I've done several less than stellar CDs. I want to be able to release something awesome, and I feel that I have really good songs this time around. I have a better sound and mix than I have ever had. However, I cannot for the life of me get the guitar leads done or find a vocalist that I need to go beyond the mediocre stuff I've done in the past. I'm tired of asking people for help and then not getting it. I'm tired of chasing this person or that and then just not getting emails back. I'm just tired. Period.

At this point, I'm ready just to wipe the hard drive on my Korg and sell the whole studio on Ebay piece by piece. I honestly just don't care anymore.

Dude, don't give up. You are years ahead of me. I have been trying to get one cd done since 1995 and I still do not have anything to show for it. It is all a learning process. I mean you had Scott "Freaking" Wenzel sing on one of your cds. I apologize to you for not following through with the solo you wanted me to do. I just realized I am not the greatest lead player and to be honest I really wasn't feeling the song. Just take some time off for a little while and regroup. If I ever get my Crucible Divine project going, I would really like you to play some bass on it.

I can sympathize, bro, but you keep getting better and better. So you're not the next Rob Rock, so what? You are writing good song and making good music to glorify the Lord.

That's really all you need to focus on. Keep after it, He's worth it.

I hate eBay.

If music is something in your soul, you'll just end up getting all that equipment right back. Save yourself the time and money and don't quit. A few of the things you are really going to have to ask yourself are 1. What do you want? and 2) What are you willing to do to make it happen? You are really going to have to do some hardcore netwoking. Meet people! Sometimes finding the right people to work with (and, hence, achieve your goals) means moving. It's a risk, but educated risk-taking can have huge payoffs. I recently suggested to someone that they do the same thing I am doing here in SA:

1. Post on Craigslist (musicians) as often as is allowed!
2. Make flyers and post them everywhere you can!
3. Get on a site like Bandmix (leave your email in the profile)
4. Get on multiple forums!
5. Find people on myspace!

I've been trying so hard here in San Antonio to meet people, and just a few days ago decided to make it easier not only for myself, but others as well. I opened a myspace account specifically to help Power Metal Musicians from the U.S. to network (www.myspace.com/uspowermetalmusicians). It's not much, but it's something! I understand being tired, and I especially understand getting depressed about not having the things I want/need, but outlook and persistence are crucial to success. However trite this may sound, NEVER GIVE UP!

~ saki

I think I can speak with some authority on this subject as I have heard (and even played on) some of these songs.

It would be an extreme disservice to the fans you've already gained. You do have some very good material here, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

Even if you decide to make this your last project, I would strongly encourage you not to abandon this one. I really think in the end, you'll be glad you did.


Also, if you're really at the end of your rope on vocalists, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot. I don't sing often because I'm a little shy about my voice, but I CAN stay on pitch. I've always sort of had a secret desire to be a rock singer, but I've never really had a chance to "go all out". Anyway, worst case scenario is that you tell me it sucks and don't use it.

Also if you're interested and willing to wait a while, I might be able to convince my band's singer to lay down a couple tracks. No promises though.

What style of metal is it?!?

I have to tell you, I did give up, and at 30. I figured no oner reall wanted to hear my style of music anymore.
But
I have learned a few things
1. Music never ever quits you, you can try and quit music, but once you start, it's pretty much in you for life.
2. There are always people who will not like your music. I have had people tell me " please do the world a favor and stop making music". I have also had people say I was awesome. I figure I'm ok, and now I do music for the joy it brings me

so don't give up, keep it up, and enjoy every bit of it, including the rough patches

http://www.myspace.com/vikariamusic

I am now in a band, and playing live again, go figure

Chris

Never give up. God doesn't like quitters.

So it's been a little while, Alldat. You're not giving up, right?