Something that has always puzzled us is the stinginess of some of our fellow artists. Many argue that replicating sounds that another artist has made is not the way to find your own personal style. We'd like to argue against that notion. If an artist wants to know how we made a sound, or what sound we used, we tell them and show them. The ridiculous notion that we must protect our brand and style is absurd. Mike believes that it is grounded in a fear that, if another artist were to replicate, for example, Skrillex's FM8 growl, the artist would want to sound like Skrillex. While both of us disagree with each other on the degree of freedom it gives artists, we both recognize that beginning artists should have the right to experiment with other people's sounds.
An artist's work comes from inspiration, often from another person's track. If we are unwilling to share with one another, bland monopolization on sound will become more commonplace. That is why we here at Sundans salute those who take their time to share their tips and tricks with others.
LazyBucks
Theres nothing wrong with replicating another artists sounds and styles.
But it eventually comes to a point when people don't /stop/ replicating.
There are two kinds of musicians in this world. One is the kind that are in it for the lifestyle, they will draw inspiration from all the most popular artists and define themselves from it.
The vast majority of the mainstream industry is these people. The replicate several artists style to make their own somewhat original and somewhat not original style.
Theres nothing wrong with this, but I don't call them musicians. Thats my view.
Then there are people who so drastically fight against the mold. They create original music that they like, that they enjoy. Those who make music for themselves, because its a passion.
Its these people that leave dents in the music industry and stay in everyones minds for years to come.
Artists like Skrillex will do very well, but the name won't live on. Skrillex is a replicate of another before him, and before him, and before him.
Nothing wrong with replication as a form of imitation and flattery, but if you just blindly make no effort to find /your/ own sound, then your just another person out for the fame and glory.
Thats why I only help those who I feel are worth helping.
I won't be the one who actively contributes to the wrong people getting attention for replicated sounds when theres amazing original talent still out there.
Sundans (Updated )
But what exactly is "your own" sound? It is never clear what that is, because every artist sounds similar to someone else. There is no "original", there is no "pioneer". Artists copy all the time. Whether or not the artist's own spin makes it differentiated is irrelevant.
I suppose the true criticism is the notion of originality. Let me cite two similar artists, both in the aggressive dubstep scene: Skrillex and Xenixa. Both sound practically identical these days. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Both use the same FM8 growl and the same structuring in their tracks. Why would that annoy so many people? On what grounds is similarity bad, and how does one distinguish where originality ends and where the copycat begins?
- Mike