post snippets of the tracks, I don't know if it would be a good idea to post the entire songs. (copyright, quality and time wise)
My goal is to do at least 10 Collabs on this project.
Stay tuned the fun is just about to start!
xoxo
JVB
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
31 SONGS in 31 days!
Happy 1st of July. I can't help but wonder what I did the first half of the year. Setting big goals and plans surely wasn't part of it. I made a tough and hard decision at the beginning of the year; I let my baby, long time commitment "Otto's Daughter" go. Probably the hardest and most painful thing I've done, and I've done some pretty challenging things in my life.
I felt a lost, not sure what to do next, besides the obvious, writing music for libraries and film/tv placements. I can't stop making music and being who I am living my purpose. I am an artist and need to express who I am not just by writing but through love performance. I'm a performer and need the stage.
So many of us get so busy with life that the one thing we love the most we do the least. Something so painful and sad about this picture. And time goes by and another year passes. You make money, lose it all but you can make it back, your relationship collapses, eventually you find someone better, fall back in love and be happy again, all is good. One thing we don't get back is TIME!
Today I decided to challenge myself, to write one song a day for the entire month of July. It doesn't have to be a vocal track, nor does it have to be a completely well produced song. Just a good foundation, first draft that can later be perfected with a re-write and production skills.
The idea is to just write, step outside the box, get creative and allow myself to just be. Pick different topics, genres, whatever comes out. It's about working that creative muscle, making the time and allowing creativity to flow. I'm completely open to collaborating and invite you to become part of this journey. Does it spark your Interest? Let's keep it simple.
Do
Here are two different ways to go about it:
Option 1) We collaborate in person. Hit me up, we set a date and time and spend 2 hours writing a tune. (Yes, two hours only, trust me this works)
Option 2) Online. Send me a track, an idea. Can be a piece of music or hook or lyric and I'll take it from there (or the other way around)
Important is, that it needs to be done on that day within a certain time frame. No excuses. No over analyzing, criticizing, just writing, letting the creative juices flow)
Many artists feel like they are not inspired, they have writers block, can't write while under pressure, the goal is to work through this resistance by just having fun and not taking it all so serious! Just allow the magic to happen, or maybe even not, and that would make an interesting song as well, lol
We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for! No more waiting for tomorrow for what can be done today! You want to expand, write, create and collaborate, here's my invitation. Regardless, I am committed to go on my "July 14 - One Song A Day in Journey". 31 songs are waiting to come to life!
I will post updates on here as well as on facebook and soundcloud.
Ready Go!
;)
I felt a lost, not sure what to do next, besides the obvious, writing music for libraries and film/tv placements. I can't stop making music and being who I am living my purpose. I am an artist and need to express who I am not just by writing but through love performance. I'm a performer and need the stage.
So many of us get so busy with life that the one thing we love the most we do the least. Something so painful and sad about this picture. And time goes by and another year passes. You make money, lose it all but you can make it back, your relationship collapses, eventually you find someone better, fall back in love and be happy again, all is good. One thing we don't get back is TIME!Today I decided to challenge myself, to write one song a day for the entire month of July. It doesn't have to be a vocal track, nor does it have to be a completely well produced song. Just a good foundation, first draft that can later be perfected with a re-write and production skills.
The idea is to just write, step outside the box, get creative and allow myself to just be. Pick different topics, genres, whatever comes out. It's about working that creative muscle, making the time and allowing creativity to flow. I'm completely open to collaborating and invite you to become part of this journey. Does it spark your Interest? Let's keep it simple.
DoHere are two different ways to go about it:
Option 1) We collaborate in person. Hit me up, we set a date and time and spend 2 hours writing a tune. (Yes, two hours only, trust me this works)
Option 2) Online. Send me a track, an idea. Can be a piece of music or hook or lyric and I'll take it from there (or the other way around)
Important is, that it needs to be done on that day within a certain time frame. No excuses. No over analyzing, criticizing, just writing, letting the creative juices flow)
Many artists feel like they are not inspired, they have writers block, can't write while under pressure, the goal is to work through this resistance by just having fun and not taking it all so serious! Just allow the magic to happen, or maybe even not, and that would make an interesting song as well, lol
We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for! No more waiting for tomorrow for what can be done today! You want to expand, write, create and collaborate, here's my invitation. Regardless, I am committed to go on my "July 14 - One Song A Day in Journey". 31 songs are waiting to come to life!
