3 Tips To Eliminate Overwhelm As a DIY Musician - RecordingRevolution.com

[@recordingrevolution]

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[@DBCisco]

What is a DIY musician ?

[@rolandlemus203]

@@DBCisco do it yourself = DIY

[@theresadimarco764]

I loved the blocking idea because it allows you to really focus on one activity at a time to sculp out in detail the sound you want. Thank you.

[@troeteimarsch]

personally what holds me back when writing is that at a certain point things start to sound familiar and I instantly have that feeling of copycating or that I'm hyping bullcrap with that four bass notes and that simple melody. That's when I drop the idea - I know it's silly because 1) no one knows all the songs so there will always be people for whom it is new 2) even if it is in the same ballpark what keeps me from varying it? Do you have an advice?

[@grandpadocmiddleton176]

@@troeteimarsch might try switching from the music to the lyrics. Perhaps the lyrics will force the music a bit in another direction, away from what is feeling repetitive.

[@validcore]

I'm getting back into it now after my accident. Good advice on letting someone else mix. Great to hear you're starting the day right in the Word & prayer!

[@greggibson6485]

Literally needed to hear this TODAY

[@jackmary720]

Same

[@richardsteffens6159]

YOU GOT THIS BRO

[@OkayKeith]

Tip 3 resonated with me the most because about 2 weeks ago I got so frustrated from wanting to write, find beats, melodies, mixing and I just felt like a failure. I burnt out an said screw this and took a break to get my mind right. Now i'm slowly starting to get back into it but following your advice of doing one thing at a time. So now i'm just focusing on writing before I move to recording then to mixing.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Way back in the days before social media I used to work things in seasons. January was songwriting and vocals month. February was vocals and mixing month. March was touring and promotion month. April was the mastering and first vinyl pressing month. May was release month. These releases would run up until August when aside from touring I would also do songwriting and vocals. September was mixing, mastering touring and promotion. October was vinyl pressing release month. I learned to work the seasons from the successful independent label that I used to work for so I took those lessons into running my own fledgling record label 26 years ago. Although technology and the process has changed the principles of working the seasons is still the same. Thank you for reminding me of that as there are a lot more distractions nowadays

[@FredGuggenberger]

Dear Graham. Watching this video really spoke out, what I am suffering from. I am writing songs, playing all the instruments, do the mixing, cover design, promotion ... creating music in several genres. Writing for sync .... doing co-writing, producing other artists ... playing live shows ... and trying to get better in all of it all the time. I never realized, how much this burns me out. Or better: How it burns me out, to do it all at the same time! So I am going from very productive phases to phases, where I feel like I can not even move on finger, because I run so out of power. I guess, structuring my time will help so much, and also not doing EVERYTHING by myself. Also, I realized, that my vocal recordings are so much better, when I don´t do them on my own. Pressing record, running to the microphone .... singing .. running back to the DAW, to hit "Stop". Listen to it. Press record again ... running to the microphone ... and back and forth .... The few moments, I recorded my vocals in another studio went sooo much better. I should do this more often. So easy to see, but sometimes you need someone to tell you what´s going wrong, because for some reasons, you can´t see the problem, that is standing in front of you. Strange, right? I really, REALLY want to thank you!! All my best wishes to you and the ones you love!

[@sirchrisrenyoc897]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for always putting out the videos that keep me on track. You're the best, Graham!

[@adamivy]

Great video brother!

[@GilPolkMusic]

All 3 tips resonate, but Tip #3 hits me the hardest. One realized goal feeds the rest! Thanks for the reminder Graham!

[@ThomasPenninger]

I can definitely feel that. I'm writing, producing, recording, performing all of my songs, making YT content too and it's incredibly demanding. And I make acoustic music. MAD Props to all of you guys doing fancy 100 track productions, I honestly couldn't imagine me doing that.

[@GeorgeFrantzis]

Great tips man! Pure gold for our mental health and creativity.

