MeFi Music Talk

Vote for the MeFiCoFo Board of Directors by joannemerriam

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:44:05 -0800

...here starting October 1st. The Election Committee (atoxyl, dg, joannemerriam, and NotLost) is pleased to announce the election is kicking off tonight! Voting runs from Oct 1, 2025, at 12:01am ET to October 14th, 2025, at 11:59pm ET and new board members begin their term on November 14, 2025. Voters must be natural persons with an account age over 30 days. We are using approval voting so vote for as many candidates as you like. To be elected, a candidate must be approved by at least 15% of all voters. The 7 candidates with the most votes will form the Board (in the case of a tie, the 8th candidate will also be seated). The election timeline is here. If you want to discuss any aspect of this election, please put it in this Metatalk.

Nominations open for MeFi election by NotLost

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:07:02 -0800

You can nominate yourself! Community members with an account for at least 30 days are encouraged to nominate themselves for the first election to the board of the MetaFilter Community Foundation. Please keep the thread to just nominations, user names only. Thank you!

MeFi Board election proposal by dg

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:34:39 -0800

The election committee has posted a proposal for conducting an election to seat a Board of the MetaFilter Community Foundation. This is posted with a view to obtaining feedback from the community on the proposal. Please review it and provide your feedback in the MeTa link above, not in this thread.

What to release under what name? by ignignokt

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:28:53 -0800

Hey, I'd like to know what folks here think of a problem I have involving releasing music that is really different from your previous music. I've released an album under my own personal name. It was a fairly long and ponderous album that most people would characterize as "serious". A few people that don't know me personally have bought it. I'm working on more music that is like that, but I also took a break and put together album that is very different. The songs are short and more or less "fun". I was thinking that I want to put it out under my name as well, but I do not want to disappoint people following me on Bandcamp that expect something completely different. While I'm not going to be AC/DC-like in my consistency, I do understand what it's like to think you're going to get something from an artist and then you don't. Then again, maybe most people don't think it's a big deal and then just wait for the next album? It probably doesn't matter that much, and yet I do want to make the right call here. Thanks for listening and any advice is appreciated!

fundraising for metafilter by moonmilk

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 09:58:07 -0800

Hey! As you may know, metafilter is in a shaky position financially, and is doing a big fundraiser this month. aielen from the metafilter steering committee reached out to see if the music zone might be up for doing some fun fundraising activities between now and early December. This is a thread for music-related fundraising ideas. aielen writes:

We're open to all sorts of ideas/ways this might work (e.g. listening party of MeFi music highlights, review of looptober, online music concert, inviting MeFites to talk about their music-making process, etc), and it would be up to what you'd feel comfortable doing.

looptober by moonmilk

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:01:09 -0800

Anyone else doing looptober this year? The idea is to try make a short repeating musical loop every day in October. I’ve done it for the last few years and enjoyed it, and I’m hoping I’ll find the energy and inspiration for it again this year.

Synthruary by ignignokt

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:11:09 -0800

Is anyone up for Synthruary? It's one of those things where you take a shot and making something for most of the month. It's very open-ended, and you can drop in and out as you please.

CHALLENGE: The Collaboration Station by greenish

Sat, 15 May 2021 12:48:47 -0800

Put your name down for the much-requested collaboration challenge! First of all, before I forget, please check out the first MeFiMusic Podcast in ages! Now down to business. I think we did this before years ago but it's been requested so much since then that we're doing it again. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS If you want to collaborate, sign up in this thread or MeMail me direct. Please include the following as appropriate: - I want to: - I'm looking for someone to: - I've got an idea: FOR EXAMPLE: I want to: share something I've written and see if someone can make something out of it/ sing over something/ share some lyrics I've written and see if someone can write a melody with them I'm looking for someone to: sing on my piece/play a slappin guitar solo on my thing/write me some words for this melody etc etc. Submit your requests anytime over the next fortnight. I'll start matching people up as soon as there are enough to do so! Once you've created your collaborative piece, post it here, and remember to tag it mefimusicchallenge and collaborationstation I absolutely can't wait for this one. Last time was so good. Lets hear what you gorgeous couples can come up with. Ohhhh my goodness I feel like Cilla Black it's the best This one is going to run for a few months to give everyone time to get together virtually.

Can you make requests? by Shepherd

Sat, 15 May 2021 03:06:23 -0800

While I can flail away slightly at the banjo, I am not past the 2-chord stage and can't manage to play and sing at the same time, which seems like wizardry. There's a teeny >20-second song I'd like to make for a thing I'm doing in July. Can I ask, or is that out of place for MeFi Music? I have to give a talk on a legal subject and how it overlaps with my job in July. I've been thinking for some time that I'd like to record a little song to play periodically through the presentation: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I've said it once, I've said it twice, Now I'm singing it so it sounds real nice. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This seems like an unprecedented thing to ask here, either because it's (a) a novel idea that nobody has thought of before, or (b) staggeringly rude and I have the social awareness of a palm tree. If the latter, apologies and ignore me. If the former, and you want to take a quick bash at it, I'd be tremendously grateful. If it were CC0 at the end of the day, I'd likely make an animated text video via AfterEffects or something, for other people to see/use if they liked, etc. Given how often this comes up in general it might turn out to be a service to the Internet.