I will post updates on here as well as on facebook and soundcloud.
Ready Go!
;)
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Every Student Is A Teacher
I give voice lessons a few times a week. I find teaching extremely rewarding, I get to help others become confident singers/performers, encourage them to be creative and to embrace their own unique sound and style.
Inspiring and motivating others gives me great pleasure, seeing them excel and having fun while they're learning is what it's all about! Plus, I get to remind myself to follow my own advice!
I have this new student, she's 5 years old, adorable and smart. She told me that she writes her own songs. So I asked if she would like to sing one of her songs for me. She replied "sure, but I need the piano", so we switched seats.
Her eyes started to search for ideas while tapping her pointy finger on her cheek..."let me think" she said...than she hit the highest note on the piano (twice) followed by the lowest (twice), she repeated it a few more times and finished off with a random note; a little above the middle C.
She looked at me with a big smile and said "that's it". I said, wow, that's a very short song...and with confidence she affirmed..."yes, that's it"
I thought it was adorable. She didn't question her ability to make up a song, she just went for it. I didn't correct her by saying, well that's not a real song. Who am I to judge? I wanted her to be creative and express herself and she did the best she could. And that is what really matters, to start wherever we are, to just go for it.
As creative people we tend to get a little too serious, trying to be perfect at all times, overthink and over ananlyze. It sucks the creative juice and fun right out of us. Of course we need to be great at what we do in order to be successful but we shall not forget that it's ok to suck sometimes, to write or create something that may never be recognized, seen or heard.
We can only get better by doing, learning, listening and keeping an open mind.
Cheers to more fun!
PS: If you are interested in finding out more about my teaching, visit thevocalgym.com ;)
Inspiring and motivating others gives me great pleasure, seeing them excel and having fun while they're learning is what it's all about! Plus, I get to remind myself to follow my own advice!
I have this new student, she's 5 years old, adorable and smart. She told me that she writes her own songs. So I asked if she would like to sing one of her songs for me. She replied "sure, but I need the piano", so we switched seats.
Her eyes started to search for ideas while tapping her pointy finger on her cheek..."let me think" she said...than she hit the highest note on the piano (twice) followed by the lowest (twice), she repeated it a few more times and finished off with a random note; a little above the middle C.
She looked at me with a big smile and said "that's it". I said, wow, that's a very short song...and with confidence she affirmed..."yes, that's it"
I thought it was adorable. She didn't question her ability to make up a song, she just went for it. I didn't correct her by saying, well that's not a real song. Who am I to judge? I wanted her to be creative and express herself and she did the best she could. And that is what really matters, to start wherever we are, to just go for it.
As creative people we tend to get a little too serious, trying to be perfect at all times, overthink and over ananlyze. It sucks the creative juice and fun right out of us. Of course we need to be great at what we do in order to be successful but we shall not forget that it's ok to suck sometimes, to write or create something that may never be recognized, seen or heard.
We can only get better by doing, learning, listening and keeping an open mind.
Cheers to more fun!
PS: If you are interested in finding out more about my teaching, visit thevocalgym.com ;)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Fuel for Creativity!
The Music Industry has changed drastically and it keeps on changing. Get over it! If you are in the industry and you resist change, you'll have a hard time moving forward, adapting to the "new way". Most of us haven't even quite figured out the "new way"...we're all kinda in limbo. The great news is, here's our chance to come up with something new and groundbreaking. We can try new things, they may fail, I'm sure many ideas will but so what...you keep on trying.
The worst thing you can do is bitch and complain. What exactly does that accomplish? You hate the budget cuts, the shitty music out these days...REALLY? There's always been shitty music. Music doesn't need to be meaningful and deep at all times. When I'm on the dancefloor, I want to dance, laugh, flirt....have fun! Just because it doesn't speak to you doesn't mean it's bad.
