How To Discover Your Sound As An Artist - RecordingRevolution.com

[@solarnewborn]

I've noticed some people I know that make music are terrified of even unintentionally "copying" some band they like. Ironically, these same people make some of the most bland, generic, uninspired or just poorly executed music I know of in my local scene. Don't be stupid - BE influenced, KNOW your (micro)nieche, OWN it. The uniqueness comes naturally.

[@HIBYROSE]

Miki Vukovic I got motivated by those words...Thank you ☺

[@solarnewborn]

Arunava Sadhukhan Means a lot to me, actually. Thanks for sharing :D

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

I disagree. If I make something which sounds like someone else, I scrap it, and move on.

[@septianymarbun4227]

Well done

[@WitchIsAnOtaku]

so i can be influenced by Billie Eilish’s music?

[@mikemaysmusic5519]

songwriting is an adventure of the deepest kind

[@azazaelmaher6468]

That's inspiring. Thanks.

[@robertm2000]

I will go with that! I write songs, and I like that a LOT more than just performing! I enjoy performing with and backing up other performers, but I cannot front a performance to save my life.

[@mikemaysmusic5519]

@@robertm2000 I front a band that plays my originals. Your mileage may vary whether you think I'm a good singer/frontman lol I enjoy both parts very much. Like you, I enjoy the creation of the song more than the playing of the song in front of a crowd. There's something about playing with the lyrics and sonic landscape to make the song exciting and different. What can I do in the next four to four and half minutes to take you on a trip with me? And can I make it interesting enough to keep you on this trip with me? I've written and recorded some songs that are super solid and can look back and say man... I'm proud of that!!!

[@robertm2000]

@@mikemaysmusic5519 I hope you get a REALLY good recording contract!!

[@arey4054]

What I love about songwriting is the battle between the songs you have to fight to write and the songs that come out quick and easy, because it’s so refreshing when a song flows and you know you’re on the right track.

[@michaelmerritt9657]

Get out my head 😭. But idk if I love it. The songs that just flow tend to come when the music is right. But my deeper ideas come more sporadically

[@Sunchild333]

I've struggled with writing music for 15 years now. Suddenly after all this time a big breakthrough happened when I realized, all I had to do is keep recording anything I can think of. Those songs that I could naturally finish, ended up as having my sound to them. It's simply because most of us artists have a limited field in which we can create. You find your field, you've found your sound. Another thing is not caring if you're making a hit or not. If you write a thousand songs one of them will eventually make it, right?

[@michealperry23]

Thank you bro

[@ZapCrackRap]

Thank you I just realized that

[@steverosbotham6403]

Oh typical. Just as I put the finishing touches to my smashing cardboard boxes LP......

[@bluejay2957]

steve rosbotham her crushing dreams out here, I thought I was making something special cdfu

[@jremil58]

Ha ha ha! That's good!

[@recordingrevolution]

I'm a dream crusher sometimes - what can I say

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

Lmfao

[@thecatadors911]

😂😂😂

[@jremil58]

Geez Graham... Why do I always have the impression you talk to me personally? I have been in a rut for a while for that exact reason... wanting to reinvent the wheel. This video is like a wake-up call. Thank you for that! You have a real talent to motivate people. That's for sure!

[@recordingrevolution]

Glad to help!

[@mistermind7946]

That's because he knows exactly what level he is addressing to and his ideas are so well thought-out and organized. Besides, he has had the organic experience of improving what he can do with his music and production. And his English is always a pleasure to listen to. Thanks Graham, from the recording revolution dot cooooooom :)

[@mistermind7946]

Rage By Nightfall if you haven't, you can also check out the channel 'Behind the speakers' by a really nice and knowledgeable guy named Jason. He has some cool stuff to show and tell. Give that a try.

[@mistermind7946]

Rage By Nightfall i also came across a channel called 'musician on a mission' good tips there, too. U r right about what you said. You can never know too much

[@mistermind7946]

Rage By Nightfall Agreed!

[@QuincyKane]

Great advice! I'm influenced by so many different artists, so I trust that if I pick out the parts I like best and combine them, my sound WILL be unique.

