A question for fellow artists (music) Do you guys play any covers, did you ever??

Question

I know we are all influenced by other artists, but so many people say that you have to copy other work to get better. Personally I dont like to do that and find I can write songs without playing someone elses songs. I believe that if you learn too much it blocks the creative flow, but that is only my opinion and I wanted to see what some other artists thought. Maybe its just enough to hear other music rather than playing it.

Answer 1

That is basically how I learned guitar... By covering other songs... That is how I developed my ear as well... Now I can just turn the radio on to any station and play along and solo as well. Its good practice for timing too in case you do not have a band... I'm sure if you start to play other people's songs your creative side will not diminish.

Answer 2

In my experience, I agree with you. However, my hubby was in a band that played alot of covers to get gigs in bars, etc.; which opened up an opportunity to play originals as well. I do have the issue of it blocking my creativity, by human nature, I tend to copy and not mean to.

Answer 3

We do a lot of cover stuff with a lot of improvs in the solos. We have a guitarist that is extraordinary. We play clubs mostly and covers are what people want to hear. I go to see a lot of bands in clubs and most original stuff doesn't impress the crowd. Most of it seems to be written to exhibit the talent of the writers and doesn't have a lot of commercial appeal.

Answer 4

My friend's band with his 2 brothers only covered one song; the rest were original. They really liked their original music.

They would cover others' music for practice though but not to perform.

WITH ONE EXCEPTION: they covered the Sesame Street theme song, "Come & play, everything's A-OK." So they were cool.

Answer 5

yes. you listen to other band and mix with your creativity.