Originally Posted by Kay-lynn Carew
Sunset guy, I can only tell you that when you have to play your song live in front of 15 other people and they write their opinion on our lyric sheet and then discuss... that's how you "learn". And frankly, most of the time they were absolutely right when my lyric fell apart, the chorus wasn't strong enough etc etc. I never took offense, neither does anyone else.

The whole point of songwriting is to "communicate" a message and if the message didn't get across I want to know why it didn't and how to correct it.

But there's nothing wrong with saying, wow that's a great hook, perhaps you might want to explore x y or z or make it more upbeat. etc etc If anyone would like to know what a real critique looks like, go ahead, be brave, post your song and I will be happy to listen. p.s. I also used to work for a music supervisor and had to listen to 1,000's of songs before they would even get to her. (yeah, small brag there, sorry) lol

Sorry to disappoint...

Years ago, I read the Jason Blum book.
Most of the "critiques" that I have gotten over the years have been an echo from somewhere in that.


IF...

I were serious about being a songwriter in Nashville, I would write VCVCBC.
I would write the chorus first around a "hook" or quip and stay on it, until it rang, then fill out the verses.
But I am not in Nashville, and not interested in pursuing songwriting according to the stated and unstated rules and sensibilities of the "real" songwriting" community. It's a personal hobby.

I am here on this ammy website amongst my counterparts...for the most part.

I unapologetically write whatever I'm moved to write.
I do not expect anyone to like it or comment on it.
If someone comments, I'm fine with whatever they want to think, as long as they are not just being a needling piss-ant-themum.


Given the context, I feel that I have every right in the world to be here and participate however suits me.

Having said all that, I am working on a song now (though distracted), and if you leave a critique about it, I'll be fine with that. If you ignore it, I'll be fine with that.

As far as my remark about people wanting validation...
I stated that because it is so obviously and inarguably true.
Furthermore, the people who that statement offends the most are almost always the self-described prima donnas who it describes almost exactly.

Sunset Guy

https://soundcloud.com/sunset-poet-of-texas