[@Rustyjamesman]

I learn my favorite songs on guitar, drums, etc and take inspiration from them. It has really helped me at looking at how they put together the songs and has helped me write my own songs

[@Opry99er]

Graham--thank you for your videos. I was a professional touring musician for several years, but stopped playing when I had a family. Had to get a real job, etc. Now, 10 years later, I'm coming back and playing music again. Getting ready to make a purchase to get some recording gear. I have so much music that has built up over the past decade, and now it's time to put it out there. Your mentality is refreshing.

[@Kubooxooki]

Just discovered your channel tonight. I've had a bunch of recording gear sitting around for a few years at home in hopes that some day I will compose something great to record with it. You just made me realize how I've been getting it all wrong all this time. As other people have said before, this video was a wake-up call. I can't thank you enough for it. I'm taking it all to heart.

[@willbonds2321]

Right about everything. For all the new and young musicians out there. Stop wondering where or what your sound is or will be or when it will get to you. Anytime you pick up your instrument whether it's to practice or to arrange an idea for a song, or to cover a song, don't fix all of your mistakes, chase some of those mistakes around your instrument because it will take you exploring and exploration brings discoveries. It's the same with a band. The goal isn't to start a new genre. The goal is to go exploring through all of the genres.

[@robertm2000]

Interesting approach. I never had any problems with being influenced by specific artists - I would deliberately try NOT to sound like a specific artist. Since I was nowhere near that artist's skill level in performing, the gaps and glitches in my performance skills would lead to a different sound that the artist I tried to imitate. So I didn't have a problem with sounding too derivative.

[@hectorzeroni7860]

Well written namaste 🙏

[@VictordeRut]

I actually feel weirdly relieved after this video, still haven't record my music, but definitely will start that, and will work on developing my own sound. Thank you man!

[@telluriananima]

2023 and the algorithm showed me this, still relevant!! Gotta love Graham! Thank You for helping us starting musicians!

[@TaiwoBamisile]

This is episode right here is why I am a repeat viewer. Nothing less then practical information. Whoever, replies or like the comment let us collaborate. I am a music producer/songwriter. I am totally excited to meet you. #Champion

[@TaiwoBamisile]

send me a link to your previous music or current.

[@recordingrevolution]

Love it!

[@TaiwoBamisile]

hey, patience is a virtue so take your time. I look forward to listening to your work.

[@reaganharder1480]

might as well jump on this collabing bandwagon... Currently working on an EP of my own which i'm trying to finish by the end of the month, so i'll be pretty busy until then, but afterwards i'll probably be doing a variety of collaborations with friends i have, so i might as well add some more. i'm a singer/songwriter/producer/do everything myself and fill in my gaps of skill with VSTs and MIDI tracks...

[@TaiwoBamisile]

Reagan Harder Man it is a pleasure to connect with you. I am glad we have this platform to connect. Congratulations on advance on your EP. I will happily help you promote it to my friends when you complete it. I love your stated skillset. Allows for comfort in the idea of collabing.

[@Just-Michael]

One thing that has really helped me is listening to a variety of music, and create a variety of music. For myself, I listen to Classic Rock, Rock, Punk, Pop Punk, Metal, Metalcore, Deathcore, Japanese Idol Groups, etc. etc. I have created songs in each of those genres, and then what I call my "normal" music, is all of those influences rolled into one. You can manipulate song structures and moods to create something that is unique. Some people can pick out the different influences and say "hey this sounds like ____", but no one will sound exactly like you. You'll always have something special to offer once you do develop your sound.

[@hamzibrahim8189]

The whole world needs to hear your advice because it’s pretty motivating.

[@clemcusato]

I’m a rapper oriented beat maker, and what I love doing is letting the rapper I’m working with ghost produce the beat.

[@egsystems913]

There's a reason you were on Pensado's Place - because you absolutely deserved it!. Much appreciation for all you do.

