If you feel as if you are unlucky, your probably right, because the Universe loves to kick people who are down.... especially if they are exceptionally talented.... because the Universe is scared that they will one day succeed and inspire people.

Here is a ray of hope tho....

As time goes on, there are fewer and fewer things that cannot be done by machine. Art will be one of the few professions that machines can never do! (at least not without a high level of sentience)

Thanks, guys. I was really depressed this morning, and after reading your responses I have new found enthusiasm. I need to create for the joy of creating, simple as.

As I was reading this, all I kept thinking was that when one needs to create, they create because it inspires them - even during times when the sweat and the pain seem too much to bear. One creates because they love it, it fills some deep-seated need and life just isn't the same without that pursuit.

I also saw a lot of great advice and input here too. Yeah, blah, blah, blah but sometimes everyone needs to step back and review how they are doing something with fresh eyes and fresh input. Do try to listen - even if it's eventually.

As to friends and family, social conditioning drives these responses. That's why people hire professional coaches, producers, representatives etc. and actually listen to what they have to say and teach you.

Anyway, if you love making music, then just do it. Give it as a gift to everyone you know - who knows if that will lead to commercial success or not. But if it is really a passion beyond just a personal love then find a way to connect with a professional network - do gigs on weekends, play with other people, get out in the world with your art... But ultimately only do what truly makes you happy.

I don't consider myself a starving artist as I've only dabbled a little bit on my own and have other sources of income (basically doing the same thing in the link I'll link later in other trades). This will sound harsh (hey, you said you were sick of people not wanting to be confrontational and saying that they like your stuff) but the unvarnished truth is that no one gives a shit about you or me when it comes down to business. This does a pretty good job explaining what I mean. Even if you became popular and people started buying your music like candy, it's so they can flaunt how hip they are with trends or so they can feel like part of a group or they think it represents something about them, not likely because they care about you.

A quote from Tweak "No dudes. look. It is is OBVIOUS to anyone who thinks more than 5 seconds on the subject. Why do people pay big sums for anything? Its to fulfill a dream! This is the guiding principle under making money. Why does Newbie #2 here want the vintage 64 Mustang? Why does Princess Noobia want the big house by the ocean? Why do people spend thousands on a special mud that makes them feel 3 years younger for 24 hours. Don't you get it?? But people are not going to spend 99 cents to buy your song at iTunes even if they know you. But they might give you $50 to $500 for you to help them get their song on iTunes which is their dream." They would do this because they are not good at it but you are and you can help them. For the right price, of course :) Don't undercharge. Maybe make music for a local TV advertisement or a jingle for a transition in a sitcom.

Some might consider this to be selling out or that it's not the American dream but it's how an unknown can grind and make some money and grow a studio, that is if your goal is to be able to make some money with your skill-set. If an independent, private person then makes enough and reinvests, one can then choose to take time off to work on something personal if one wants to. This isn't a guarantee for success either though. If you're inspired to create something, that's a good thing and I encourage you to make it for yourself, but it usually doesn't make you money.

Another thing is that the industry you're trying to break into has been built to be a jackpot or poverty industry. The internet is helping somewhat to mitigate that aspect, but it's still that way for the most part, and the odds of having a hit (jackpot) are slim. I've also found to not try to mix business and friends, as friends are often least likely to be willing to pay and they think I should give them some kind of deal. It's best to deal with professionals and people who want what you have to offer.

Well, this post might be a little depressing, but I do hope that link or something else in this post helps and you can find more success.

Let me tell you something first: you're expecting too much from your friends. That's not because they're not good friends, it's because you put them in an uncomfortable position. Making friends feel that you're expecting money from them is a shitty thing to do. You also can't expect real critiques from most people, any more than my wife can expect a real answer to "does this necklace look good?" It doesn't mean that I don't care about my wife, just that have no clue about necklaces, can't judge them and don't want to do it.

Me, I'm not a starving artist. Writing is a hobby of mine, and I haven't practiced it much since I got married (although I do have a story sitting at an editor's desk now, for the first time in many years). What really helped me was getting on a decent critique group and hanging around lost of writing related forums on the internet, plus reading tons of advice articles (and arguing with them).