Music video and vinyl release! by Corduroy

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:23:58 -0800

Hey folks, I posted this over in the Projects section: an incredible music video for my song Again, featuring hand made puppets and miniatures! I wanted to share here because I have been posting songs here (89 of them!) since I was 17, and the support from this community made a world of difference in my songwriting. For a long time, the ONLY people I shared my music with were you all. Probably all the songs on the album have been posted (probably in 2 or 3 forms) on this website. BUT if you'd like to order a vinyl or special edition vinyl to support a local charity in Seattle, visit seththomas.bandcamp.com. Thank you all for your support over the years (er, decade plus).

CH ch ch ch CHANGES by greenish

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 07:49:32 -0800

The First Music Challenge of 2021 Challengers, I present to you: the first Music Challenge of 2021! This challenge is deliberately open so that you can interpret it in whatever way sparks something good for you. It is: CHANGES: post something on the subject of Changes. This could be - A change from your usual oeuvre - A piece of music about change - Something using weird chord changes you wouldn't normally involve yourself with - A change from your usual instrument of choice - A cover of a song about change - Something else I haven't thought of Post your piece on the MeFiMu frontpage, tell us a bit about it if you feel inclined, and remember to tag it with MeFiMusicChallenge and ChChChanges This one is quick and dirty so don't strive for perfection just give us what ya got. Post your challenge before the end of April, when we'll be starting the next one...

MUSIC CHALLENGE - ideas and votes! by greenish

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 03:45:51 -0800

Music Challenges - do you want them back? Please vote! Does anyone want to revive the monthly/bi-monthly/mysteriously time-non-specific music challenges? That's the first question, the second is, let me know your ideas. The third one is, please vote up any ideas you like! The fourth one is, please vote up any of these challenges you'd like to see run: - Tight guideline technical challenges - Open ended songwriting subject challenges - A re-run of the legendary MeFiMusic request raffle (oh my GOOD CHRIST was that 8 years ago?!?!) - A covers challenge for a specific artist or album

Cod philosophy 101 by MajorDundee

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:06:02 -0800

If a track is posted to MeFiMu, and there’s no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound? “Philosophers have long argued that sound, colour, taste, smell and touch are all secondary qualities which exist only in our minds. We have no basis for our common-sense assumption that these secondary qualities reflect or represent reality as it really is. So, if we interpret the word ‘sound’ to mean a human experience rather than a physical phenomenon, then when there is nobody around there is a sense in which the falling tree makes no sound at all. It’s much like posting tracks to MetaFilter Music” https://blog.oup.com/2011/02/quantum/ Yup - I’m slightly lockdown-crazy and have time on my hands.....

Music Challenage suggestion: MeFi NY Gala by AppleSeed

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 14:13:59 -0800

Let's help out with the soundtrack for this MetaFilter Gala via video chat - sounds like the planners are OK with recordings. See this post: https://metatalk.metafilter.com/25693/Metafilter-New-Years-Gala There will be a gallery of pet pictures, recipes including drink recipes, live video chat, etc. So I guess - music for all of that could range from sentimental/reflective to rave party electronica. I think there is universal agreement that 2020 was a "gift that keeps on giving" so maybe there's a topical theme: Arrivederci, 2020 Don't let the door hit you on the way out!!

Where else do you share/collab/etc.? by mykescipark

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 11:46:11 -0800

Hi folks: I realize the irony of my asking this as my first-ever post to MeFiMuTa, but I'm wondering where else folks are congregating online to share their work. For feedback, community, the sheer joy or process of making ... open to any reasons. How large or small of a community is it? Is it constrained by your genre? Do you feel like there are good spaces out there for the work you do? And even so, what are you missing in those communities (aside from the glaringly obvious dearth of playing and sharing in-person)? (Yes, I'm way behind in posting music here, but I'm trying to put in the work now to do better here and elsewhere, hence the question.)

Check-In thread by CarrotAdventure

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 22:37:54 -0800

I'm curious how everyone is feeling about MeMu these days. There is a lot going on at MeTa with regard to site processes, moderation etc. & I don't think it's unfair to say that there is a bit of a sea change taking place at MeFi these days. I figured there might as well be a thread in MeMu to talk about it as needed. Anyone have any thoughts about how things are going here and anything they'd like to see done differently?

What are you trying to learn right now? by FishBike

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 08:47:48 -0800

Are you learning to play a new instrument? Learning a new technique? Discovering a new style of music? Let's talk about it here!