[@michaelcandyacousticsolois3912]

I started playing guitar in 1985, like you Graham, I wanted to be a ‘Rock Star’ like Guns n Roses, AC/DC, Poison and many more rock superstars. But as I learned classical guitar in high school, and my parents couldn’t afford rock guitar lessons. I took up Bass guitar and joined several ‘pub’ bands after high school. I then unfortunately had a serious motorcycle accident and I thought my music dreams were over. But now 21 years since the accident my music dream is alive and burning again. I don’t have as much rock influence as I did in my teens as I’ve now mellowed into the ‘Country’ genre. I feel that’s my appropriate sound as I write and record songs about life, love and loss.

[@FelixM946]

Graham, please don’t ever stop doing what you do, man. Since I discovered your channel I’ve learned a lot of things that have truly helped Me and have made My work better. Thanks to you I’ll be able to build My home studio, which has been My dream for a really long time, but having so many misconceptions and misleading ideas about equipment and such, and also because I live in an country where everything is almost twice as expensive, made it almos impossible until you “cleared up” the idea for Me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this. Your channel has been practically a blessing. And not only because of the tips and lessons, but also because of how amazing you are at giving Me hopes every time I feel discouraged. You’re simple awesome! Greetings from the Dominican Republic!

[@CornSw]

You're the best. You're absolutley right! Thanks Graham. I Needed this.

[@mikemaysmusic5519]

man... you're on point!!! My last album was southern fried affair.... blues rock with country/rockabilly/reggae tastes. this new album we're working on is layered on punk and grunge with a hint of Pink Floyd lol I'm adhd as a songwriter lol

[@ShallieDragon]

A lot of your stuff is old news to me, but the thing I like about you is the fact that you always have something new for me to learn, in spite of that. I know all the basics of mixing, but your talks about workflow and finding your sound and business are immensely helpful. And I still use many of your suggestions and tips to this day. So, thanks for helping make me into the musician that I am.

[@santostracey93]

It’s hard to find your specific music sound when you don’t know which genre you want. I mean I love hip hop/rap. Ever since I was a kid, I always thought rap was the only kind of music I wanna get involved in. But as I got older, I started listening to other kinds of music, ranging from rock, to pop, to electronic synthwave, to classical, to jazz, and even some metal, and this really jumbles my head. It’s like what should I do? What genre of music should I do to make myself stand out as an artist? Does this sound good? Does this sound lame? Sometimes having too many options can be a bad thing.

[@sinonm1]

I couldn't agree more with collaborating with other musicians. I regularly work with a good friend of mine that is a blues guitarist (I am a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist) and when we get together and play we come up with some funky, bluesy, rock music. Without working with another musician I would have never been able to get that sound.

[@normapadro9704]

I went around listening to different sounds and musicians and their work always sound different from everyone else. My work is different, because I apply sounds that I like. I learned that there are so many types of musicians out there. I wanted to be that way too. I never think of a sound that I want to make. I just make it and then come up with weird things. It's like drawing. I just draw what ever I want and that's all. What I'm into these days is learning more about musicians that make music in any way they want whether it's electronic or anything. What I learned about music is that it's sound's played together to make vibrations. It's fun and I'm enjoying every part of it.

[@afiqjuan7607]

Can I just say... I'm developing as a fashion practitioner and this hits me. Good advice for any artist regardless of domain.

[@theonamorrant]

This really helped me thank you so much, I’ve been trying to understand what I like and how I want music to sound and my voice so this was amazing it helped a lot 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@chrisscarfo]

I'm just getting back into music making (my home studio is being setup this month!!!), but I've been following you for years. Seems I chose the right time cause so far, your later videos are EXACTLY what I've needed to hear. Thanks as always Graham. #noexuses

[@scotthampton3882]

Thanks Graham. This was exactly what I’ve been thinking about for the past few months. I really needed to hear this.