How about all those hating on Skrillex, Rhianna or Lady GaGa, how they don't deserve to be as big as they are. IF you think they suck, DO BETTER! Bring something to the table that tops their production, their mass appeal! Yes, they all have big machines behind them but you can create something out of nothing if you have the drive and the believe that you are great! Saying you don't have the big label behind you is just another excuse to NOT get to work. Let your frustration be your inspiration. Instead of getting bitter, get busy, get creative!
We're all guilty of it, but it doesn't serve us! So now go write a song about it! ;P
The worst thing you can do is bitch and complain. What exactly does that accomplish? You hate the budget cuts, the shitty music out these days...REALLY? There's always been shitty music. Music doesn't need to be meaningful and deep at all times. When I'm on the dancefloor, I want to dance, laugh, flirt....have fun! Just because it doesn't speak to you doesn't mean it's bad.
How about all those hating on Skrillex, Rhianna or Lady GaGa, how they don't deserve to be as big as they are. IF you think they suck, DO BETTER! Bring something to the table that tops their production, their mass appeal! Yes, they all have big machines behind them but you can create something out of nothing if you have the drive and the believe that you are great! Saying you don't have the big label behind you is just another excuse to NOT get to work. Let your frustration be your inspiration. Instead of getting bitter, get busy, get creative!
We're all guilty of it, but it doesn't serve us! So now go write a song about it! ;P
Thursday, February 04, 2010
What a day...
Can you say accomplished? I submitted 4 more songs to my library before 4pm. They had an assignment for a quick turn around, ( it's optional for the composers to commit, also if you miss the e-mail you might miss out on the opporunity); well I figured, why not! More placements and if nothing else; more songs they can use either way.
I went out for a few hours, gave my friend a ride; spend about 30 minutes at Starbucks before returning home.
Someone left soup infront of our door. hee hee. My neighbor cooked and thought I might like some...how sweet. I never say no to food, lol
Long story short: it took me forever to get the music done, I hit a brick wall BUT didn't give up. I finished and submitted five tracks and hopefully one of them if not two or three will be in regular rotation;)
PS: I'm gonna sleep in.
xoxo
JVB
I went out for a few hours, gave my friend a ride; spend about 30 minutes at Starbucks before returning home.
Someone left soup infront of our door. hee hee. My neighbor cooked and thought I might like some...how sweet. I never say no to food, lol
Long story short: it took me forever to get the music done, I hit a brick wall BUT didn't give up. I finished and submitted five tracks and hopefully one of them if not two or three will be in regular rotation;)
PS: I'm gonna sleep in.
xoxo
JVB
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Digging through the pile
There's so much I want to share, the Grammy's, the news about PinkStar and Otto's Daughter.
I'm finally back in the flow.
I have to write 27 songs for my music library due February 15th, besides that I have to finish our EP and do a photo shoot. AND, I could not resist so I signed up for a challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days (which is easy for me).
At first glance it may seem like I'm putting too much on my plate but in reality, nothing comes more natural to me than writing music. Today I worked on 5 tracks, sent 3 out. Another 3 will be going out tomorrow evening.
Magic happens when you make a commitment. I'm fired up and inspired as hell. Find your passion and set yourself on fire!
xoxo
JVB
I'm finally back in the flow.
I have to write 27 songs for my music library due February 15th, besides that I have to finish our EP and do a photo shoot. AND, I could not resist so I signed up for a challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days (which is easy for me).
At first glance it may seem like I'm putting too much on my plate but in reality, nothing comes more natural to me than writing music. Today I worked on 5 tracks, sent 3 out. Another 3 will be going out tomorrow evening.
Magic happens when you make a commitment. I'm fired up and inspired as hell. Find your passion and set yourself on fire!
xoxo
JVB
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The brakes are off
I did my power hour today, which felt amazing. What that means is; I took time for myself, I went to the park, did my workout, connect with other human beings and smiled at every single person I met and doggies of course. Did my affirmations, set myself up for a successful and productive day.
