The hugging/venting thread

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

The Real Vent: I can't find any confidence. For me it is extremely hard to find the motivation to do anything. I hope this is enough to vent about, and I hope I'm not wasting anyone's time. But I could definitely go for some tips or something on how to stay positive and working. I feel like i'm missing so many opportunities in life, but I just want the balls to go out and take them.

Thank you guys in advance, I hope to get to know you guys better (again)!

I don't think I'm the most adequate person to advise you on this, since I'm pretty much going through the same thing, but something that works for me is challenging myself. Starting with small things like taking the stairs whenever I want to take the escalator, or speaking out in class if I have an idea instead of waiting for somebody else to do so. And shouting DO IT FAGGOT internally whenever I start making excuses. And whenever I succeed in that, I start doing things I wouldn't normally do (usually just for shits and giggles), often with positive results. And the whole challenging myself and taking in feedback from the results helps me keep things fresh, and in motion, and makes me want to do it more, and I end up learning a lot and feel very positive about things in general.

I really dunno if your problem is anything like mine, or if what I just wrote is of any help at all, but I'm sending an e-hug your way anyway. c: Hope you get through this hump and get your mojo back soon!

[Freewave]

So I just found this thread.... now I can stop making new threads every time I take a hiatus >_<

But yeah, for some reason I've lost all motivation to talk with anyone in the MLR community any more. It's been about 2 months since I became active on Megaskype, but I've been getting nowhere other than with shameless promotion and casual small-talk. I just feel like there's an ego rift between the rest of the community and I, since my only relation with other musos is one which involves unavoidable self-deprecation on my behalf. I just don't feel as if I can strike up any meaningful conversation with anyone (on or not on the subject of music), and it's becoming a bit demotivating. I want to be able to get engaged in something other than mindless social activity, and I've found MLR isn't the place for that (not to generalise the lot of you, but that's all I can say from experience).

Vent: Well, I don't exactly know where to begin, I haven't really been an "active" member of the community, I didn't "fit in" so quickly because I was just starting out with electronic music and of course that's not that interesting. Well I'm going to change that, as my signature says I've given myself a deadline and I'm going to stick with it. I had my haitus, got over my hump, got some equipment, so I'm going to get better. But anyways I just didn't really fit in either. Bartekko and I worked together though!

- And I apologize for the above chunk, I just felt like explaining myself.

The Real Vent: I can't find any confidence. For me it is extremely hard to find the motivation to do anything. I hope this is enough to vent about, and I hope I'm not wasting anyone's time. But I could definitely go for some tips or something on how to stay positive and working. I feel like i'm missing so many opportunities in life, but I just want the balls to go out and take them.

Thank you guys in advance, I hope to get to know you guys better (again)!

The one thing that really got me out from a serious pony funk myself tbh was Toastbeard. I think that's one of the great places where our community shines. The fact that they push for a theme, that you can use that week's episode as inspiration, that you can ignore both those themes and just post what you're working on allows bronies to have an endless source of inspiration. What it also does on the friday sync-listen is give you a real opportunity for feedback and also enjoying other tracks with LOTS of other members instead of a less populated chat skype where people are shooting the shit. I can't recommend it enough and it often gives newbs and mid-tier artists time to really get noticed by their peers.

MLR music section is a good place for light feedback and wips but it just doesn't hold a torch in comparison.

Other thing if you really want to bond with other bronies (other than comment, favorite, and subscribe over each other's tracks which i recommend) is to do remixes or collaborations and make something where you can communicate and really gain a friendship from that experience (I'm looking at you AndTheRainfall, Dr. D, and Avitaors, you guys rock). That IS the rock that MLR was founded on and it a shame the Remix Wars aren't as active in comparison to how they used to be. That said if you like a track and feel like you can make a positive spin on it reach out to and get the stems from whoever and make it a positive experience and hopefully a good track.

It may have been easier in the past when there weren't 350 "EqD approved" artists (of course there's much more unapproved ones now too) and bronies weren't tripping over each other trying to get heard but then again that open door policy is also what allows for us newer members to come in and still have a chance with lots of peers and an active audience where their used to be a much smaller opportunity. If you can take the time to make a great track or pmv and you keep trying you can still get heard. I still believe that those who give as well as receive and have a good heart will get something postitive and find joy in the experience.

(sorry that was a speech wasn't it)

[SwissArmyCheese]

Damn you guys are good.

