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WeeklyBeats.com / Music / orangedrink's music / Irreparable (live)

Irreparable (live)

By orangedrink on June 10, 2018 8:28 pm

This month I've been trying to work harder on music and music business stuff and it has left me harried and anxious.  I usually try not to think about it, but my desire to improve my career forces me to ask myself the question: "How the heck can I make a living off of this???"


My short list of ideas:

- DJ gigs
- Open mics / local shows
- Create musician's networking group
- YouTube videos
- Merchandise
- New album
- Get band members
- Mix / Master other people's stuff
- Get other artists on Hemlock Records
- Submit music for review
- Promo video / CDs + flyers / Business Cards / Website update
- Hire interns
- Go around town and post ads looking for band members / interns / friends
- Social media gameplan
- Patreon / subscription?

If anyone has career advice, I'm all ears.


I haven't had a lot of free time recently, which I think makes me stressed out and resentful.  sad  I'm trying to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier and that is proving to be a really painful transition.  I'm setting a goal to keep up the streak and if I do, I'm going to get a Digitone!  So that keeps me motivated.


I've been obsessed with the Digitone and Digitakt, but figured I should play with my current toys before getting new ones.  Here is a slightly edited live performance with the Push!  Going for a footwork feel on this one.  Reusing that "VHS synth" that I love so much.  I used that on Week 18.  Slowly making progress on comments.  I love you all!  I just need to make it through the half and hopefully I'll get that second wind!


Happy Pride month!


Audio works licensed by author under:
CC Attribution Noncommercial Share Alike (BY-NC-SA)

Some really cool sounds in this.  The bass at the beginning drilled right into my head and then the higher pitched synth sounds take it in a cool different direction.  I'm impressed you pulled this off live.  And yeah, trying to make a living out of this can be incredibly frustrating.  It takes a ton of hustle that's not even really related to music when all I really want to do is create.  I read a book recently that had a lot of practical advice and seemed like it would be helpful if you really want to make a go at it. 

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-New-Music-Business/dp/1631491504

Anyway good luck and keep creating!

I feel you, man! Though my work is not creative at all, I've been balancing those same questions. I've somawaht succesfully managed to "turn my clock" earlier and is a positive change. My advice: take a step and if you fail to miss one deadline/get up at 5:30/whatever goals you set, don't see it as a total failure. Just try improving the next morning.

The balance between "I'm a lazy procrastinator" and "always make a sale" mentality should be healthy. I've seen too many "productivity zombies" out there, so take the best out of what it really suits your personality. Changes should be internalized, not imposed by any "self improvement productivity" rule (I've been there).

I think Youtube videos are a good way of getting noticed as long as you have something to say or show, and I'm pretty sure you do. I personally don't do the social media game, so I can't comment on that.

The most important thing to my eyes is that you're keeping the ball rolling:

I like the live performance you did with push here. it is super tight, deep, dark and fun to listen to.
what about a pop/music academy for your career?

I was really grooving to just the drum pattern and that tempo shift and kick drum. Nice, entrancing minimalist work. Great tone in the drums. And then all the other layers came in. Got really interesting. Cool live jam. I don't have any specific career advice except don't be too hard on yourself. Typically your most productive time is first half of the day. Avoid distraction and bullshit tasks that rob you of your golden creative hours. You can only achieve one, maybe two meaningful tasks during this time so prioritize and attack something that is worthwhile and not playing into what someone else wants from you.  Avoid email and social media during this time.  We're all on different clocks so this stretch of creativity may be at a different time (6 am or 11 am) but it is usually after you wake up and before the bullshit of the day destroys everything.

Another thing not on your list but may be worth investigating is soundtrack work and licensing. With YouTube and Vimeo, there is a huge increases in independent film and short feature programming.  I am going to try and investigate that more this year and did a couple of scrappy projects last year.

Collaboration is great with like minded people that contribute positive ideas on the business side.  That does not always equate to band members.  Sometimes band mates are a tremendous drain on resources and patience. Finding a partner that can contribute energy and creativity is key but can be hard to find. I play with some musicians but have learned just to enjoy it and nothing more.

The label could be a relatively low risk opportunity if managing artists expectations and is a great way to network, expand your reach. If you have an interest in it, it's a productive endeavor. Distribution and promotion are key and that can be a very interesting challenge.

Not sure if any of this is helpful. Just stick to what you enjoy and don't play into someone else's business model.

Good, solid piece. No stress showing.

career biz... game audio / sound design / film biz / commercial tracks / loop and sample packs

but wedding dj is probably where it's at

solid drums. that kick really punches.

Great live session!!!
Sounds are awesome...
For my mood right now it's some BPM to fast. But i guess slightly drunk in a club i would be grinning,hopping and swetting on the dancefloor.
Your vids and your music is great!
Wish you the best for your business!

that synth is great. i'm really impressed this is a live performance! really nice collection of sounds sets a good mood. good luck with the business, that's a tough struggle, but i think if you keep at it your dedication will be recognized. i'd be happy to be a customer of your mixing/mastering services if/when you are offering them!

laguna wrote:

I feel you, man! Though my work is not creative at all, I've been balancing those same questions. I've somawaht succesfully managed to "turn my clock" earlier and is a positive change. My advice: take a step and if you fail to miss one deadline/get up at 5:30/whatever goals you set, don't see it as a total failure. Just try improving the next morning.

The balance between "I'm a lazy procrastinator" and "always make a sale" mentality should be healthy. I've seen too many "productivity zombies" out there, so take the best out of what it really suits your personality. Changes should be internalized, not imposed by any "self improvement productivity" rule (I've been there).

I think Youtube videos are a good way of getting noticed as long as you have something to say or show, and I'm pretty sure you do. I personally don't do the social media game, so I can't comment on that.

The most important thing to my eyes is that you're keeping the ball rolling:

laguna wrote:

I feel you, man! Though my work is not creative at all, I've been balancing those same questions. I've somawaht succesfully managed to "turn my clock" earlier and is a positive change. My advice: take a step and if you fail to miss one deadline/get up at 5:30/whatever goals you set, don't see it as a total failure. Just try improving the next morning.

The balance between "I'm a lazy procrastinator" and "always make a sale" mentality should be healthy. I've seen too many "productivity zombies" out there, so take the best out of what it really suits your personality. Changes should be internalized, not imposed by any "self improvement productivity" rule (I've been there).

I think Youtube videos are a good way of getting noticed as long as you have something to say or show, and I'm pretty sure you do. I personally don't do the social media game, so I can't comment on that.

The most important thing to my eyes is that you're keeping the ball rolling:

i think that gif & the advice to keep the ball rolling (without being so hard on yourself) is excellent!


Good luck with the music biz stuff. When you figure it out can you let me know what the secret is?!

Cool vibe coming off this track. Love the sounds.

Really cool rhythm the kick creates with the other percussive elements.  Especially enjoy the heavier parts with the machine gun kicks.  Nice work!

- Get "the right" band members
But dont loose You and your creativity!
The best way is....shit on the career
Do Your Own Thing smile DYOT
But if you make career I want to know, because I will buy every CD smile YES

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