[@ahtune]

Was this specifically for me?? LOL It sure felt like it. I am doing the full time job vs music balance routine. Getting a KZbin Video out every week and a new song with music video every month has been a challenge already. Thanks for the encouragement brother. I really appreciate it.

[@repomanband]

There is a lot of truth here. I think breaking up the work is important. I'm fortunate enough to have some great musicians/producers/writers to work with. If I did it all myself, as I am prone to doing, it would be a terrible mess and I wouldn't have any creative juice left. Another thing sharing the load does is offer a sounding board and a support group, which helps when the overwhelming odds against musical success drain our motivation.

[@MatildaGracia]

That was really helpful! I was in a bit of a funk and feeling really blocked to take the next steps recording my music but now after this video I feel motivated to focus on just that one task. Thank you !!!

[@bloozman5]

'Block your time' resonated with me. Thank you

[@RaphaAguirra]

Great video, Graham! Thank you for sharing it! Greetings from Brazil / Sao Paulo

[@Kenkerr100]

All valuable info, and I would add, always note your strengths and what your energy does when recording vocals, or writing or whatever. If you let your strengths take the lead and then let the other aspects of your approach work in support of whatever it is in your process that really strokes your muse, the things that you keep in house and the things to job out become much easier to sort out. JMHO

[@waterfallstudios5746]

Some really great tips, I can fall foul of having many things happening at one time, and never completing anything so have some songs written, some scratched out in my DAW and some nearly completed waiting final mix, so easy to get overwhelmed, so my focus will be finish mixing my track Speechless, get it mastered and then create vid and upload on my channel, I am fortunate that I do have people that can help I should make use of the talented people around me. Thanks Graham for giving me things to refocus my mind

[@RealHomeRecording]

Great advice, Graham.

[@theericbeaty]

I like the Phases tip. I learned something similar to this from Michael Hyatt years ago. Focus is also one of my favorite topics. One of the best books on this topic is The Power of Focus by Les Hewitt. highly recommended. I'm much better at delegating, but sometimes I still get caught up in the process of doing many things myself I could get others to do instead.

[@GregThorneKTM500NB]

Appreciate your pep talks and encouragement Graham. The winter blahs are finally creeping away and really needed to hear this today. Great advise!

[@darrylaevans]

Graham you're still coming up with original content and I'm very impressed. Congrats and thanks (VIP).

[@1987Devo100]

Hi Graham, thanks for the tips. The sad part about me is that I have many musician friends but find it easier to perform on my own. However, you’ve convinced me it wouldn’t hurt to bring them in on what they do a whole lot better than me, bass drums, etc. I always appreciate your wisdom and this old guy listens! Some of the time...

[@playmode3976]

You are a life saver I really needed to hear this just been burning out a lot Lately

[@TimE_5150]

Oh I am overwhelmed. This is what I needed! Thanks Graham. You Rock!

[@kaitlin_maria]

i really needed this today, thank you

[@JEtienneMusic]

Thank you Graham! You have been helping independent musicians for years and you're appreciated sir! 🔥

[@BetweenNowAndForeverOfficial]

Great video! We needed this.

[@chrisspearman2039]

#2 and #3 hit home the most. Really needed to hear this. It’s simple wisdom. Now to employ it. 🙏🏽

[@matthodsonmusic8256]

Cheers for this man🔥🙏🏼

[@gyberic]

I'm one of the DIY people who wakes up at 5am to write/record guitars/bass and program drums because I have a full-time job and a family. Thanks for the tips--I'm also one of the people who's been binging Netflix in the evening lately instead of working on my music. It does get to be a bit much sometimes, but the results are worth it if I can push through

[@musicacomida3666]

Seguro implementare el primer tip. Genial video en un momento justo

[@israelsoffspring]

Thanks I appreciate what you said. I can relate with all of it. I think I might spend some time trying to stream a song and maybe performing a little for a while.

[@qfella]

Church for musicians. Awesome sermon. Thank you. *-----Q-----*

[@samadasun]

Thank you for this. Thank you

[@luisfelipehernandez7920]

Thank you for sharing this tips Graham! I love your content. Greetings from Colombia.

