Quote
My point is simple........lyricists should learn more about music theory and the ability to play an instrument would help.
Sadly most do not have the time, dedication or drive to learn.


Where do you get this from Jim? What, lyric writers are lazy? stupid? Don't have time? Like musicians do? How many musicians do you know? How many Lyricists?
Musicians are a dime a dozen in Nashville whether you want to believe it or not. So are Studios. Everyone has one in their basement, garage, hobby room, whatever. There is recording equipment sitting and gathering dust in every corner of Nashville.
Musicians here pay to play. Why? because every venue in town has musicians lined up outside their door trying to get a spot.

Most lyricists also play some instrument. That we have a few dozen here that do not does not mean every lyric writer does not. And with a few exceptions nearly every lyric writer on JPF plays some instrument.

The reason musicians don't get paid as much as plumbers is because there are a heck of a lot more musicians than there are plumbers. I don't know about where you live but here a Plumber spends about 5 years learning his trade under a master plumber and then must be licensed to practice his trade.
Anyone can be a musician. No license, no school, no apprenticeship under a master musician for 5 years.
Practice, get good, and you are a musician.
I know 15 year old kids that can play an instrument well enough to be considered professional. I don't know too many 15 year old plumbers, or lyric writer for that matter.

I go to writers nights and places like Doaks. Their are dozens of great guitar players there singing the lyrics they wrote.
Most of the time I wish they would just play the music and keep their mouth shut because the lyrics suck.
When publishers listen to 50 to 100 songs on Thursday night at NSAI they are not listening for great music. They are listening for great lyrics. They rarely hear any because great, fresh, unique lyrics are very hard to write..
The Music, played by musicians, is usually very good. Why?

Most lyrics are weak because writing a truly good lyric is very hard to do IMHO.

This does not mean I don't respect and appreciate great musicians. I do. I find it fascinating to watch a truly gifted guitar player play. I do appreciate how much dedication and work it takes to learn an instrument. It is hard work, takes great patience and persistence, and TALENT. I envy those folks because I know I will never be that good.

Last edited by Bill Robinson; 10/04/10 02:59 PM.
Bill
http://www.soundclick.com/billrobinson
http://www.dreamqueststudio.com
Skype; bill.robinson12

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." --Thomas Jefferson didn't say it

http://voidnow.org/
http://www.americansworking.com/