[@goldenteledy2002]

Here's my story about trying to sound unique. I, as a harmonica player, am heavily influenced by a session musician named Terry McMillan (may he rest in peace). He played over two dozen musicial instruments, but the harmonica was his bread and butter. When I first heard him play on Garth Brooks's song, "Ain't Goin' Down ('til the Sun Comes Up)", I was legitimately blown away from what I heard. That's what made me want to pick up the harp and learn how to play like him. My issue comes about when other harmonica players, specifically blues players, started telling me what I should sound like in order to be successful in country. They were telling me that I should sound like this other session player named Charlie McCoy because they claimed he was "more successful" as a session player than Terry was. This was the moment where I convinced myself I will try to prove them wrong that sounding unique can make you successful in country music. This led me to be constantly angry and depressed because people would pick on me for wanting to sound different from the so-called norm that these players were trying to push onto me. Obviously, this took a huge toll on my self-esteem and confidence as a musician as I felt like I needed to show my worth and constantly explain why I should to sound the way I want to without any strings attached. You see, harmonica players tend to think of somebody who's deserved to be imitated is driven by how many awards they've won, how many sessions a person had played on, or which hall of fames they've been inducted to. I don't really feel like accolades should be the end-all be-all of how good a harmonica player should be or what one should sound like. I personally define being a good harmonica player as playing music that you love and fulfilling your goals no matter what they are. There is this one piece of advice I was given by my harmonica teacher and friend of mine who's a professional musician named Todd Parrott. In terms of technique Todd is leagues far ahead of me, but he is one of the sweetest and most humble people you'll ever meet, musician or otherwise. When I told him about what I was dealing with shortly before his gig that night, he texted this to me, "I wouldn't worry too much about what others say. I think you're doing great. Use Terry to learn as much as you can. It's okay to sound like him, and you will also learn to add in your own style along with his after awhile. Nothing wrong with that. He's a good model to follow for many reasons". This text struck a chord in me. Todd told me it's okay to sound like my hero for now and eventually it would lead into creating my own style. I felt like I finally found somebody who understood my goals with the instrument and told me that I can go on and do even better things. This can be an obvious point of sounding unique through influences.

[@ReviewPimpUSA]

Some artists find it faster some don’t at all, just make sure you listen to different styles of music, adapt them, change them around, sing differently, experiment with different beats, singing styles etc you’ll definetly find your style

[@1NOnlyAdityaOfficial]

Aahhh man!!! your words makes damn sense.... Love your work... Keep giving knowledge 😊😊😊❤💪

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

To find your sound as an artist, know what you like and don't like, deeply. Continue refining that sense. Experiment, and do what YOU tend to do when creating music, even if it takes a direction you didn't anticipate. I've often expected to make something in genre A, while always ending up in genre B. What you like, and listen to yourself, may not be what you're here to create.

[@michellebarnett7758]

I'm so glad I found Graham!!! You're a Godsend! So helpful & humble. Wondered 4ever how I could afford to get my songs recorded...because of you, I realized I can do it MYSELF! & cheaper! I'm one of the lucky ones who's songs are already composed TOTALLY in my mind. Can't get them out quick enough. Can't wait to start recording them for myself too. THANK YOU Graham!!!

[@naphtaliprinsloo]

You are such an inspiration Graham. You definitely let your light shine like a city on the hill. Thank you!

[@KairaHassell]

I have you a round of applause after I watched this 💜

[@jamescason4569]

Soooo, sooo many great lessons from Graham! And once again great inspiration! Thank you Graham for all that you! Bless u brother!

[@siphobesa]

Thank you thank you very much,am 20 years old and i am a writer learning about my sound and the growth is amazing cause at first i just liked writing in one genre and at this point i write in many genres but i still remain me cause its just like painting with a different brush

[@geologyjohnson7700]

Whenever ive been told my music sounds original, its when i have been trying emulate one of my influences. I have found that setting limits for the number of influences i draw from really helps keep me focussed, ive found that 3 is the one that works for me. I also think that 'sound' really means atmosphere or vibe, at least thats what i try to emulate from my influences. :)

[@joyo1379]

I haven't heard a speech before which uses words that couldn't be used better. Like thank you man♥♥

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

to be original means to be influenced by something most people don’t know , and turning your limitations into style.

[@jofontaine217]

Such a great teacher, Graham! And even The Beatles were influcenced by american folk, Chuck Berry and Motown. But that band is so original.

