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Hop On Pop
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10/2/2008 6:44:47 AM
---- Updated 10/2/2008 6:47:08 AM
So you like albums to have a consistent sound, or to sound different from song-to-song?
I ask this question because, as you all probably know, I am in the middle of making the most willfully eclectic and varied-sounding album that I think that I have ever heard myself. Stylistically, it's going to jump from electronic pop to bluegrass to power pop to punk and just about every other Western pop style in-between. All within 40 minutes or so.
Essentially, it'll be a crazy mix tape, made by a single guy with a rotating cast.
So, do you like that sort of genre-jumping, or do you prefer to settle in with a more-homogeneous sound?
Your answers won't change what I'm doing for this record, I'm just curious.
(And, let's keep the discussion general... I don't want it to appear as if I'm trying to turn this into a HoP discussion. I am just genuinely curious. Thanks.)
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kurtkurtley
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10/2/2008 7:13:37 AM
Well, I've always loved an eclectic mix, so that's a nod for varied music, but at the same time I've always liked, and tried to achieve, continuity in the sound of an album, by which I mean tone, mix, timbre and feel.
Wow, am I running for office?
No, but you get what I mean.
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Hop On Pop
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10/2/2008 7:33:43 AM
---- Updated 10/2/2008 7:34:28 AM
Someone at another board made that point that the varied sound is "Good for listening; bad for sales."
Interesting take. Good thing that I have a day job!
Would that deter any of you from making a more-varied sounding album?
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Conversation Suicide
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10/2/2008 7:34:55 AM
---- Updated 10/2/2008 7:41:50 AM
Todd, I like BOTH methods of puttin' together a mix of tracks.
As you might have guessed, because TWO of my CD's now have been of the DIVERSE type (almost every song, a distinctly different style). And TWO have had more of a theme, or general TONE, that shined through. and a couple of LIVE Cds which were all over the map on song styles, but NOT widely distributed.
Glad to hear you're doin' a diverse mix. I would expect nothing less from somebody as eclectic and well-versed in music as yourself!
OH YEAH, and THEME-based albums, where, like, ALL the songs are tied in together those are WAY cool too.
AND TO address your most recent comment.... I agree that it's NOT good "music business" practice to NOT have ONE basic "SOUND" or genre for the CD/album, at least that's what most of the experts and powers-that-be will continue to say- but I PLAY/CREATE/ and record what I like, and that is, just like you Todd, VERY eclectic in sound - which means 'don't quit your day job' and keep on strivin' to be a part of the evolution of original music
-my two bits
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Wayne Givens
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10/2/2008 7:36:26 AM
I'm putting the finishing touches on my cd, and I faced the same question. Each song seems to be a different style, but they are styles that I really like. I decided to go with it after looking at it as a live show, and the effect it would have on a live audience, which is how I make my living. If all your other cd's feature the same style throughout, this might be a good change for you. The one common denominator in each song is you, and that surely will show through.
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RedRobin
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10/2/2008 10:12:05 AM
....
As long as the music flows, I don't think genre jumping matters. Afterall, what will keep it together will be the sound you/your band makes - You can't escape from that!
When you've got all the songs, you'll have to spend time trying out different track orders - You'll know when it's right.
Enjoy!
....
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Taylor Mills
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10/2/2008 10:14:15 AM
I think you, as an artist, should do whatever YOU feel. It's art! Don't forget about some of the Beatles records... very eclectic and amazing, and Sting often adds a country sounding song on many of his records too. Also, Sade's records were always very homogeneous and beautiful. It could go either way for me.
It's all about what you want to put out there. I like both.
I'd say, really spend some time with the order of the songs so they flow the way you think they should. I think that's the important detail you may have to work out when you are in the final stages.
Well, good luck with your music! Success is knowing that what you put out there is exactly what you wanted it to be. That's my true measure of success! : )
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Hugh Hamilton
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10/2/2008 11:04:03 AM
To me any collection of songs, whether a playlist or an album, is most enjoyable if there is some sense of overall je ne sais quois. And I really don't know precisely how to describe it. Flow. Charm. It can be consistent or inconsistent in sonic terms, as long as it's GOOD. Uplifting. Dare I say...Enlightening.
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Beth Fridinger
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10/2/2008 11:40:11 AM
Interesting discussion...I am eclectic and I like many kinds of music. I put out a CD, "Classic Blue" that has everything on it from blues, rock, bluegrass, country, folk...the thing that is consistent is the style of my voice...I find it very hard to pick one genre...and I've collaborated with different folks who influence the style in various songs. If I did a CD of just me and the guitar it would probably all sound like folk with influences of rock, country, etc. I have a real hard time with this issue...and am aware as I look at artists that they do have CDs with a theme and genre etc. In my musical development I love everything...now I know Johnny Cash crossed country into rock etc....maybe I could be like that...I don't know...develop a style that is a mix...
I find it very hard how the industry categorizes music...and say in Reverb Nation perhaps some of my songs get lost because I am categorized as a blues artist and yet I have other genres going on.
This is a good topic and a very difficult one. It seems the business person has to be at war with the artist in oneself....I don't know what the answer is to this problem.
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Beth Fridinger
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10/2/2008 11:46:05 AM
---- Updated 10/2/2008 11:46:05 AM
Oh, I also posted some songs with me doing all the parts; drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, mandolin, etc...it is a learning process...I know some of the songs would be more polished collaborating with other folks who have far more expertise on other instruments than I. On some of those songs I may red-do them with collaborators if I go to put them on a CD.
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Slimdog Productions
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10/2/2008 11:53:21 AM
I like a little bit of both Todd. If there is a recurring theme throughout the album, then songs sounding alike in style is fine. I also like to see variety in an album to see if the artist has versatility. Good luck with your project.
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