Starting with small things

Well minutes after I posted this I set up some plans with friends. Long story short I have an opportunity that would benefit me and possibly change my outlook on life. (Let's just say that for now). Well as I was thinking to myself, I thought: "Well i like the way I am even if I'm unhappy." Then it hit me. I started laughing to myself, I had finally figured out what has been causing my depression. All my life I subconsciously felt like I didn't deserve to be happy. And since I had figured it out, I was free.

So I've set short term and long term goals. I'm going to keep myself busy.

sorry that was a speech wasn't it

That's what I needed to hear. I'm going to get out and do these things like the friday sync listen, and I'm definitely going to listen to more pony music. Hell, I'm the mod over on Reddit's MLPTunes, that should be cake. I'll keep trying and working. Like I've set my weekly Wednesday track goal, I'm sure as shit going to keep it.



Well, Thanks you guys. Today has been a big eye opener. I'll keep posting around and working hard. Thanks again!

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

I'm very glad to hear that. c: Hope everything works out for you, mate! +1 for this community.

Also, <3 Pon-3.

[BeaM]

Well, it's time for my minor rant. I guess it's just I'm stressed out by the fact that I haven't made a single song since I've gotten here. I have the equipment and I have the motivation, I just don't have the skill. It's kinda stressin me out, I prolly shouldn't be ranting about this but it's just annoying me, everything I make sounds like crap and doesn't work. I can't even make a full song, I can only make sounds really :/

[Peak Freak]

Have all my hugs!

[Freewave]

Well, it's time for my minor rant. I guess it's just I'm stressed out by the fact that I haven't made a single song since I've gotten here. I have the equipment and I have the motivation, I just don't have the skill. It's kinda stressin me out, I prolly shouldn't be ranting about this but it's just annoying me, everything I make sounds like crap and doesn't work. I can't even make a full song, I can only make sounds really :/

Find what you can do well at this point (you might need a lot more time practicing to be able to make a good track from the ground up). What I would recommend if is you can't write melodies and put together pieces of songs yet TRY something that's already constructed and try remixing it instead. Taking something that already exists and playing with it helps you find out how good tracks are made and allows you to take part in something that already should sound good at the beginning. You MAY make it worse of course but taking an open project gives you a solid format to begin with.

Check out the sharing is magic section for lots of MLP songs or Brony songs that have midi, samples, and stems to play with and start there. Just don't be surprised if you're first efforts aren't amazing, just focus on them being good or a step in the right direction. Post any WIP's in the music section and we can give you pointers on how to improve your efforts.

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

Well, it's time for my minor rant. I guess it's just I'm stressed out by the fact that I haven't made a single song since I've gotten here. I have the equipment and I have the motivation, I just don't have the skill. It's kinda stressin me out, I prolly shouldn't be ranting about this but it's just annoying me, everything I make sounds like crap and doesn't work. I can't even make a full song, I can only make sounds really :/

Something I learned (or rather, remembered) very recently is that nobody expects you to be perfect. Nobody can be perfect. And you really shouldn't berate yourself or something for not being perfect. I know it probably doesn't help to hear this, especially if what you end up doing is not what you strive to do, but in the end all that matters is that you have fun doing what you do. Who cares if your songs are not very fleshed out, or complex, or whatever, what matters is if you're enjoying it or not. Just keep doing it, and in doing so, you'll learn and acquire skill. And you can always come to us and ask for help, advice, critique, collaborations, or just to hang out for a while. Just hang in there, and never stop creating. After a while, you'll look back on the things you used to do, and marvel at how far you've come.

Someone, quick, post that Ira Glass quote.

[bartekko]

AT ONCE SIR

[Freewave]

that's teamwork

[MiuMiuChuu]

I think I kinda need to vent too *take deep breath*

I'm on my internship, this is my first time working in my life, and I now know why having job can make you dull as a donkey and uninspired. I'm standing for 8 hours straight plus plus (walking to work and home and sometimes straight to school) and the only time I can even actually hear myself talking is on the bus. 8 hours I basically do NOTHING except tending and waiting for visitors and the workers there are somewhat... I don't know. Well, all I can say is I'm so uninspired and after work, all I'm allowed to think of is school, school, and school. I only have one day off and I use that to catch my sleep.
Yes, I haven't been singing, making music, properly make an artwork. My YouTube and Tumblr is as dry as the desert. I could handle this for two to three weeks but I'm getting kinda stir-crazy the way Pinkie isn't allowed to have a party. I'm purposely on hiatus because I purely don't have the time AND this kinda upsets me.
I still can't let go past matters about this certain thing. It happened long ago but the scar's still there. Short to say a best friend turned grudged enemy and recent happenings took me back to this person accidentally in a very wrong time. Well yeah, I'm already emotionally tired with my work and school and this happened. Then Whitney Houston passed away. Okay, this part sounds silly but I guess it kinda affect in someway or another.
All I need now is to express myself about this because the only way I can fix myself when I'm emo, is to write a song and I don't have time and my keyboard's broken. I just need time to express myself, being artsy the way I always am. And real life trying to wash that creativity in you makes you UGH. I WANNA SING, WRITE SONGS, AND DRAW. CAN I JUST DO THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE? This was always my problem anyway. I always wanna be an artist but circumstances never allows me. Pfft.

