Author Topic: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now. (Read 21732 times)

Lunatic Expert · « **on:** May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm »

I'm a student. Yeah.
And I just don't have time.
Last year, I got a laptop, and it was the start of my music producing.
my parents really didn't like it. I mean, just that act of "turning on a computer."
I come back from school at 4:30 p.m., and I study 6:00-10:00 p.m. (yeah, Asian schools expect too much from us)
So that means that I only have 1-2 hours to do whatever I have to do. When I do my homework, study for tests, and take a rest for a bit, time disappears.
But I put a lot of effort to make time, and I produced music every day. At least, I tried to open my Ableton every day.
Then, I messed up this test - I thought I did okay on it but my mum wasn't satisfied.
She said that she and my dad would STRICTLY REGULATE my studying, plus my laptop usage should be under 1 hour every day.
But it doesn't necessarily mean that I can use my computer 1 hour every day-
my parents just hate me owning my laptop, and they want to get rid of it, but they let me have it because I have to do homework with it.
It also means that I can only use my laptop for doing homework and studying.
I really need to keep my laptop to produce music, so I considered telling my parents about this music composing and everything.
But, I came up to a conclusion that they would stop me entirely from doing music-related activities because they would think it will "distract me from studying."
I'm doomed. I have to wait until I grow old enough to have more freedom to handle my time.
I have no time, no support from people around me, not enough producing ability to convince my mom, and now, my computer is on stake.
I'm crying right now..

Maybe I should focus on theory for a while, but it's just sad that I can't actually make music.

Marrow Machines · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2016, 05:27:52 pm »

It's ok, you just need to be focused on your job right now. and honestly, that's school.

I have first hand accounts of asian culture from a friend as well as another who have studied it, and it's not a joke when it comes to education.

I would suggest you study hard and pass how ever many tests you have left, and then after you perform well consistently, you break the news.

But i will say this, music is a distraction in place of learning if you don't have time to commit to both disciplines at once. That's especially true if your school DEMANDS that you put in a large amount of time. It's sad but true.

Until you get to a point where you can have the balance of school and music, you'll have to give up something in order to achieve something else. I have to give up music in order for me to do my home work during the school year. I am even giving up music during this summer so that i can do self study for my next course i will hopefully take next semester.

It's tough to go from music and back to studying, i can't even do it. If i manage to do a good chunk of home work and then open up the daw, and fire up my monitors, i won't be able to any thing after that....

Keep focused and be realistic, your parents want the best from you, and education is a way to better yourself. Music is fun and stuff, but unless you want it to feed you, you're going to have to commit and work hard, and if not harder, than you would if you were to go get a degree and end up being a professional of some kind.

It's still tough, all of it. Be mindful and be aware of what your goals are and how you can accomplish them in the most easiest way possible.

FarleyCZ · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2016, 06:41:23 pm »

That's hell of a tough situation. ...but imho be kinda glad for it. I know learning is tough (as you say, especially in your culture), but trust me, though producing is cool, you'll be glad you've stayed in school few years down the road. Not because of education. It's good to have it and in so demanding culture it probably does open some doors. ...but for the social interaction. It might not seem like, but you are really more likely to find likeminded people in school (or during school years) then in any "regular" job. Search for them. For other guys producing, having the same problem. You'll find that the problem like this is much less heavy when you have somebody to share it with.

...also, I've given up college. In our culture it's not that big of a deal, but anyway. ...though I thought it didn't matter and though I found a solid job, I just wish I havn't gave it up. I'm finding some likeminded friends just now and it's really not the same without that bit of mandatory past you would have gone through together.

As for producing... 1 hour a day is really tight. If I were you, I'd screw up every pre-conceptions you might have. Presets, loops, music samples ... I'd use it all. Creatively somehow, but I still would. I'm normally against presets and music samples, but that is an opinion that requires luxury of time, which you don't have. So screw it. Use whatever gets you done quicker.

Anyway best of luck, man, you'll handle it.

vinceasot · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2016, 03:19:09 am »

you have to fight for what you want

Final Kindgom · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2016, 03:39:37 am »

Quote from: vinceasot on May 26, 2016, 03:19:09 am

you have to fight for what you want

It's kind of hard, near impossible, to have that mentality when you're a teenager pre-college. If this was a different kind of scenario (like Lunatic was in college or living life post-grad), that advice would be inspiring, but telling him to fight sounds like you're telling him to be disobedient to his parents, which is awful advice.

