Guest Article – "Where Do I Go From Here?"

This is a guest article for “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website, written by songwriter Luc Brisson. Luc would appreciate any feedback to his comments or music, so please feel free to leave a comment below.

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Hello everyone, fellow songwriters. I’m a relatively new singer/ songwriter/ arranger/ instrumentalist- about 3 years in the process, and have recorded about 10 songs on my own so far. I’ve entered international songwriting competitions and haven’t won anything but I did get SOME scoring results back which were rather encouraging, with many 7 and 8’s/10.

With that being said, I recently approached a music director for Christian/Gospel music and referred him to a website that I’ve uploaded some of my songs to. I told him that they are not professionally made… the drums are basically coming from an effects loop (very boring), taken from a guitar effects processor. Here’s what he said in his email:

“At first blush there are a few things that strike me about your songs…the guitar work is very strong, and you definitely have a “sound”, which is good (some indie artists are all over the map). The big thing I notice about it though is the late 80’s/early 90’s vibe you’ve got going on…almost a stadium rock feel, a la Petra (on the Christian side) or Extreme (on the mainstream side). Tons of reverb etc. Was that deliberate? If so that’s cool, but your music is certainly out of step with the Contemporary sound of today (which, again, isn’t a bad thing if that’s what you were aiming for…but it is something to be aware of either way).”


 He also wrote a little later,


(“Hot AC” is the prevalent format in Christian radio today and your songs sound dated by comparison).

 I think more compression would help…and less of the reverb etc. that contributes to what I call the “stadium rock” feel you’ve got going on. If you can find a professional producer I’d recommend running the songs by him or her for more specific technical suggestions.”


Eeeeeeeeeeekkkkkk!!!! I NEVER CONSIDERED FORMAT ( i.e. contemporary) when writing my songs! I did wish to make them very radio friendly. I believe I achieved my goal, but omitted to think about that aspect. But in the process, even before hearing the songs, he advised me strongly “be yourself”… don’t try to be someone else.”

There’s nothing really wrong with my songs as a whole, but where does one go from here? I’m up to making small changes (drums a definite overhaul) but not big changes to my songs. I want my songs to be heard, whether by live performance or via radio, and making a bit of money would be nice, but not essential.

In a nutshell, I am who I am. Comments/ opinions appreciated. I hope this article can also help others. Some of my songs can be heard on reverbnation.com – Just click on the link.

My home email is revel_73@yahoo.ca for any feedback, or post a comment below. Thanks…and let us encourage one another!! – 


(Gary…KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!)

-Luc Brisson
Posted in Opinion, Songwriting Opinion and tagged , , , , , .

One Comment

  1. Hey, your songs are awesome! There is a lot of reverb, but it really gives a nice feeling. And you do have a “sound,” which I would compare more to Corey Hart than Extreme. Really, it seems like you been at it for more than three years. Keep it up, man.

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