[@CrystalDennisMusic]

I got majorly overwhelmed last year and just took like four months and didn't make music and it was majorly frustrating because I wanted to make way more music than I did last year so this totally resonates with me. Focusing is my big take away, because while I feel like I do it, I need to hone in on focusing and make sure I'm doing it so I don't get burnt out like I did last year. On a side note, I'd love to see you make a video about how to advertise to a point where you could get 10000 streams, because advertising streaming is something I struggle with. All I really do is link on my social media and after that step, I'm lost as to how to go further lol.

[@yalilflores5565]

Amazing tips man definitely have to implement them. A good tip for anyone treat this wisdom like gold 👌

[@RickyMontijo]

Excellent subject matter.... I feel this HARD somedays!

[@MrBass89]

Wow bro thank you!!

[@terrytrudell3526]

Thanks Graham, needed to hear this.

[@RS-ql9xd]

realy needed to hear this! thanks you a pure angel mr

[@stringsnare]

developing further, i think there's some books like the war of art of awakening the giant within that can help.

[@joelevo]

I'll also add sometimes, you can't help when inspiration strikes. Always be writing and honing your craft.

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Outstanding ... helpful and realistic :)

[@jerome.angelachandler6501]

This is great advice bro!

[@BlackGoldSoul]

These 3 tips are overwhelming and I can't do all of these tips.. oh well time to go eat some pizza lol lol nah seriously great video and advice. I had to learn this the hard why which is why there is so a huge gap in between my music uploads. So i broke everything down into sections and taking it one day at a time!

[@dafingaz]

Blocking is key!

[@RutherfordProject]

The 2nd tip really like me, I want to do everething in a short period of tieme and I can't concentrate on the little thing.

[@ShaheedShabazz]

Yup, I'm up at 3:30am every morning so I can get a few hours in before work.

[@natta8275]

respect!

[@Beatledave7]

Haha great title!

[@Admojazz]

Dude, thank you for this. You have described me to a T. Appreciate the encouragement.

[@LuciensMusic]

Man I can relate to this! Working 40 hrs,wife and a 10 year old and still trying to wear every hat,lol. I figured just focus on songwriting first : )

[@itsjoshuamusic]

I 100% agree with feeling overwhelmed and working in teams and collaborating but most of the team those people you collaborate with are getting paid for their time with you BY you and honestly I just can''t afford that. Anyway around it you reckon?

[@itsjoshuamusic]

Aw man my church did a 21 day season of fasting and I did social media and man! The amount of songs I wrote, and GOOD songs, damn!

[@asksocial7281]

My name is Graham too and I can tell u have Scottish roots

[@donovanhowardmusic]

Yep, writing recording, mixing, releasing, promoting, booking shows, playing shows, travel gig, design merchandise, design art work. Plus work a day job. I’m as low budget as you can get. It’s the only way I can see a profit. I hate it but it is what is. Thanks Graham but it’s way easier said than done. Check it out at www.donovanhowardmusic.com

[@fauni7214]

What is this title though

[@CdS-Music]

1 thing at a time kills axiety. This one is for life in general.

[@arttheboy]

Meanwhile i be recording/releasing a song a week.... maybe made a mistake....oh well

[@ServingMyJesus]

Mr Cochrane, I believe that my love of music comes from Jesus. I have no one around me with such passion. If your vlog is for me, please pray that Jesus will send others with a similar passion so that I do not have to do everything myself. Thank you and may Jesus continue to bless you.

[@danball4410]

My Brother, I'm alone with my music too. But we're not alone. He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

[@sunnibird]

5am is too early for reading mythology.

[@abc456f]

So agree. Wasted time on fairy tales.

[@gmailsconm7233]

@@abc456f amen

[@manta5890]

everything is true but then there's Virtual riot who creates songs like it's nothing in like 1 Hour a song.....

[@Homelessman45678]

The whole tips are just like don’t be a DIY musician

[@bluzedogg]

I quit reading my Bible and praying and I want all my money back.

