JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Listening to your own songs.....

I finally got my CD done and finally off to the duplicators. But, I'm wondering how many of you listen to your own songs and how you feel about the way your voices sounds?

I love listening to the songs I wrote and sung. But, I would rather have someone else singing them. Or is it that I'm just being too hard on myself? My CD's will be sold on CD Baby when I get them back.

I listen to my stuff all the time -- heck I might be the only one enjoying it! Seriously, if you can't enjoy your own music, then what is the sense in doing it? I am not a talented singer by any stretch of the imagination, but I keep trying.

Kevin

I write songs that I like.
So, I listen to my music.
That said, it does feel a bit like masturbation.

And yeah, all I hear (a lot of the time) are the mistakes, or what I would want to change about the songs. But then, eventually, I came to terms with it all. And now I can just kick back and pleasure myself -- aurally, that is. (That means with sound, not "orally" you dirty-minded people!)

LOL - I agree - which is probably why I listen to my own songs only when no one else is looking

Mostly, I listen to them over and over and over again in the car when I am trying to fine tune them. By the end of that process, I'm usually sick of 'em.....

As to the sound of my own voice - I purely hated it when I started recording. Now I'm getting used to it and have come to the conclusion that it is suited to some styles of music and not suited to others - which is to say most

Scott

I listen, but not often. I'm more likely to play the song then listen.

I agree with Scott in that I will get sick of a song if i'm working on it too long.

One thing I hate is being in the same room when someone listens. i have no trouble playing for people, but I get this bashful, what do I say feeling when I have to be in the same room as they listen.

I'll listen to my songs over and over. My first feeling is elation, because I'm excited about all the things I heard in my head concerning the song are mostly on the recorded version. Almost like an infatuation.

Then I'll go through a process where I scrutinize EVERY little thing about each song, in particular, my voice. How could have I made it better? I think that I grow that way.

And occasionally I'll listen to a song that I thought sounded good initially and then I'll cringe, because I don't like it anymore. The honeymoon is over.

I believe the middle stage is probably the best, really. Because I still like the song, but I'm realistic with myself in hearing places where I could've done something better.

I'm a fan of my work...ha. I do my own vocals on the pop/rock stuff and turn the country over to the Nashville sound. It is a very difficult thing to record a record you are quite happy with the content of all the way through. On the other hand, I listen to alot of things and usually end up getting inspired by someone other than myself. I try to be honest with myself, recognize my own strengths and limitations, and enjoy the things I have accomplished. By the time I release something, I'll admit ,I've listened to it alot.

Seems like every song that I write, is the best thing I've ever heard. Then I record it and listen to it a few times to see if the feeling is still there. I've got some old recordings that I wonder where my head was at. I also consider all my tunes as living things that continue to morph and change as time passes. I never do get fully satisfied with the way any thing turns out. We are our own worst critics, and we should be.

Rick H brings up a good point. Every song I am working on (most of the time) becomes my favorite song of mine -- at least for a little while. Maybe because it is just new or maybe I know I am learning/exploring. (At the moment however, Train, Train, Train is not my favorite song -- LOL!).

Kevin

When people first hear their own voice recorded, they usually don't believe it. "I don't sound like that!" We hear the resonance of our own body and bones when we speak, it's almost like amplification, and when we hear the real deal, it's generally disappointing...or at least disorienting.

Well, I got over that long ago. I ALWAYS wish I had a better voice, but have learned to do the best I can with what I have. Sometimes I'm happy with it (harmonies generally please me) but usually I'm dissatisfied (that would be all the lead vocals).

But I do listen to my own stuff, alone and often, usually cranked up in the car, or at home on headphones after the family has gone to bed. I try to analyze it from different standpoints, and I take mental notes of how it should change. I often cringe. I cannot abide listening to it with other people listening...makes me want to begin a heroin habit.

The times I am most appreciative of my own music? Either when I haven't heard some piece for years, or when I'm drunk.

You HAVE to listen to your own songs and voice. How else can you judge the quality. It is ridiculous to state otherwise. I must admit I am my own worst critic. It is a tool I use to correct mistakes and improve performances.

