Lair of the Minotaur's philosophy on songwriting

[JayKeeley]

Just opened this promo:

"I try not to expose myself to newer unwanted influences. We wanted LotM to be everything we ever liked about metal. Stories about monsters & death, and music filled with killer chug riffs that you can bang your head to. I think what you edit out is just as important as what you leave in. If a part doesn't kick ass, it's out of there. It's hard for someone to admit that they came up with something that sucks. But you have to be honest with yourself or you'll end up with a song that's just 'ok'. "

I wish all bands thought like this. There's just too much 'blah' music out there IMO. Not enough emphasis on songwriting - just collections of riffs thrown together.

I'm no songwriter, but I would think that a good songwriter knows when something turns out bad in the writing process, don't you think?

P.S. I put this CD on for a few seconds only to get slammed to the floor by its wall of sound. Detuned, fuzzy, muddy chunky chords with vocals reminding of Tom Araya, heh.

 

[JayKeeley]

On the other hand, there's something to be said for "spur of the moment" writing and recording... Some great, spontaneous stuff has been done in that way...

Yes indeed. I didn't type out the entire press release, but this is something else LotM said:

"Sometimes I'll just pick up the guitar and start playing and the first thing that comes out is better than something I've worked on for hours."

I've played guitar for many years, and I love playing, but I know when I've come up with something that sounds crap. As a songwriter, I guess you have to like what you're playing. You have to be your own critic / audience...

 

[Caelum Adustum]

I use that method of songwriting, I have no problem coming up with riffs but songs are sort of like puzzles...you have to put them together correctly or they don't work.

I've been working on my second demo tape (the first being an immense piece of shit) since April and since I use this method I still have VERY little, of course the longer it takes the better it should be.

 

[Ayeka]

I wish all bands thought like this. There's just too much 'blah' music out there IMO. Not enough emphasis on songwriting - just collections of riffs thrown together.

I'm no songwriter, but I would think that a good songwriter knows when something turns out bad in the writing process, don't you think?

Funnily enough I remember this issue being addressed in a Classic Rock feature on AOR. When asked why the genre has declined over the years, one guy being interviewed attributed part of it to "bands not being willing to sit down and right 20 songs in order to get 1 great one".

I will agree with JK's thoughts on songwriting. Ironically, I pride myself on my songs sounding raw, dirty, and - to most other ears, it seems - crap

 

[JayKeeley]

I will agree with JK's thoughts on songwriting. Ironically, I pride myself on my songs sounding raw, dirty, and - to most other ears, it seems - crap

Thing is, if it sounds good to you, then that's your job done! But if you write something which sounds like shite to you, and you know it'll sound shite to others, then for the love of all that is unholy, WHY keep it in the song?

Bands do this. Most of the time it's called "filler". Other times it's called "hardcore".

I'm kidding, relax, step away from the vehicle, nothing to see here...

 

[NAD]

Filler songs suck. If I ever start releasing albums they'll all be 3 song EPs to avoid filler.

 

[JayKeeley]

Filler riffs ruin songs too. And filler solos.

*waits anxiously for new Malmsteen album*

 

[Papa Josh]

Filler riffs ruin songs too. And filler solos.

*waits anxiously for new Malmsteen album*

 

[Demonspell]

New Enslaved? Yet another reason why the remainder of 2004 is going to rule. I'm not a musician, but it's hard to argue with that songwriting philosophy (the highlighted part, I disagree with purposely ignoring modern influences, but if that leads to great music I won't argue further), I like long albums and compositions but if you're a poor editor the result won't sustain interest.

 

[JayKeeley]

I think 'new influences' might mean shit like nuMetal and general mallcore....you know, bandwagons.

 

[Ayeka]

Thing is, if it sounds good to you, then that's your job done! But if you write something which sounds like shite to you, and you know it'll sound shite to others, then for the love of all that is unholy, WHY keep it in the song?

Ego? That's no real excuse at the end of the day really though :Shedevil:

Bands do this. Most of the time it's called "filler". Other times it's called "hardcore".

 

[JayKeeley]

Ego? That's no real excuse at the end of the day really though

Yeah, there are hundreds of examples of ego getting the better of the artist. Sometimes it's necessary though. I don't think Dave Mustaine should EVER let anyone else in his band write a Megadeth song ever again.

"Friedman you cunt! Just do the solo and fuck off!"