Look, Lunatic, I understand that you want to put time into music, but you need to do what you have to do now in order to have the freedom you desire. Just graduate high school and you'll be able to do what you want during and after college (assuming you go that route). If you can produce for an hour now, isn't that better than having that time taken away from you for being disobedient? Then you'll just be even more upset.

tl;dr: just finish school and you get to create as much as you want.

ion · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2016, 07:01:14 am »

Dear OP.
Your parents are looking out for your future the best way they know how. Your education is what is important right now, and no matter how you look at it, there will never be a better time in your life to do that than now.
There are no guarantees in the music business, while an education will usually at least qualify you for a better shot at having a "successful" life, music will not provide this security. I hope that you will read (most) of the replies and use what has happened as a motivation to be a good student, and maybe there are courses like music theory that you can choose to be able to learn music as well?

I wish you the best of luck!

Soar · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2016, 12:44:14 pm »

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm

I have to wait until I grow old enough to have more freedom to handle my time.

This is not a terrible thing?

I started making music in college. I spent a lot of my freetime doing it, and it was okay. But I have gotten far better after college, and additionally, I now have a better job and money to spend on things. Since graduating, I have gotten: a better computer (my old laptop would sometimes crash while exporting, would get underruns all the time), monitors (my old speakers were desktop speakers...), audio interface, etc.

There's no rule that says if you don't get a song signed before you're 21 that your career is over. Make do with what little time you have now, write down ideas, make notes of things you WANT to learn in the future, create patches in 30 minute blocks of time, I dunno. But don't worry; you have a lot of life ahead of you.

vinceasot · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2016, 01:11:06 pm »

Quote from: Soar on May 26, 2016, 12:44:14 pm

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm
I have to wait until I grow old enough to have more freedom to handle my time.

This is not a terrible thing?

I started making music in college. I spent a lot of my freetime doing it, and it was okay. But I have gotten far better after college, and additionally, I now have a better job and money to spend on things. Since graduating, I have gotten: a better computer (my old laptop would sometimes crash while exporting, would get underruns all the time), monitors (my old speakers were desktop speakers...), audio interface, etc.

There's no rule that says if you don't get a song signed before you're 21 that your career is over. Make do with what little time you have now, write down ideas, make notes of things you WANT to learn in the future, create patches in 30 minute blocks of time, I dunno. But don't worry; you have a lot of life ahead of you.

you are spot on man, I'm saying yeah school/work whatever man, keep that, but work hard and fight on your music too, if you are a producer in your 20's you have nearly 50-60 years ahead of you lol,

Lydian · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:30:16 pm »

Its much better to spend a very high quality hour then it is to spend a mediocre 8 hours.

Just some food for thought.

ZAU · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2016, 02:52:20 am »

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm

So that means that I only have 1-2 hours to do whatever I have to do.

Seriously, you can get soo much done in 2 hours, even 1 hour, if you plan your time out wisely and do this consistently (like everyday). It all ends up in the end, trust me. Try to find my post on this forum about the Pomodoro Technique, it really does work especially for people like you with busy schedules.

I would strongly recommend using that hour to make and finish 1 track a week. Your progress will be exponential. So for example, Monday: start with the arrangement/drums/whatever you do to start the track. Really pour your heart and soul into this hour to map out a solid arrangement. Then Tuesday: Start writing the melody/hook/drop. Really focus and write the best you can. Wednesday: Write the breakdown/build/intro/whatever section. Thursday: Focus on the transitions between the sections you've written over the previous few days. Get those transitions nice and seamless, and most importantly, interesting. Play your song from start to end and do as many tweaks as needed to ensure that your track tells a story and gets the message across. Friday: Focused mixing. Get into the details of the mix. If you have been mixing as you go and you have everything already labelled and grouped, etc, (you are using a ready made template with all the busses and groups ready to go, right?) you can really do a lot in an hour. Saturday: Work on the mix again. If you're liking the way it sounds, move on to Mastering. Sunday: If you spend both Friday and Saturday mixing, then Sunday will be Mastering day. Get your track to be at a competitive level (in terms of loudness) with tracks you like. Done. 1 finished track in 1 week. You have to trust me when I say that the only way to get better at production is by finishing tracks. You will get better with every track that you finish.

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm

Maybe I should focus on theory for a while, but it's just sad that I can't actually make music.