It is important to listen to ones own self to check their progress and to try and examine what others pointed out.
But the self-conscience part always gets in with me.
I was tought quite early not to look at my reflection in windows on public sidewalks, and I should only look at myself to comb my hair.
Same with sound. It is easy for one to roll around in their own crap.

I like to wait a good few days after I recorded a song to see how I feel about it and then post.
It is always going to be different with ones own recording than someone else.
There could'nt be any harsher of a critic to me.

Hi Gang:

I too, listen to my songs for hours. Of course I love to hear the fruition of my song idea and I'm always hoping to hear improvement in my singing voice. Often, I'll recut a song at the drop of a hat if I hear something that needs more work or a different backing or instrument.

We are so fortunate to live in an age where technology allows us this almost instantaneous feedback. From my perspective, the hardest part is not having audience feedback. I don't perform in public... just too old and ugly. I really don't consider myself a singer but I would never be able to justify what I do musically if I had to pay the going "Nashville Demo Rate."

My objective in writing has always been to attract better singers to do covers so I can get plugged into the money stream. Without a network of any significance, it's obviously going to be an uphill climb. As I've said on JPF before, having a great network is probably only slightly behind the importance of having talent.

Like Loneseer, I'd much prefer to hear sombody with real singing talent performing my songs. Many performers seem to develop a style because of the genre they normally sing. I have fun attempting to modify my voice to suit the genre in which I am recording. Sometimes it works and sometimes it comes out really wrong. Fortunately, to my ears, the average is better than 50%.

As I gain more experience, my confidence factor seems to be getting better all the time. I'd still rather have someone else perform my songs.

Best wishes and good luck to all of you.

Dave Rice http://cdbaby.com/cd/davidlynnrice

I like what I write but I don't like my singing voice,I have problems with timing,etc.Therefore I won't ever make a performer, I'd rather just write and let others have the lime light.My guitar playing leaves a lot to be desired,I guess I'm just not a natural.

Hey Loneseer

Good post here I've enjoyed the read. Like most here I started out not liking my voice. It's still a love hate relationship but when I don't force it too much it's not as terrible as I think. I really enjoy listening to my songs. Unlike others I don't usually change one much I get tired of it and move onto something else. Now as I get better I am stopping to fine tune some things more but I think that comes with learning and nothing I've done so far with the exception of one would I even think of trying to get cut. Most all of what I've written and recorded so far is me growing and getting better and I don't want to waste a lot of effort pefercting something that isn't in some way worth it. That said I'm getting much closer to that point now. As I learn more about mixing I get much closer to what it is I want instead of a muddied bunch of notes and beats. So in closing the better I get the more I want to really critique my stuff.
Derek

Great thread. I will listen to my songs a whole lot, until I get sick of them, and then I'll move on and listen to something else. I write songs specifically for myself, but within my own limits - I like some metal but I'd never write it for myself because I don't have a metal voice. But I write and rewrite until I love the song, and if I don't love it I throw it out.

I'm OK with my own voice but I can hear each and every flaw and it bothers me a lot, which is a theme repeated in this thread. I'm writing and recording my third CD right now and I look forward to doing the vocals, but I know I'll never be able to sing 100% perfect and it's frustrating. I've got software that can correct minor pitch problems (melodyne) but I do not want to use it unless I have absolutely no choice. I don't mind using it to fix one note in a song, but if I'm having to use it on every line, I need to just resing the damn track.

PopTodd's post was the BEST.

Thanks Pop.
I always wondered what masturbating was like, but now you have given me an example I can relate to, I am glad i never tried it, and I can now wait for the right girl to come along, knowing i am doing the right thing, cause i rally hate how i sound, and only listen to it because nobody else will.
Graham

Yes, I do listen to my own music. I am a pretty decent musician and composer. My singing is akin to the sound of a cement truck having a hernia. But, it gives the potential "real" singer a basic idea of what I had in mind.

Two-thirds of what I do is instruemntal or musical composition to other folks' lyrics. And, yes, I do enjoy listening to my own musical compositions. If I cannot enjoy them, why should I expect someone else to? And as far as my crappy voice, it doesn't bother me a lot because I am not a performer per se. The lyrical songs I record are not for public consumption. I do have that much consideration for the public as a whole. As I said, they are for the benefit of the demo service or potential real singer.

