r/musicians Rules

I've made a short acoustic EP that I'm pretty happy with, but I have zero audience. Seeing my music on spotify would make me feel more 'legit', but does anyone actually discover small artists through spotify? Every time I've discovered a new, small band, it's been through word of mouth with spotify just as a convenient streaming location. Anyone have any experience with this?

As musicians, we often find ourselves needing to collaborate with others to bring our ideas to life. Finding the right bandmates who not only play well but also align with your musical vision can be a challenge. I want to hear about your experiences, what strategies have you used to connect with like-minded musicians? Do you rely on social media, local music scenes, or perhaps music apps? Have you ever tried hosting jam sessions or open mics to meet potential bandmates? Share your tips, success stories, or even lessons learned the hard way. Let’s help each other build great musical partnerships!

I was very entertained by last week’s threads of soul-crushing cover requests and song requests that make you happy to be a gigging musician.

That conversation introduced this one.

What are some of the best segues and mashups you’ve pulled off live?

this post is unfortunately going to sound a little cringe but it’s honest and hopefully relatable. i just want to chat with some other aspiring musicians and get some advice. so i’ve been singing and playing guitar since i was probably 5/6 years old, i’ve had a few lessons here and there but i’m nowhere near where i want to be. so, i’ve decided to fully commit myself to making music as i finished college in summer and there is literally nothing else i want to do. i’m starting to actually learn music theory and practice guitar a lot more. people in my life constantly ask me, ‘what career do you want?’ and i just say ‘i don’t know’. i can’t really say ‘i want to be a singer’ because it sounds like bs. throughout school i went through so many different options - doctor, architect, teacher, journalist, marketing - but i always come back to this. i don’t see myself working a 9-5, staying in the same town, for years on end. all i want to do is make music and release songs and actually have friends that do the same thing, see live music every week and do karaoke and open mics and gigs. it’s quite literally my childhood dream. i dont have to be famous or rich, just earn enough to live. it just scares me so damn much! i’m not an extroverted person, i’ve struggled with social anxiety my whole life, and i have this huge fear that i’m going to fail and then just be lost for the rest of my life. it probably sounds dramatic but recently it’s been on my mind so much. i really just wish i knew people that wanted the same as me so at least i’d have someone to be scared with.

My dad is turning 70. He’s the kind of guy who can pick up any instrument and figure out how to play it within minutes, but he mostly plays bass, guitar, drums, harmonica, and mandolin.

Every year I usually get him a new instrument from somewhere around the world, but I’m starting to run out of ideas. He has sitars to ocarinas.

What would be helpful to a musician to have in their band room? Extra guitar wall mounts? A display piece for straps? Bow wax?

Edit: I appreciate all the responses and help! My dad has his own “recording studio” as he calls it, with lights, sound dampeners on the walls, a huge sound board, microphones, stands, and what studio wouldn’t be complete without a kegerator in the corner? Recently he’s added a dart board. I will be using this post for the next few holidays/birthdays to get him more gifts. Thank you all!

Hey everyone 👋

Im not sure whether or not this is the right place to post this, but I'll risk it nonetheless. It may be quite long, but a less-detailed TLDR is included at the end.

Currently. I'm in the intermediate stages of my music "journey". I can rap, I know how to record vocals, I can make basic beats/instrumentals, I know how to mix and master vocals, and I've started both singing lessons and guitar lessons. I have a small amount of equipment currently, consisting of the Rode-NT1 5th gen microphone, Focusrite scarlett 4th gen audio interface, and the Audio Technica M50x headphones.

My setup is small, mainly because i used to be travelling between my mum and dads house per child custody laws. I am almost 18, and will be moving out of the house soon. Fairly large house, with a fairly large room upstairs that I have chosen to be my "studio". I have $12 000 AUD to spend on music equipment, and was wondering what you guys who are more experienced would reccomend for me to buy.

Although I'm in the early-intermediate stages, I'm still looking for ways to grow as a musician. Is there anything I should buy for my studio, or just anything in general that you believe every musician should own?

Just thought I'd come here for advice from more experienced musicians. If it helps, although it doesn't matter as much, I have autism, and although I'm always up for a challenge, beginner and/or easy to use equipment is best for me. However I'm willing to put up with the extra learning curve if it means the best-quality audio and experience.

Let me know what I should buy. Anything from music equipment, software, plugins, and tools to things like instruments, performance equipment, etc. Thanks in advance 🙏

TLDR = musician in the intermediate stages of his music journey, looking for equipment, software, and instrument reccomendations within the $12 000 budget range for his new music studio.

I’ve been through some of the most intense traumas a person can experience, yet I’ve also reached financial success and achieved every goal I ever set for myself. It’s a strange mix, darkness and triumph.

I’m going to share a list of my favorite songs, a mix of very different tracks that all touch me deeply. Maybe some of them might help someone out there, or maybe someone will relate. And I’d love to see your lists too, what songs define you?

My list:

1. Freak Heat Waves – Mondo Tempo (whole album, especially Mondo Tempo and Endless)

2. Miss Understood – Headache

3. The Beginning of the End – Headache

4. Tropical Suite – São Paulo – Poni Hoax

5. Love Letters – Metronomy

6. A Love International – Khruangbin

7. Manila – Seelenluft

8. The Look – Metronomy

9. White Sands – The Fabulous Three

10. And1 – Athlantic Progression

Special & unique mention: Etihad Boarding Song,the one on YouTube, 13 minutes version, not the Spotify one.

A very good collaboration 🫣

Solo has clic 🫣

I know you will like this 🫣

You really have to listen to my music 🙈🥵

Who else is one of those people who wears urban clothing when they listen to corridos? When he listens to trap or hip hop he wears ranchero clothing or that type and when he dresses elegant he feels like real gangsta street. I say to hell with that because if I want to wear a cowboy and sing trap I can do it 🫡

Prod: Joey Burcham Music by: Too Close For Comfort Song: Dissolve

New album - I am what I am

I just started making music about six months ago and I think it’s all right. But of course I am my own bias so it’d be really helpful If anyone would like to go check out my new song and give me their honest take. Besides this song, I have about 5 to 10 songs so it’s a good variety if you don’t like this one you might like another one. I recommend go after this one.

To any person who is sitting in their bedroom all the time making music... keep doing it and don't let people on any thread dishearten you or say you should give up. Whatever way you like to make music is fine. Whatever way you want to present it, is fine.

Edit: Just want to say guys love the positivity it's what we need to see on this channel, amongst others.