Sometimes I’m really insecure about my songs
It’s true. Sometimes I’ll love a song when i start working on it. But by the time it’s written and recorded, it just doesn’t move me and I can’t figure out why. Usually I’ll just move on to another song. Then I can come back to that song months later and just love it again. I think stepping away from it is what helps clear my perspective. But, literally, it can take months sometimes.
That’s the case with this song I did for New York artist B. Michael L. I wrote the lyrics and produced the track. B came in and dropped the vocals like it was easy. He was really good in the studio. But when it done I felt like… eh… it’s okay. He just recently sent me an updated version of the song and I love it.
That’s the weirdest thing to me and it happens all the time!
Take a listen for yourself.
Tags: B. Michael L., insecurity
This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 12:39 am and is filed under Songs I wrote for other artists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 10th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
don’t you think that’s pretty common? i know that i’ve worked on demos that i was really inspired in the beginning but for whatever reason, they just didn’t work out. Even when I come back to it, I can’t make it work. To make it work means writing an entirely new song! Sometimes what you hear in your head just doesn’t translate in concrete form.
Also, we discussed “hit making” and the science/mastery of creating radio hits in the Ne-Yo thread. It’s true, there is a big difference between writing for yourself and writing for someone else. I suspect that one never really puts as much into the song for someone else than when the artist writes material for him/herself. Maybe that explains the uncertainty and insecurity with it?
October 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Yeah, trust me, my “scrap heap” (songs which will never make this blog) is huge. In most cases though, I consider them failures in that I didn’t have the technical knowledge to create what I heard in my head.
So theoretically, as my skill increases, my “scrap heap” will get smaller.
October 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Excellent tune. Turned out great!
June 5th, 2010 at 12:16 am
I got great news for you Eric and those whom are reading! I just did an even more updated, 2010 version of “DJ” written by my homey here! This time, it’s a hot euro- dance version produced by Humane Kondition based in London. It will be released on my forthcoming dance EP, and it is a BLAZING stand-out! Eric, you did a fantastic job with this song, because it has become an unexpected staple for my live shows (that you really need to come check out, you know I’ll give you props). Your skills are impeccable. It was your first arrangement and my take on it that drew the song so much attention, and your name is well-known in my circles. A live version (recorded at one of the actual shows) is available on B Michael L Live at The Underscore Pt. 2 at http://www.Amazon.com. The new house mix will blow you all away! Believe that! Until, may all be blessed!