Alan

I've let several people including a member of a band that I work with, listen to my CD. The band member spoke of styles of singers and the voices that suits them. One person really love my CD and wants to buy one when I get them. The band member is wanting to buy one before I even get them on CD Baby.

Anyhow I had to keep making changes on my pitch and changing the way the background music sounded on a couple of my songs. It was really driving me mad because I spent a very long time on them.

But, in the end I was quite happy with the way things turned out for me. But, I guess I'll know how well I did when they go on sale on CD Baby. Started this project a couple of years ago at 60 years old. It is a scary thing for me.

My Genre is Easy listening and my styles are ballads and Celtic, though someone commented that my voice has that Celtic sound to it.

Like everything else in my life I always get such a late start. But, I guess it's better late than never.

I'm so enamored with myself that I scammed a radio show so I could play my own tunes! {LOL} www.classxradio.com www.myspace.com/classxbob

Great idea Bob C:

I've thought of doing just the same. Not because I'm enamored with my voice, I just thought it might spark some interest among listeners if there was the sound of applause (or catcalls) in the background.

I did actually try a spoken intro for a Golf Novelty tune I wrote and recorded about a year ago. (Big Bertha) It turned out fairly well but I need to write about six more golf tunes to churn out another album just for old duffers, like me.

I've sure enjoyed the replies to this thread. Makes me think I'm not totally insane just yet. (LOL!)

My best to all,

Dave Rice http://cdbaby.com/cd/davidlynnrice

If you want to beat tha' man ..BECOME tha' man!

Another great topic! I think it is important that you like your own music and believe in it. A person needs a certain amount of confidence presenting their music but at the same time it is a fine line between that and where arrogance steps in. Music with humility is much more appealing. Sometimes I can't enjoy some peoples music because of the way they appear, not physically neccessarily but the the spirit of the person. Well, their personality. I struggle alot with this, because I want to get my music out there but don't want to appear as a show off. That is such a turn off. I am sometimes more drawn to the singer/songwriter performances because of the sincerity behind it. When you go to a concert it really is a big SHOW. Sometimes every line is rehersed. If you follow that group or artist to the next show it's all the same. I know they have to do it. But I don't like it. Be REAL. Say what you feel that night.

SO ya, I like to listen to my stuff. I always think of what I could have done better. But that was me then, and we are always moving forward to something new. It's all good.

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

That's a MAJOR problem that lots of us face. I would love nothing more than to be able to just make music and not worry about promoting myself, but the world doesn't work like that. I HATE blowing my own horn, but much like in a business, if you don't do it, no one else will. It's just the way things are. But I'm with you - I don't like it.

Talent should be shown off. That is what this business is all about. If you do not blow your own horn then someone else, probably with less talent, will get the gig. A huge percentage of this business is about showmanship, performance and presentation not talent. Most of the really big names do not write their hits they perform other folks songs.

Great Post.




I wrote and sung my songs from the heart. I guess it's an emotional trip with me, what has happened to my life and how I wish the world can be. My songs are very soft with very little background music. And it is so refreshing to hear really nice music from other singers, with words other than sex in them. I want to listen to music the sooth the senses, not make me go mad and want to bust up the CD player with a hammer. A lot of Celtic music has such a soothing affect on me and that is why I like it so well. I also like soft rock, though it don't sooth the senses like other types of music.

Quote

A person needs a certain amount of confidence presenting their music but at the same time it is a fine line between that and where arrogance steps

I sure agree with you on this one. There are too many songs out their where the singers are so arrogant it isn't even funny. And I would like to add something else and that is many of these singers don't have respect for themselves or the opposite sex. "Whole lot of loving" by that Led bunch shows both arrogances and disrepect, not to mention just downright silly. I don't have many choices on radio stations I can listen to at work. However, most of the songs I don't mind listening to. Others that just sound like a bunch of loud noise I just turn down. However, I do like some rap music that isn't filled with violence and hopping in bed making out.