It really worked for me. (the power hour) I got great news in the mail, via e-mail and through a phone call.
I ended up doing a last minute collaboration with a composer friend of mine after getting a call from him saying something like "I just got an e-mail from this music supervisor; that's what they're looking for and oh yeh and it's due tomorrow morning; what do you think?" I started laughing and said:" well...let's do it". Not even an hour later he send me a rough track. I send some vocal tracks back and boom, we were on a roll. I love working with him.
We did the song (long distance collaboration) in less than twelve hours. It's crazy and fun! Not what I had planned but I love it. And I was taken to a Sushi dinner in between. Life is indeed great!
I can't wait to set myself up for another incredible day! I'm expecting a call from Dave in the morning telling me the supervisor loves it and they'll use it.
PS: I'm not hoping for it; I'm expecting it!
xoxo
JVB
It really worked for me. (the power hour) I got great news in the mail, via e-mail and through a phone call.
I ended up doing a last minute collaboration with a composer friend of mine after getting a call from him saying something like "I just got an e-mail from this music supervisor; that's what they're looking for and oh yeh and it's due tomorrow morning; what do you think?" I started laughing and said:" well...let's do it". Not even an hour later he send me a rough track. I send some vocal tracks back and boom, we were on a roll. I love working with him.
We did the song (long distance collaboration) in less than twelve hours. It's crazy and fun! Not what I had planned but I love it. And I was taken to a Sushi dinner in between. Life is indeed great!
I can't wait to set myself up for another incredible day! I'm expecting a call from Dave in the morning telling me the supervisor loves it and they'll use it.
PS: I'm not hoping for it; I'm expecting it!
xoxo
JVB
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend..it's so quiet
As exciting and fun it is to be a musician, to have a band, the ability to create and do what I love, sometimes it's frustrating the hell out of me. Technical stuff turns my creativity off.
I do love my new laptop, I finally got it to work. I am getting myself ready to go on the road and still be able to write/record music. I've never been the kind of person who just writes and keeps the idea in my head; I've got too many of those and forget them just as easily as they come to me. I have to record them. Funny thing is sometimes I listen to songs I wrote and I don't even remember writing them. Sometimes I'm amazed, like wow, I did that? lol I love those moments and I need those because they inspire me to keep going.
We are in the middle of booking a tour and doing a radio promo. While there's a lot going on, it seems like nothing is happening. But it's the same in a battlefield, you never know when the bombs go off. Right now it's really important to make good use of my time and resources.
Of course there's the JVB solo album rotting in my old computer as well as a concept album...[yes a new OD album] floating in the back of my head. I think it would be wise to use all this very intense frustration to create. I'm kinda tired of the very polished sound and crave something a bit more raw and imperfect. I just have to walk over to the studio computer and get started, for some reason it seems very hard, wtf?...the constant battle of me and myself.
Off I go to feed my soul.
xoxo
JVB
I do love my new laptop, I finally got it to work. I am getting myself ready to go on the road and still be able to write/record music. I've never been the kind of person who just writes and keeps the idea in my head; I've got too many of those and forget them just as easily as they come to me. I have to record them. Funny thing is sometimes I listen to songs I wrote and I don't even remember writing them. Sometimes I'm amazed, like wow, I did that? lol I love those moments and I need those because they inspire me to keep going.
We are in the middle of booking a tour and doing a radio promo. While there's a lot going on, it seems like nothing is happening. But it's the same in a battlefield, you never know when the bombs go off. Right now it's really important to make good use of my time and resources.
Of course there's the JVB solo album rotting in my old computer as well as a concept album...[yes a new OD album] floating in the back of my head. I think it would be wise to use all this very intense frustration to create. I'm kinda tired of the very polished sound and crave something a bit more raw and imperfect. I just have to walk over to the studio computer and get started, for some reason it seems very hard, wtf?...the constant battle of me and myself.
Off I go to feed my soul.
xoxo
JVB
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