[@rustywp]

I see that you're attempting to change the English language and make the VERB "Overwhelm" into a NOUN. Stick to music. The English language is already screwed up enough!

[@InfinityTone]

I'd add one more Graham, one you've mentioned multiple times in the past: done is better than perfect. Do NOT spend months tweaking every single project. Most of the time, it's not worth it. I even have a very concrete example - recently I've released two songs - one was a track that I've literally spent weeks on, and one project was completed in three days. The latter had a much better reception :)

[@Kenkerr100]

Unless you're writing a lyric. 😉

[@InfinityTone]

@@Kenkerr100 I think it applies to everything, the only thing that differs is what is "good enough" :)

[@Kenkerr100]

@@InfinityTone point taken. Red Lane used to say, "wanna work on that word"?

[@jeddinky]

Well said!

[@ToneDead666]

Amen brother. ✌🏼

[@abc456f]

I'm just overwhelmed by learning my DAW. I get hung up on figuring things out instead of making music. Totally kills the creative process.

[@brianwallington9744]

Yes thanks for this comment ,so now I know I am not alone ..-)

[@abc456f]

@@brianwallington9744 You're not alone man. I gave up a few years ago and now I'm trying again. Trying to learn just a little bit day by day. But it seems every time I come up with an answer, it leads to more questions. I wish I knew someone who really knew this stuff that could sit with me for a few hours. I feel I'd learn more in those hours than it will take me weeks or months to figure out on my own. I'm using Cakewalk by Bandlab. I was using Sonar X3 studio so I have a familiarity with it but damn, it's so complex. I'm searching youtube, googling, I have a 1300 page book on Sonar, posting questions on the Cakewalk forum. I'm making progress but it's a slow drag. It's so frustrating when I watch a tutorial, follow it step by step, but then I'm not seeing what the tutorial is showing. I may not be the smartest person but I'm certainly not stupid, but sometimes I feel that way. I did find a company that does one on one training by connecting to my computer, but I haven't seen what they charge. I'm currently trying to figure out drum recording. I'm a keyboard player but enjoy playing on an electronic drum kit. So I'm working on using my drum kit to trigger vst drums. The whole drum mapping thing is a beast in itself. And I'm still getting aggravated doing simple navigation tasks. What software are you using? Maybe we could help each other. I might know something you don't and vice versa. Let me know and I wish you all the best, good luck!

[@brianwallington9744]

mr. jinks hi there I have tried Cakewalk ..couldn’t even download it properly:-) then tried studio-onetrial verssion from presonus ,there are hundreds of helpful vids on the net..but .. somehow they either don’t show what I need to know or what they do on the screen has nothing to do with what is on my screen.also trial version from cubasis LE ..same thing happens with this too. lately been trying to do more with garageband on my i pad with the help of Pete Johns ,really good tutorials, decided just to work with this for a while,even if it is limited in some ways.I then hope that what I learn with garageband will then later help me use other daws. But we can only hang in there and not forget that we are doing this for fun 🤔🥴

[@abc456f]

@@brianwallington9744 Yeah...fun. Lol. 🤣

[@abc456f]

@Batphink Reynolds Cakewalk by Bandlab. Coming from Sonar X3 studio. I'm making progress, I figure out things many times sheerly by accident.

[@officialWWM]

I spend most of my life feeling overwhelmed :/

[@IndraBahiaMusic]

Secret Tipp before all other tipps: Read the Bible :) Nice one. I liked that.

[@NathanSpeir]

I think this is great advice. The DIY scene IS OVERWHELMING. Focusing one goal at a time, not trying to do everything at once...it just makes sense. Thirty years ago, just learning to play one song on piano was a great goal for a month. I never imagined then that there would be the ability for us to do so much with new technologies...and the major distractions and misconceptions that come with them.

[@DopamineOverload]

Thanks, Graham. It's often easier said than done. But we try. We try.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Word of the day - ‘Swip-Swop’. love it. Great tips.