Hey, but that aside guys;

MIU USES G1 MAGIC AND HUGS EVERYONE IN THIS THREAD

WARNING: While the magic can give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, as well craving for sparkles and rainbows, it could give you severe diabetes as side effect.

[Pickslide1992]

Hugs for everypony in light of Hearts and Hooves day!

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

Oh Miu. I feel you there sister. :c *hug*

[SwissArmyCheese]

MiuMiuChuu- I've been there before. Sucks. A lot. Also HUGS (I said I was going to come back, Here I am!).

I'd say, Make some time purely for yourself, and defended it viciously. I know you said you hardly have time for literally anything else, But maybe on your way to wherever you go for that day you hum a new song or just think about pony.

If you don't already, I would suggest trying meditation. It's boring at first, but you definitely can notice a difference. It's not for everyone, But if you don't I would at least try.

[Freewave]

Alright I'm tired of beating myself up about mastering, I did my best. Arggh. I know I post a lot here (some might say too much) but I do try to help other ponies out and try and be positive person. I've been unusually hard on myself this week (loads of self-doubt) so I just hope I'm not coming off as a douche on MLR. Anyway, I could use a virtual hug as its been a hard week if anyone has any.


MIU did you get your keyboard up and running? I know that broke down a few weeks ago, any progress getting it fixed or replaced?

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

Alright I'm tired of beating myself up about mastering, I did my best. Arggh. I know I post a lot here (some might say too much) but I do try to help other ponies out and try and be positive person. I've been unusually hard on myself this week (loads of self-doubt) so I just hope I'm not coming off as a douche on MLR. Anyway, I could use a virtual hug as its been a hard week if anyone has any.

You can have as many as you want. c: I think most of us go through that more often than we'd like to admit, the problem is most of the time we only focus on what we think we're still doing wrong and don't realize how far we've come in spite of everything. I always seem to gravitate back to the Ira Glass quote, but it's just so true; your ears tell you there's something off in the things you make, and you just can't seem to get it to sound the way you want it to, but just by knowing there still are things to be improved upon is already a big step in the right direction. And it's only after trying again and again that you'll be able to make something your ears will say is good enough. So don't be hard on yourself; nobody expects you to be perfect, so you shouldn't either. c:

And what are you talking about? You're one of the most helpful and supportive people I've seen on this site. As far as I've seen, you're only coming across as such. You deserve all the hugs. All of them.

[Pickslide1992]

DJ, what are you talking about, dude? You are a great guy! We all have our bad weeks; it's just human nature. I understand completely. (Hug)

[SwissArmyCheese]

I could use a virtual hug as its been a hard week if anyone has any.

Hugs right back at ya man. It's only right since you helped me out!

[Stars In Autumn]

I think I kinda need to vent too *take deep breath*

I'm on my internship, this is my first time working in my life, and I now know why having job can make you dull as a donkey and uninspired. I'm standing for 8 hours straight plus plus (walking to work and home and sometimes straight to school) and the only time I can even actually hear myself talking is on the bus. 8 hours I basically do NOTHING except tending and waiting for visitors and the workers there are somewhat... I don't know. Well, all I can say is I'm so uninspired and after work, all I'm allowed to think of is school, school, and school. I only have one day off and I use that to catch my sleep.
Yes, I haven't been singing, making music, properly make an artwork. My YouTube and Tumblr is as dry as the desert. I could handle this for two to three weeks but I'm getting kinda stir-crazy the way Pinkie isn't allowed to have a party. I'm purposely on hiatus because I purely don't have the time AND this kinda upsets me.
I still can't let go past matters about this certain thing. It happened long ago but the scar's still there. Short to say a best friend turned grudged enemy and recent happenings took me back to this person accidentally in a very wrong time. Well yeah, I'm already emotionally tired with my work and school and this happened. Then Whitney Houston passed away. Okay, this part sounds silly but I guess it kinda affect in someway or another.
All I need now is to express myself about this because the only way I can fix myself when I'm emo, is to write a song and I don't have time and my keyboard's broken. I just need time to express myself, being artsy the way I always am. And real life trying to wash that creativity in you makes you UGH. I WANNA SING, WRITE SONGS, AND DRAW. CAN I JUST DO THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE? This was always my problem anyway. I always wanna be an artist but circumstances never allows me. Pfft.