[@676bun]

"there's probably already some weirdo banging cardboard boxes and recording strange sounds to make an album". Sounds like he saw the Netflix documentary "Hot sugar Cold world" because that's what that guy does to make music. It is pretty amazing to watch how it happens although. His main recording device is a Zoom H6 (hand held field recorder).

[@DeepFriedHallelujah]

Excellent video. This topic deserves more coverage. As different as your sound and mine are, you always make your content relevant.

[@earthlyng_official4599]

i definitely dont listen to enough other music.. but i have experimenting way more with the idea that a track should be more of a spacial experience rather than just a "song." I want my stuff to feel cinematic... so with that foley, and real world field recordings has been amazing to really listen to and integrate..

[@kellammusic]

I am literally crying out for a collaboration right now

[@G3438]

Dude, i really like you, if i ever become somethim i'll hit u up for dinner

[@lastino_official5080]

Hahaha

[@kaynickz8168]

You'll become something gee we should talk man hit me on ig kaynickzofficial

[@ethanmunroe4898]

just subscribed. thank you for blessing us with this knowledge. this was confirmation for me. in a nutshell, your sound is you being innovative, taking inspiration from here and there, mixing it with your creativity and re-presenting the material(inspiration). so it really boils down to the way you are engineered as a human being.

[@lonelychip61]

Wow, this was strangely inspiring. It's like you're talking directly to me.

[@perrypelican9476]

You have to be careful not to overthink. Everyone is different but I think the goal is to get to where it flows.

[@linhm5848]

Kind of having an existential crisis as a musician--I really appreciate this video.

[@clearthought9736]

Wow he literally explained how my workflow is. Great video to show others who are stuck

[@magicfabe]

Yoo, great topic, answer is super on point!

[@solly7167]

At 3:42 - I do this all the time. I’ll have an idea of a flow or melody and record it onto garage band. When I have the basic beat, I’ll record/freestyle it first to get the feel of it and how the song might be.

[@BrklynBread]

I really appreciate this video.

[@nonnoinsandiego8303]

This has been an inspiration to me, a new songwriter and producer. Nicely done, and TYVM!

[@yungmorsy1231]

i have always wanted to do music, and i've written a few songs. But, I still have no idea how to start, i dont even know how to access a studio.

[@jostar298]

Start investing your own equipment or rent

[@jessenorman91]

accesing a studio shouldn't be a huge priority. as long as you have some kind of computer or laptop honestly you can start making music professionally right now, it all takes time

[@lolmanittakesguts]

I think just get an audio interface, and a daw, then go for it. That's been my plan for a while, but I have no money. Free FL studio works tho kinda

[@jessenorman91]

@@lolmanittakesguts big ups on the FL Demo tip. i used that software for years and made my first 2 ep’s entirely on the demo version, it’s crazy how many options you get

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

Graham, this was FANTASTIC. Thank you much for the precious tips - pure gold.

[@lesterrr12312]

how timely! i was JUST thinking about trying to make music in the style that really inspired me while listening to an EP from an artist who's writing in the way that i would never think to write.. but then i started second-guessing myself and thinking "what's the point if they already did it.." until i saw this video, where you specifically said, essentially, "go for it"!!) i'll take it as a sign and go make some music now!)

[@heartshinemusic]

I am inspired by this video to start making new music. Thank you, Graham!

[@elijahgary29]

Totally awesome!! Now I get it!! Confirmation is a Beautiful thing!! Thanks much!!

[@Dahvileon]

This is so helpful man..and I agree so much with your thoughts on this✊🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@a00077-o]

Thanks for this. Critics tend to hate on anyone who uses an influence as "derivative" (ex. Stone Temple Pilots, Bush). Even bands who push a genre forward, openly have influences that they bring into their sound.

[@glaubb_5344]

Our sound is the result of our music taste and our music abillity. Example: I love so much progressive metal, but i don't have abillity to playing like they 😀. But I also like Radiohead, and Dream pop, and o have the abillity to play like, so this is my kind of style

[@stockman1515]

much needed advice, it felt like a one on one for some odd reason.

