HOW I produced 52 tracks in 2020
What just happened? I produced and released a track each week in 2020. Here's what I've learned so far;
⦁ It's taken me around 20 hours to produce each track, composing, performing, recording and mixing. It would have taken longer if I hadn't had lots of pieces sketched before 2020 began, and some just needed mixing/editing.
⦁ The films have taken around 3 hours each - they were made easier by using mainly still pictures and having some ace photographers to work with.
⦁ Any starting point will do. Working quickly gives a focus which avoids exploring too many options. Ideas which at first appear ordinary often end up working well. And things sound fresher if they're not over-worked
⦁ What I hear is not what others hear. Tracks which I had doubts about often get the best response. Some which I loved have got a lukewarm reception. But different people respond differently too; the track which has got the best response overall is one my partner suggested I abandon because "it's a load of rubbish". Techniques like syncopation can be confusing on a first listen and some tracks contain too much information.
⦁ "I've made a lot of mistakes, I don't mind, I don't mind" (Sufjan Stevens) To harness creativity it's important to take risks and sometimes fall flat. Another temptation I've avoided is revising things forever in the hope they get better! It's too soon to be sure but it seems that 90% of the risks have paid off. Taking risks has also helped me learn faster.
⦁ The importance of titles, concepts and visuals. It's often said that music always needs to stand on its own feet. That only half true because at first people only listen if something sparks their interest; often a title or back-story. When I'm struggling to make something work musically, trying out visual or conceptual ideas often helps clarify what it needs. Two examples come to mind; Elgar's "Enigma Variations" used sketches of his friends characters to develop musical ideas and played a big part in introducing his music to listeners. "69 Love Songs" by The Magnetic Fields brings together 69 very diverse tracks some of which are pretty sketchy, yet the sum of the parts is a big contribution to the lexicon of popular music.
⦁ The value of listeners It's much easier and more fun to make music if you know you're going to get feedback. Nowadays you need a core of listeners to get more; Youtube, Facebook and other platforms make music invisible unless it's getting engagement.
⦁ There are no shortcuts to promoting music There is an awful lot of phony "self-help" around saying "you can find fans on Facebook, Spotify, etc" but it's become clear that finding listeners and promoting music is just old fashioned hard work and persistence. I was rather hoping to commission a promoter or music agency but I've found there's no substitute for getting involved yourself.
⦁ The beauty of instruments The tools we use to make music are not neutral! A piece will take a very different course depending whether you develop it on piano, banjo or drums, or using music software. I find it helpful to play a variety of instruments; it enables me to be self reliant but I can also be inspired by the sound of a drum kit, ukelele or synth.
⦁ The value of collaboration I've been lucky to work with some fine singers and instrumentalists over the last few years, and some great photographers recently. Having a different perspective and pooling ideas makes for more interesting work. A song isn't complete until a singer has interpreted it - and I've been grateful for contributions to both lyrics and vocal harmonies.
The plan was to make more and better music and to find more listeners. A target to produce something each week is a great motivation to practice both composing and performing - far from running out of ideas there are lots more things I'm now keen to explore. There is also scope to build on the new listeners and radio play.
You can help by sharing, streaming and commenting on Facebook, Youtube and Bandcamp - every little bit helps expose the music to more listeners
In 2021 I've decided to release one new track a month to ease the pressure on both me and listeners! There will be some other things in between like tutorials and live sessions; I'm already booked to appear on "The Ukelele Sessions" youtube channel and for regular radio coverage. Also hoping for lots of live performances as soon as it's safe; anything from solo house gigs to my 8 piece band - just get in touch if you’re interested.
