I'm planning on making a CD with a friend of mine. Not really forming a band. I'm not ready for that. The thing is, I don't know if I'm ready for it. I don't know that much about music, and I play a bass, Yet I'm writing all the music. This is the first time I'm doing this, and I'm freaking out. I guess what I'm asking for is "how do I wanna do this". I don't reall consider myself a musician. More of a visionary. I can come up with great music, but getting it down on paper takes forever, and I usually forget what I hear in the process. Really what I'm asking is for the steps you would take for writing a song. What comes first, and after that and stuff? I think that over time the more I'm around music, I can start to write it easily, but I need to start somewhere. So I come to you begging for some kind of help. There are emotional reasons for me making this album.

I usually work in a group atmosphere. I'm no musician but like you i'm a kind of visionary. I write lyrics obsessively and while I write I place notes on what each section should sound like and if there should be any bridges or flourishes. It helps that I work with some very talented people who can come up with decent material on the spot over my directions, but I still recommend that you don't write entirely alone and instead, work with your friend as well and discuss!! Always discuss, no matter how many are in the band.

Also, regularly practice the material you have. Sometimes you can come up with something that SEEMS to do the trick..until you play it in a practice room environment. It isn't nice but you should be honest with yourself and toss that idea. Quality music comes from sacrifice and persistence, so stick at it, no matter how long it takes.

dude, dont just jump into making a cd. trust me its a bitch and a half, my advice would be to try and get yourself into an actual band, then rehearse some songs. BTW if you are gonna make a cd, dont worry about the sound quality, if its listenable its fine, just focus on the music

I'm in a band right now actually, but it goes very slow. But ya, both your advice is great, thanks so much. I don't know if I'll still just jump into making this CD, but I'll think over what you guys said. You've been a great help.

Okay, not to make fun of you, but the way you spelled beginner makes me think of the school-yard slang for the female genitalia....

Anyway, do you have the equipment necessary to record a CD? How long has your band been together and how many songs do you have written? Are you well rehearsed on the songs you do have written? I would highly suggest that since this is your first foray into album making, record an EP, which would be about 3 - 6 songs. Also realize that without a studio, your recording is NOT going to sound like the albums by established, signed bands that go out on tours and such. There is literally thousands of dollars of equipment necessary to make a professional recording, and I'm willing to bet you don't have the money for that right now. You're going to have to settle for a decent sounding record at best.

Do you know how to use a computer digital recording program, like Sonar (PC) or Digital Performer (MAC)? If you do, that will be a gigantic help. If not, this may take longer than you think. Knowledge of simple mixers will also help and a decent condensor mic for vocals will faithfully reproduce the vocals with accuracy. I recommend the AKG C2000BH for a good beginner condensor mic. American Musical Supply (http://www.americanmusical.com) sells them for $199.99. Remember that condensors require phantom power, and most midsize mixers come with a phantom power switch. Yamaha's MG Series mixers are good quality and a decent price. You're going to want a mixer that has no less than 6 XLR inputs for mics for recording drums. For snare drums, toms and amps, it's pretty hard to beat the rugged Shure SM57 ($89.99). It can handle very high SPLs and has become a world standard for a reason. For the bass drum, Shure's Beta 52 ($189.99) is badass. For overheads for the cymbals, AKG's C1000S is a decent mic and you can get a pair for $299.97 at American Musical.

Are you starting to notice how expensive recording can get? I hope that helps somewhat, but since you didn't specify too much about your situation, I'm not sure where you stand. Good luck.

ya, I know I spelled it wrong, and I felt so stupid. But no offense taken. This is actually more experimental, and yes I do have a studio to work in. This is actually sort of a project I'm doing for fun, and practice, so it's not going to be amazing. But I'll think over what you said. Thanks