This isn't such a bad idea actually. At least by the time you do have the freedom to make your own choices, you will have the theory part taken care of.

Don't feel like you can't do anything in one hour. Consistency is the key here.

Lunatic Expert · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2016, 01:17:55 pm »

Quote from: ZAU on May 28, 2016, 02:52:20 am

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm
So that means that I only have 1-2 hours to do whatever I have to do.
Seriously, you can get soo much done in 2 hours, even 1 hour, if you plan your time out wisely and do this consistently (like everyday). It all ends up in the end, trust me. Try to find my post on this forum about the Pomodoro Technique, it really does work especially for people like you with busy schedules.

I would strongly recommend using that hour to make and finish 1 track a week. Your progress will be exponential. So for example, Monday: start with the arrangement/drums/whatever you do to start the track. Really pour your heart and soul into this hour to map out a solid arrangement. Then Tuesday: Start writing the melody/hook/drop. Really focus and write the best you can. Wednesday: Write the breakdown/build/intro/whatever section. Thursday: Focus on the transitions between the sections you've written over the previous few days. Get those transitions nice and seamless, and most importantly, interesting. Play your song from start to end and do as many tweaks as needed to ensure that your track tells a story and gets the message across. Friday: Focused mixing. Get into the details of the mix. If you have been mixing as you go and you have everything already labelled and grouped, etc, (you are using a ready made template with all the busses and groups ready to go, right?) you can really do a lot in an hour. Saturday: Work on the mix again. If you're liking the way it sounds, move on to Mastering. Sunday: If you spend both Friday and Saturday mixing, then Sunday will be Mastering day. Get your track to be at a competitive level (in terms of loudness) with tracks you like. Done. 1 finished track in 1 week. You have to trust me when I say that the only way to get better at production is by finishing tracks. You will get better with every track that you finish.

Quote from: Lunatic Expert on May 25, 2016, 01:08:50 pm
Maybe I should focus on theory for a while, but it's just sad that I can't actually make music.
This isn't such a bad idea actually. At least by the time you do have the freedom to make your own choices, you will have the theory part taken care of.

Don't feel like you can't do anything in one hour. Consistency is the key here.

Thanks! I'm trying to manage my time like that, and I'm having some progress.
Thank you for everyone that posted on this thread.

attila · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2016, 09:03:19 am »

Ew I'm surprised how many people here are suggesting focusing on school if music's what you're into. I dropped out to focus on music and I feel like my lifes finally in my hands. I make ~$30/hour serving at a restaurant two blocks from my house a couple days a week, which is enough to afford a nice loft downtown while leaving at least four days a week off to work exclusively on music. Money's easy, schools overrated unless you're trying to be a doctor or lawyer or something. Just remember, part time effort bears part time results.

Arktopolis · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2016, 09:34:20 am »

Quote from: attila on June 09, 2016, 09:03:19 am

Money's easy

I wish all the poor people in the world, and all those living on minimum wage would read this forum.

Lydian · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2016, 01:51:49 pm »

Quote from: attila on June 09, 2016, 09:03:19 am

Ew I'm surprised how many people here are suggesting focusing on school if music's what you're into. I dropped out to focus on music and I feel like my lifes finally in my hands. I make ~$30/hour serving at a restaurant two blocks from my house a couple days a week, which is enough to afford a nice loft downtown while leaving at least four days a week off to work exclusively on music. Money's easy, schools overrated unless you're trying to be a doctor or lawyer or something. Just remember, part time effort bears part time results.

Lunee isn't even 18 yet.

She doesn't live in the united states.

Yeah schools sucks.

Happy to hear you got it all figured out.

ion · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2016, 04:13:59 pm »

I feel like writing things unfit for this forum. I don´t get how some are so narrow-minded, that they think that everybody has equal opportunities as themselves.
I sincerely hope that the music works out for you, atilla. If not I really hope you will not be stuck serving tables at 40, with no plan b, just because you did not get the "full time" results you so boldly proclaim.

Author Topic: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now. (Read 21732 times)

Lunatic Expert

I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Marrow Machines

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

FarleyCZ

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

vinceasot

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Final Kindgom

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

ion

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Soar

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

vinceasot

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Lydian

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

ZAU

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Lunatic Expert

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

attila

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Arktopolis

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

Lydian

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.

ion

Re: I'm Literally F**ked Right Now.