RPM Challenge - April 2020 by pyramid termite

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:54:45 -0800

They usually do this in Feb every year, but because of the situation, and because they want us to stay home, they are doing a challenge in April, too. This time you can pick single, EP, LP, or box set. I do this every year, but i'm going to have to sleep on doing it again.

Can We Do A Challenge? by I'm always feeling, Blue

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 20:55:24 -0800

Let's do it! Even if it's not great. Even if it's bloody brilliant! Even if I, one Rando Calrissian, call for it yet never myself contribute! Even then! Let's do a thing! Brainstorm below maybe?

Opinion: The Pretty Reckless are the best rock band in 40 years by dustpuppy

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 18:26:47 -0800

These folks are talented in a way I haven't seen in years. Just watch them perform on YouTube. The singer's range and the way she can stretch it out is extraordinary. The first time I heard them on the radio back in 2010-11, I couldn't believe it was on the air. Their tune "Follow me Down." It seems to be about a frickin' blow job, for cryin' out loud. The lead singer is Taylor Momsen, a child actor who we saw in that show "Gossip Girls." She says acting is a piece of cake, performing live is what it's all about. Mind you, with all this "incel" stuff, maybe their tune (it's absolutely phenomenal rock) "Why'd You Bring A Shotgun to the Party" is a bit inflammatory. Drums, bass, lead, singer. Power trio with a great, great front. So refreshing! Really hope they can make more music together.

My challenge submission via Youtube video- Poor Mouth by twoplussix

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:17:26 -0800

I loved the idea of the March challenge A Change Will Do You Good, but midway through the month my computer and digital recorder got stolen and I've been on a Chromebook with no time to sort out recording options. Below is my submission, via Youtube. Last night I was in a very dramatic beautiful dusk setting, and we recorded a cell phone video of me singing my submission. The song is an altered version of 16 Horsepower's Poor Mouth. 16 Horsepower were a Christian Rock Americana band, and made twangy music just as over-the-top dramatic as normal 90's Americana, only theirs was sincere about the belief in the Devil and all that. I altered the song by removing the refrain. That suddenly changed it from a song about repentance and Christian fellowship (or something) to a song about being very very regretful about something very very terribly bad that someone did in a relationship. Original 16 Horsepower live version of this amazing song, with the cloying modulation and more of the ol' skygod: https://youtu.be/O0dpHMRWAz0 My version for the Challenge, a capella with Mt Tamalpais in the background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=023LjhCcfkQ If someone feels like stripping the audio track off this, I'd be happy to post it properly in Songs for posterity.

How's the weather in Night Vale? by moonmilk

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 07:47:30 -0800

Apparently the Welcome to Night Vale podcast is accepting music submissions until Feb. 15. In case that's the kind of thing you might want to do.

Your song may be in any genre, may be instrumental or have vocals, and may be in any language. If it’s music, you can submit it. We are not interested in whether a song feels creepy or weird or “Night Vale-y”. Our only criterion is if we love a song. So send us your best song, not your weirdest one. Unless your weirdest song is also your best one. Then send that weird one. We are especially interested in types of music we haven’t featured before, so don’t feel hesitant to send something that doesn’t sound anything like any weather we’ve had.

Do Audacity projects move between Mac and Windows versions of Audacity? by twoplussix

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 10:56:03 -0800

Can I collaborate with others using a version of Audacity that's running on a different kind of operating system from mine does? There's an Audacity help page about sending Audacity projects to others for collaboration, and that discusses needing the same Audacity version in some odd cases (like if you're still on Mac OS9 for some reason): https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/sending_your_work_to_others.html I couldn't figure out from this whether a project made in a Mac version of Audacity and one made using a Windows version are compatible. I want to be able to record some tracks and sent them to someone with a different version of Audacity running on a different OS machine.

Challenge (Size: XL) - THE KATE BUSH BONANZA by greenish

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:30:33 -0800

The time has come for another big cover version event, and this time we honour the High Priestess of Weird Pop, her Excellency Ms Kate Bush We haven't done a big covers challenge for a while, and choosing a favourite KB album is impossible, so I'm throwing it open to her whole catalogue. This is the longer challenge and will run for the first half of this year, so take your time, pick the track you want to do, and when you're ready upload it and tag it #KateBushBonanza and #MeFiMusicChallenge I'll be collecting up all the entries at the end, in order to present them back to our comrades with appropriate fanfare. Now, Blow Away and start Waking The Witch...

Challenge (Size: Regular) - A CHANGE WOULD DO YOU GOOD by greenish

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:13:58 -0800

I think a change (a change would do you good) would do you good (a change would do you good) This is the short challenge, running January-March. Take a song which is awkward, irrelevant or problematic in some way and change it up. Beautiful melody but weird sexist lyrics? re-write! Classic tune but way too fast for you to enjoy singing? wind that tempo down! Post your challenge entries anytime until the end of March, and remember to tag them #ChangeItUp and #MeFiMusicChallenge