Richard Mc:

I find myself solidly in your camp on the self-promotion issue. Sure I know it puts us at a terrible disadvantage for a brief span of time. In the long run though, if our songs are really good, quality will rise to the surface.

The world in which I was raised is rapidly disappearing. Now it seems that the feckless fool who makes the most noise is the "King of the Hill." It goes against everything I was ever taught to believe. There seems to be a magnificent misconception going round that deems only performers are going to achieve success in today's music world. This completely ignores the songwriter and simply buries the "lyrics only" people. Sad! I'm not ready to pull the plug on writing. I firmly believe that someday I'll write and demo a showstopper song that'll attract the attention of somebody with real singing talent, wanting to do a cover. Keep the fame... just plug me into the income stream that songwriters struggle so hard to achieve.

All my best,

Dave Rice http://xenaRadio.com/David_Lynn_Rice/

Everytime somebody gets overly aggressive with their compliments I have to wonder who they were listening to. By overly aggressive I mean telling you over and over how wonderful your singing is. How many times can you say thank you without getting embarrassed? I am my own worst critic. I've learned to tolerate my singing voice but don't enjoy it that much. I'd much rather hear Alan Jackson's version of my song!

Since I've taken my songs out into the world I've discovered it's the best way to promote yourself. Regardless of what anybody says "live" music is the best. I put 30,000 miles on my van this year appearing everywhere it seemed. Sometimes for money! When I discovered CDbaby wasn't going to make me rich I decided appearing "live" was the answer. I didn't get rich on the road but the friendships I've formed are priceless. I sold out some of my CD's twice this summer and I have a fan who began buying my CD's at what we agreed was a wholesale price. I just shipped him 40 because the first order sold out. Maybe I've stumbled on a new thing. There are all kinds of people selling everything you can think of part time. Jewelry, pottery, candles, etc. The problem is there are too many people with the same products. So why not music? Its the easiest thing to sell isn't it? (Bad question)

www.waynelongtin.com

Alan!!!!
I have heard you sing as well as hearing a cement truck having a hernia ... the 2 are not even remotely similar :o Now cut that out!!!!!

I do listen to my music ... I am my best critic!!
Joanne

I made a station of ENTIRELY my own music here:
www.iacmusic.com/toddstation

Of course, it's me with my last (pop) band, me solo/acoustic, me with each of my 2 punk bands, and me with my first (folk/rock) band... spanning some 15+ years! Damn I didn't realize I've been failing for so long.

So, at least I have a lot of my own stuff to listen to!!!

I think the web is the best route to go now to cover a vast territory. I just think humility goes further than arrogance. People can see right through that. Don't think they can't. And I believe the songwriter will get their chance expecially after paying years of dues if staying faithful to their craft. That is the beauty of these music sites.

Tammy

www.TammyEdwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Hi Tammy If you are referring to Soundclick, Utube, Myspace and the likes you may cover a vast territory but get nowhere fast. There are so many of these sites, so many artists, songs and genres sometimes folk may not get listened to at all. Sometimes the few who do visit already know the artist and their material.
We all live in hope of being discovered and hitting the big time but relying on these type of sites to help boost a career the chances are slim to none with none standing as the favourite.

i usually just get an idea and lay it down. then sometimes go back and listen to it over and over. i don't have a good voice but it is different. some folks like it some hate it. that's life. i've had some time off work to write a little and it's been fun! have a listen and you'll see what i mean. thanks, barn.

I'm not very fond of my own voice, when I started i was looking for a vocalist as i consider myself more a composer, anyway all the deals and offers and the success I gathered was more related with my voice so I encouraged myself to go on and I love singing and live from it right now. Still i'm more focused in the tech aspects when I listen to my own songs, and I take long whiles without doing it because if not I go really mad about the mixing, mastering and tiny little things still i'd polish.

you listen to yoursel with the reverb of your mouth chamber thus when you listen your recorded voice sounds very different (often worse to your ears) but for the others is always better than you think LOL

Took me a while to respond to this one. I had to think on it.