I only ever got one story published, but my writing became decent enough that people find it hard to critique at the low level (which is a problem in itself) and I'm occasionally on the short list to getting my story bought (like this time; I hope I'll pass that stage). I will never be a great writer, I know my limitations and I'm not driven enough to try to overcome them. But at least I can say that I did make some money from my hobby (possibly not a net income, since all those print submissions did cost some money).

Anyway, back to the first point. IMO if a friend of yours shows real interest in the music (like saying "I could pay for this"), then the right thing is, next time you see them tell them "I'm happy that you like my music; here's a CD with my stuff, incluiding a new song I still haven't posted online", or something like this.

Not to beat a dead horse, but obviously you don't read the ninja thread, where after my last post in this thread here, I posed 35 codes for free albums I've released, not expecting anything in return.

I'm happy for you and your writing skillset. Hopefully something comes from it.
What you said helps me a great deal. I lost sight of the bigger picture, as bleak as it is. It's certainly helped me the most out of any of the posts in this thread.

This wasn't supposed to even be a thread about me, but it seems to have come out that way.

I just found it and grabbed one (edit: Two! Didn't see the first :p) after reading this. Good stuff! Makes me think of Buckethead, Crisis Core, and Bastion all at once. You'd do great on some indie titles. Are you sure you're done with singing? (edit: I think you just need to not whisper the songs. As a recording artist, record loudly! :D And carry your words. No fear/insecurity, only expression! ;> )

Leucius I'll check the Ninja Gift thread and see if any of the codes work, I'm interested in hearing your work (I think somebody compared it to Buckethead/Primus? Awesome).

Anyway, to stay on topic, I'm a starving artist (well, not technically starving, I have a pizza cooking right now) as well, I've recorded a few experimental albums on my own and would love to get into the soundtrack business. I've taught myself how to play guitar/bass and I do some singing as well (though there isn't much of a market for bass/baritones anymore haha) and I've taught myself to produce/mix/master (which I find really fun, oddly enough). I'm okay with the fact that I'll probably never be a "rockstar", I just thoroughly enjoy being musically creative.

It's ok, I'm not offended :) There really isn't much on youtube though, to be fair. Desert Flying is not my greatest work.
Nice! That's what I'm trying to get back to, the joy of creation, with no expectations.
I will do so when I get to a place where I can record loudly. Right now I'm in an apartment and have a good reputation as someone who keeps to myself and doesn't get very loud.


EDIT: For anyone that would like some free music, since it's obviously getting buried in the ninja thread, here's my link: http://www.gog.com/forum/general/ninja_giveaway/post66761

Several things you could always do more of:

1) As misteryo said, play live - be it busking or gigging or just jamming with fellow musicians. Aside from the performance benefits, you'll also gain some exposure and potentially press exposure too if anyone is reviewing the gigs.

2) Collaborate - not just jamming with other musicians, but writing with them. Even if its not your style. bet theres some guy lives down thestreet from you producing drum and bass, and longs for some vocals laid down or a guitar rhythm on a track for instance.

3) Send your stuff to the press - be it small, local focused music rags made for the love, or larger webzines / major publications. You'll get feedback at the least if they bother to listen - and eventually someone will if you keep sending stuff!

4) Promotion. Even if you have no money, theres bound to be someone who will help you promote an identity for next to nothing. A student designer for instance might take you up as part of a course project. Dont cheap on them though - give them a % of anything you make as a result.

5) Dont try to be your heroes.

Those are the most five basic points ive always given to those that came through the venues asking for advice, and often the same basic points i'd try to involve in a review during my long term as a music journalist.
Hope they help.

Leucius, your song Let Go has a major Todd Rundgren feel to it, with the instrumentation and the vocals, actually several of your songs from Corroboration have a Todd Rundgren feel. That's a compliment by the way haha.

If I were a worse man, I'd barrage you with stuff. I had no idea you're a music journalist.
Interesting, I've never really listened to Todd Rundgren. Thanks, though :)

Told you before - but well over a year ago! Heheh.

You should check out his double album Something/Anything?, it's one of the greatest double albums ever, and he performed all the instruments on some of the songs (I can't remember how many though). But yeah, some of your songs definitely reminded me of him.