[@Saltedmeatconsumer]

Glad I watched this video. I've been stuck on wanting to have my sound be unique but thats not the way I should go about it. Time to jam out to my favorite bands!

[@bevanclauson5005]

This is great advice! Ive been doing these things for a while and slowing finding the techniques I enjoy using

[@JordanJSparks]

I just found your channel today but I love it already!

[@MB1z]

Thanks for all the advice.

[@daydrmrofficial1966]

Wow I came here for tips on being an artist and I just learned beautiful life lessons :)

[@mkgottrack7608]

Goal is to sound your best, where you most optimal

[@teniahoskins]

Wow!!! This totally changes my perspective about being influenced by others. I have been going about this songwriting the wrong way. Thank you for this video:)

[@lennyblandino]

Nice video Graham!

[@themusicman03able]

Greta Van Fleet: Led Zeppelin, Rush, and some others. Hey man, thanks for all of the videos. You're an inspiration!

[@PapaGinseng_]

Thanks Graham. The Practical Man. Last seen Rick and Warren on Ricks channel mentioning You. Right on.

[@curefan28]

Love your channel, it has a lot of great home studio and recording/mixing info. I disagree with your premise that engineering and mixing is only a means to an end, at least for me. I'm a guitar player who is also a techie who loves recording and mixing sound, but I have no aspirations to make a hit song. I do it as a pastime/hobby for the fun of it. I love the gear, I love the learning, I love the process, and the music itself. I mean I'll just record a cover song for the fun of learning the song and recording it and mixing it my way. Yeah, maybe I play a mix I've done for friends if they are interested but I really just do it for me. I bet there are others who do it for the same reasons. Just letting you know there are people out there who aren't doing this just as a means to a (commercial) end.

[@aighobahikelvis8848]

your teachings are rich

[@haxxic]

Thank you for existing.

[@staticteaz4663]

I'm gonna say something religious: one finds his/her identity (in all things) in G-d. If we spend enough time in quiet discernment, meditation, and prayer, we can sort out how to proceed in life, including how to present ourselves as artists and recording musicians.

[@tuckyochain7517]

Static Teaz have you read "Artists way"? That book covers what you said. That book changed my life

[@staticteaz4663]

I have not. will have to check it out! Thank you for the recommendation.

[@perception5]

thanks man !!! inspirational, encouraging imitation as well as individuality

[@tinashemutaramuswa429]

Hi Graham. Can you do a tutorial on how to write songs

[@thisjaymaloney]

Very well said. Thank you for this, Graham.

[@raphexe]

Great video, very good points and advices ! Thanks

[@aryankhah]

what an important message and what a wise man. thanks very much

[@scottnicoltv]

love your videos Sir....great information...great delivery thanks ..Scott Nicol.

[@spellbound9862]

Hey I want to personally say thank you, this was a very informative video and I took from it. Thank you.

[@wefamilymediagroup7687]

As always... GREAT TIPS!!!! GREAT INFO!!!! GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@mistycelt1100]

You are so right, my influences are crazy different from Bob Dylan to Blondie.

[@Malik_Hoff]

Thank you. Ill be a legend.

[@michaelohare3157]

Malik Hoff hahaha sorry that’s my place, better luck next time.. ;)

[@itsgermhoe7724]

Al Haynes where you at?lmaoo

[@isabornau]

Very valuable information, thank you!

[@jonathanmilanes]

Damn Graham, you've done it again! Great content as usual! Thank you :) I'm planning on release 4 EPs this year!!

[@zionherbert]

Great advice Thank you Graham

[@dpop3614]

you are awesome man thanks, I felt this

[@whoispluto]

Thank you for the motivation and positivity I needed this 👍🏼

[@BryanBoliver]

So good man. Thank you.

[@sodeeqfolorunshoabdulsalam279]

You gave me what I need to I know praaaa

[@mateocalle__]

Thank you for the way of think, really helpfull.

[@mylessrain9973]

Thank you so much for this video 💕