| | | |
Father Time
|
9/1/2019 7:00:21 AM
artistry vs. the attention span dilemma
An issue I deal with regularly when creating arrangements for my song is this. Well let me describe the song I'm working on now.
It depends a lot on backing vocal ensemble. The arrangement I want to do has the song starting with no backing vocals, then I add layer after layer til by the end it's the whole kitchen sink. However, in this online short attention span era, one might suspect that folks would find the beginning of the song a bit vanilla, and they might not even make it to the better parts. Now I want to do it the way I want to do it, who thinks I should compromise just to front-load the song for flaky listeners?
|
|
Richard Scotti
|
9/1/2019 10:59:28 AM
You could always do two versions and see which one comes out better.
|
|
Lars Mars
|
9/1/2019 11:28:00 AM
One treatment might include at least a hint of chorals in the intro.
Without being familiar with the song, it's tough to say whether it could work or sound too hokey.
I've had a similar idea, though we abandoned it when the whole nature of the song changed.
|
|
Bryon Tosoff
|
9/1/2019 12:48:15 PM
Glenn is on point, songs evolve, as we all know, I have set aside projects for months and years and resurrected when the time in my mind was right. Sometimes letting things percolate is good. I have left many alone, and rediscover them later, sometimes used them as they were, others revised and adjusted accordingly
|
|
Mike Lance
|
9/1/2019 5:19:31 PM
---- Updated 9/1/2019 5:43:29 PM
Don't ever compromise your vision! Yeah, so more people might make it through a full listen, but will you really be satisfied with it? Or will you have that hint of regret wondering "if only..." If you have a strong melody and/or cadence and lyrical intrigue you can keep a listener's attention without the bells and whistles. Embellishments are not the song. Try to make sure the music can stand up on its own in skeletal form and you'll have free reign to do what you like with it.
|
|
Shane Willard
|
9/1/2019 5:51:27 PM
I’m going to have to go with my friend Mike on this. Write the song you want to write. You don’t want to listen to the song 10 years later and feel regretful you didn’t follow your vision. It may not be evident from observing the current musical climate but there are still people out there that appreciate artistry over flash.
|
|
Father Time
|
9/1/2019 6:01:06 PM
I'm with Mike and Shane, that's what I was hoping to hear. I'd add that it is a shame that many listeners have a very short threshold.
|
|
Mike Lance
|
9/1/2019 6:22:12 PM
I agree, it is a shame.
I look forward to hearing the new song!
|
|
Shoe City Sound
|
9/1/2019 9:41:50 PM
Maybe work on some other aspects of the beginning of the song that would be more of a hook for the impatient listener but still preserve the idea of bringing the vocals in the way you want to.
|
|
Hop On Pop
|
9/2/2019 2:31:49 PM
Just make the song the best way you know how.
Please yourself because, honestly, you will be the one who listens to it more than anybody else.
That's what I do with my own songs. And, if other people like them... that's just a bonus!
|
|
Shoe City Sound
|
9/2/2019 6:27:28 PM
I guess I didn't express myself the way I meant to. It's not about catering to an impatient listener - not exactly sure I even know what that means - I think I'm really talking about myself. When I'm working on stuff I keep editing and editing till it draws me in enough. I always feel like I never want anyone/me to have to tolerate a single note. Each sound should be fabulous. I think this is true of Richard Scotti's work for instance and some others that I can't think of at the moment. So I'm thinking on this Negative Tendencies tune, an amazing beginning from the first note would draw me in and then only enhance the cool vocals to come. But absolutely, beyond the shadow of a doubt you have to write to please yourself. It's the most satisfying thing of all.
|
|
Stoneman
|
9/3/2019 3:23:52 AM
Ah yes, the age old question. Creative vision verses perceived audience attention or lack thereof. I tend to go with my vision without much consideration about what "they" might want. Most have been my fans for many years and they already know what to expect from me. Do your thing brother and let it all hang out! What they think or do is irrelevant.
|
|
Paul groover
|
9/9/2019 7:01:47 PM
I blame the short attention span people seem to have because of smart or should that be dumb phones. if you need one of then to help you with life god help you. The world according to google does not seem like a good idea to me. I compare the phone users to Ostriches hoping all the bad stuff will go away. If they virtue signal and do emojis and memes. Life will somehow get better. The same people who will be first in line for the military grade weapon that is 5g. There virtue signalling really will kill you then. Everyone pays wether they want it or not
|
|
Lars Mars
|
9/9/2019 9:37:43 PM
Well, there's really nothing to stop you from doing whatever you want.
Or doing a dozen versions, one for each month of the year (except in my 13 month calendar).. for that matter you can make it a baker's dozen versions.
And don't forget foreign languages.
It just seems to me that you are the one limiting your options Scott, not listeners....
Glenn
|
|
| |
�2015-16 IndieMusicPeople.com All Rights
Reserved
| |