Yes. I listen to my own stuff all the time. I am my favorite songwriter. I like myself a lot so I listen to my songs because I think I am great.
I even like the way I sing. Unpolished, amateur, and I run outta breath all the time. But I still like my singing. I even quit smoking four months ago just so I could sing better. Or at least have more wind.
What I don't care for is my guitar playing, I really suck. But I am getting better and pretty soon I think I'll like that too.

Also, I'd sing a duet with Alan David anytime, especially if he was playing guitar.

Good topic!
Like many musicians, I pick at my performance, probably too much, which makes it harder to enjoy listening back to my stuff. On the other hand, it must be done to improve the mix, tweak at lyrics, etc. And, when you listen with fresh ears once in a while, and you can surprise yourself with your talent!
We walk a fine line of appreciating our talents without being egotistical about them. On one hand, we want to encourage ourselves, and on the other, we want to be realistic about our abilities.

As a songwriter after I get a song ready and down on tape I will play it back while following the lyrics to see if it is ready to submit. Sometimes when I play back a song that I wrote a while back I am surprised at how good it is. Did I write that? Yes I am my own worst critic. Who isn't?

Yes, I do listen to myself. I don't have that many recordings except live performances, so I hear a show that others have listened to. I sometimes cringe at some things, or hear a particular tune that came off exceptionally well and really like. The thing I get most out of it, though is the ability to hear it for phrasing and interpretation. I will then revise the areas of a song that did not work for me the way I felt that it should. Sometimes I realize that a particular note just does not sound as strong as I like, so I will change the note to one that sounds better, or revise my phrasing to make it flow better. It is easier to hear those when you are not creating them, than when you are in the middle of a performance doing them.

Wow!

I had no idea I had so much in common with so many...

I listen to my stuff a lot. Mostly because I'm trying to gauge how good or bad it is from a performance standpoint and also a songwriting standpoint. But if I'm trying to pick out a CD to listen to it would never occur to me to play myself. Maybe because I've heard those song so many times over and over during the recording process. I can hardly stand to be in the same room when someone is listening to my recorded tracks even though I love playing live... I can't explain that one... just the way I'm wired.

It took me years to get used to the sound of my own voice. I still think maybe it sounds better to me than the rest of the world. And I still wish I had a much better voice, but I'm still thankful that I have whatever vocal ability I may have.

"Uncle" Chuck

I feel exactly the same about that one. I think it has something to do with the uniqueness of someone being in the same room with the writer/performer...there is a confusion about the expectations of such a spot...should they critique? Praise? Ignore that you did it? It's maddeningly uncomfortable to me...I wish it could just be heard like any other song, but that's impossible. So I hightail it out of the room every time.

Lyle FOOD FOR THOUGHT. If you cannot listen to your own voice then how can you show your stuff off. It is one thing being shy and modest but another being afraid. You must think positively. You have spent a lot of time effort and sweat on writing and recording be proud of it and let others know how good you are.

When putting on a recording of yours say This is me and what I do and I am proud of it.

Loneseer,

I am still learning to appreciate my voice. I think most of us who sing are our worst critics. I was in the studio with an awesome singer a few nights ago and she said she doesn't like her voice. My jaw almost hit the floor...but I understood her.

We hear our music differently than the average listener, and many times we're also listening to our own music trying to hear what we were striving to communicate. Often we only find where we could've done better instead of the beauty already recorded.

Sometimes it may be that another vocalist can bring life to something you wrote in a way you cannot. However, using another vocalist should be a strategic move and never solely based on not liking your own voice on a recording.

Appreciating my voice is a journey that is furthered by people telling what my voice and my music does for them. When people tell me that my voice relaxes them and it sounds as if I am speaking encouragement to their spirits, I realize they are in contact with more than skill, they have encountered my gift. Understanding the gift in my voice allows me to listen to my singing and enjoy what others find therein. It also helps me assess my skill and development without too much cringing.

In conclusion, I am learning to enjoy listening to my recorded singing. Best wishes with your new project.

Stanley

I'm in the same boat with all of you who hate their recorded voices. I'm also my own worst critic. I have had enough people tell me that I have a nice voice, they can't all be lying so I just accept it.

I do occasionally listen to recordings of myself to find where my technique is weak (I don't have to look very hard) so I can correct it.