Hey, but that aside guys;

MIU USES G1 MAGIC AND HUGS EVERYONE IN THIS THREAD

WARNING: While the magic can give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, as well craving for sparkles and rainbows, it could give you severe diabetes as side effect.

I can relate totally. I work 10+ hours a day at a software engineering company and come home exhausted. It's hard to find time to spend on what you love creatively when you must spend all of it on something else.

Alright I'm tired of beating myself up about mastering, I did my best. Arggh. I know I post a lot here (some might say too much) but I do try to help other ponies out and try and be positive person. I've been unusually hard on myself this week (loads of self-doubt) so I just hope I'm not coming off as a douche on MLR. Anyway, I could use a virtual hug as its been a hard week if anyone has any.


MIU did you get your keyboard up and running? I know that broke down a few weeks ago, any progress getting it fixed or replaced?

Don't beat yourself up too hard, mastering is not easy at all. It's a profession that people go to college for. You won't learn it overnight, or in a week, or in a year. I'm just learning too. I've read books and stuff and it still sounds nothing like how the pros do it. It just takes practice. Keep going!

/brohugs the both of you.

[Freewave]

aw thanks guys i really appreciate the replies, you guys are the best.

i feel quite a bit better and this helps a lot.

[Pickslide1992]

I was about to say, Pon-3, you're one of my favorite members here. You've helped me in a few tough spots and it's about time I did the same for you.

For the mastering thing, it is a hard mistress to, well, master. :3 That's one problem I have sometimes when I'm finalizing a song.

[Freewave]

yeah i think i'm beginning to get some of the concepts and techniques of basic stuff although i need to work on developing advanced stuff like sidchaining, gating, and triggers. only way is up i guess.

[Pickslide1992]

It's more of balancing out the drums (Snares, hi-hats, crashes, toms, basses) and the bass sounds.

[LeafRunner]

Seems like a lot of people are having similar issues to me right now with not having enough hours in the day. I'm really frustrated right now that I haven't been able to be active over here, finish my song (that's been sitting near completion for about 3 weeks now), write more, and work on various other things such as art. Monday through Thursday day I work 10 hours with a 30 min drive one way to work. In the evenings and all day Friday, Saturday, and half of Sunday I spend all my time animating for school (I'm attending Animation Mentor online character animation school), and trying to keep up with that crowd, since that's what I want to do for a career. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE animation (hell, that's the main reason I got into MLP in the first place), but mixed in with the job, which is general 3D artist stuff that this particular project I find extremely boring, I don't have much free time to keep my inspiration fresh. What frustrates me the most is, I hadn't played music in several years, and then right when I get totally back into it, my free time is ripped away. I play music for me, but it makes me feel like I'm letting down people when I haven't put out anything new in so long, or comment and be active over here. You guys are awesome, and I wish I had the time to get to know you all better, because inspiration feeds inspiration.

I've been at school nonstop for 9 months now, and I'm thinking of taking the next term off to catch up with myself. My contract at my job will be up by that point anyway, so I'll once again have the whole week to devote to school. Luckily, this contract pays extremely well and I've been saving, so I won't be tight for money. I may even be able to pick up some new music equipment too. I'd really love to be able to take that time breathe, pump out some music, and work on my side art/animation more. So many creative things I want to do, with no time to do it, and that frustrates me to no end.

So yeah, sorry I'm not around so much and I wish I could be, you guys are the best.

[Freewave]

Nice to meet you LeafRunner. that's one hell of a busy schedule and sounds a lot more productive then someone like myself who just pours himself into his music in his free time. In many ways that's simply because I have that time (good job but boring and with plenty of surfing time-i'm working right now actually) and that's what overall makes me happy. I'd love to be doing that as part of a creative career or a way up but while I don't have upward mobility I at least have a creative outlet.

Yeah i haven't been involved in pony music during the summer and i'm not sure if this place will explode with output when school is out (likely) or if not having episodes as inspiration will be a detractor. Either way I know its tough to juggle music and life (as said I don't have school but have a full time job and kids). Best of luck to you LR and you can only do what you HAVE the time to do.