Writing other people's music

[Jolly McJollyson]

Yeah, I just got through writing a solo to a song for my friend's band (not very talented at what they play, but they sound pretty good regardless), I was wondering what you guys thought of writing music for other people. I mean, it's gonna be pretty weird hearing someone play an intro, solo, and ending I wrote.

[Azrael]

hmm - why? alot of composers have their stuff played by someone else. just look at orchestras.

[SLY]

Just do it ... In case they got famous , you can sue them and get famous too ! ;)

[iiholly]

I think its cool to hear people sing or play music I've written. Its interesting to see some of the differences between they way they ended up playing compared to the way I actually play the song.

[iamthe_eggman]

Wow, holly, didn't you just pick up the guitar recently? That's cool that you're writing music for other people already. I find it very difficult to write full songs; mainly I do riffs or interesting chord progressions, and my bassist arranges it and writes lyrics.

Unless, of course, you were speaking hypothetically.

[iiholly]

No I've been playing guitar for a good while. I have written a song for one of my friend's band (, and also me and my friend have been interchanging songs since I started playing a few years back.

[Gainer]

I just have to say that it is cool to write songs for others. I mean, if I write a song that I don't think that my band or that I would really like, I show it to other bands. And I go to their shows to make sure they give credit to a "local musician".

[noticingthemistake]

I'm gonna have to go against the popular responce here. I don't like it when I write a tune and someone else plays it. It always turns out hash to me and miss intrepreted. I have to write it in music perfectly, or actually sit down and play it for them, or make a tape to get some satisfaction from it. It's not egoism or being self-centered, there's just a way I want it and it must be that way or it's wrong. 'lol' If I give a tune away, it's usually a tune I have lost attachment for I don't look forward to hear what has become of it. I'm sure not everyone shares my ill-favored feeling of the subject. I envy those who can write for others and be satisfied.

[Slow Diver]

What if they are paying a lot of money? Would you still care if your stuff is misinterpreted? I personally wouldn't.

[noticingthemistake]

Heh... I will have to get back to you once someone decides on paying a lot of money for my music. :) 'dreams'

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

You can make lots of money writing top 40 stuff for bands.If your consistant in writing catchy stuff,I'm sure you could get a contract with a record company...just have your berklee degree ready.

I'm not a glory hog,but if I wrote some awsome riff,intro,solo or lyrics then I would want to play it too.I wouldn't take much pride in playing a friends solo or somthing,especially if they were apart from the band.

I'm the 'workhorse' of my band.I write the tune and lyrics,arrange them and direct them almost entirley myself.You would think that I like having complete control over the direction of every aspect of the music,but good constuctive help would be great.Its tough coming up with consistantly great catchy,but hardcore'ish songs...I need to write like 6 to 10 more songs by january(when were going to the studio)...talk about pressure.I dont write filler either.Every song must be a potential hit,but that is my idea,not the bands.Ive never been in such deep thought about making music all the time before,so it will prove to be a great experience.I even designed the band logo.At least the band agreed that I will 'own' the songs,band name,logo,lyrics e.c.t.
I'm rambling on...

Later! \m/