[@MrSamfonseca]

Looks like Graham tips are always on point.

[@TheBrianMertz]

This is something I’ve been struggling with a lot lately actually lol, thanks for this

[@Ndumixo]

I'm a rapper and I'm ready to drop a verse to anybody who wants to collab :D Hit me up.

[@JankoFrancisty]

Damn ! You are so right !! Thank you very much for this man !! Really !! Thank you ! ✌️

[@MahoneyMelissa]

thanks so much!! feeling much better now! Motivation is back on!

[@pgdrk]

Hi Graham. Great video as always, I can relate on all three tips. I have a question tho. I'm a singer-songwriter, I'm in a band in which i write 90 % of the material. I do synth, write guitars-bass-drums, so I can think myself as a recording artist (I absolutely love audio production and sound design). This year I've started working on a full time job as an Architect. Do you have some advice on belancing this 8:30 - 18:00 job alongside the production/recording/songwriting? I already compertalize a lot of stuff, but I feel I could do more and more efficiently. I like to think that one day I'll go full time, but for now I don't make a penny with music. Thank you man, amazing stuff as always.

[@Fezzler61]

Excellent advice. I dove into all this as a hobby. Ramped up quickly with some help. Got good results, as a hobbyist. But to get to the next level, I can't agree with this advice more.

[@TrippyWheelz]

My problem is trying to slow myself down. I get my mind running so much that I have a hard time writing because I start writing one part OG rhythm guitar and then think, oh, I wonder what this would sound like on lead? I start bouncing all over the place until I burn myself out and don’t have anything more than clips of song ideas 😂 or I’ll start something and then think it sucks 15 mins later.

[@rascal]

Always ON leads to burnout. A great revelation. Maybe moderation IS key.

[@remshawmusiek7565]

Focus... Thank you, very helpful motivation

[@youlittlesaget]

If you’re bad at programming drums, you could just find some drum loops on Splice that you like.

[@TK-ne2yo]

Really great video that I needed to hear. Delegating work to others can be a great way to alleviate stress and allow you to focus on what you're good at. Thanks for the reminder!

[@autumnrose9077]

Man, I resignate with the whole video. You are in inspiration and so helpful. I love how you understand how we're all feeling and you want to help. Can't find this anywhere else for real

[@taragozay]

I so needed this video! Thank you!

[@BDodds-mi2um]

The one I hated was the stick with one or two socials. I really don’t know which one to cut

[@Champ593]

love your content bro

[@brynefallmusic]

This one really resonated with me at this point in my life, great stuff!

[@remshawmusiek7565]

Always inspiring. THANKS

[@stringsnare]

man, i really needed to hear this, thanks.

[@queenvi5661]

Thanks for advises

[@NikkiWiley]

I am super over whelmed right now. So much so that I just stopped everything 😩😩😩 help!!!!

[@AllanGildea]

Hi Nikki, maybe stopping was the best thing you could do when super overwhelmed. Rest and refresh and maybe when you are feeling more energised you can factor in Graham's suggestions and start moving towards your goals once more. Hey, even God rested on the seventh day!

[@danielsntg]

Sometimes, in order to gain perspective on a project, it is necessary to take a break and forget about it for a couple of days. Come back when you are feeling refreshed. There’s no right or wrong, but you’ll have better results when you are fresh and feeling better. Good luck👍

[@jackduncan1802]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 0:55 💜 👇💞

[@islandonlinenews]

When I get over whelmed I just shut everything down for a few days and pick up the acoustic guitar. This usually helps me get back to the basics and creativity of just writing a new song.

[@flaq2087]

Needed this 💯good vid man!

[@gershwinjcanham]

Thanks Graham 👍

[@drmedwuast]

why do you seem so angry lol

[@danielsntg]

Awesome message, especially since a lot of us musicians are trying to everything on our own nowadays. Also, love the tracks you did with Ill Factor! Your vocals are strong in every mix, and the music has great energy! The Good Life EP is awesome 👌

[@arnlmndza]

3 hits :)