Writing to your strengths isn't limiting yourself, it's developing what's already there...especially when you're starting out as a songwriter.

Your examples of Walsh, Satriani, Lowery (5's real name), Clapton, etc. writing differently when collaborating is true; however, those guys collaborate with people who respect their individual style, strengths and abilities. It seems Riley has saddled up with a guy who doesn't respect what he's writing.

The idea of compromising (especially if it makes you "raise the bar" musically) is what most of us here have suggested...but Riley's drummer seems like he won't compromise or collaborate. He just wants Riley to write/play stuff he either doesn't want to write or doesn't have the "feel" for writing.

TexasGuitarSlinger's example is very telling; yes, the people in her band all have different styles, but they respect one another. Without that respect, you have a band that bickers, fights and ultimately breaks up.

I also think that you're forgetting that Russell, Kristofferson and King (all heroes of mine) had to start somewhere. They didn't come out of the womb writing the masterpieces we all know and love. I think Riley's still a jr. high student, and while he might be focusing on a particular genre right now, through growth (as a songwriter and as a person) and collaboration (with people who are respectful and willing to compromise), he'll do fine.

Riley's too determined to succeed...that's why he won't fail.

There's some good points about songwriters that only write for themselves and only to their strengths, but what about songwriters like Leon Russell, Kris Kristofferson, and Carole King, they that can write any style for any performer.

Or Joe Walsh, Joe Satriani, John 5, Eric Clapton, and those artists that write very different when collaborating than when alone.

Try not to limit yourself, quite the opposite, RAISE THE BAR! Put "Your Songs" in a folder for yourself and start writing music for the group. If you can't write a decent collaborative song, TRY AGAIN!

Find your limits, but don't impose them on yourself.

Good Luck with the group

Awesome thread so interesting to read, such experience here!!,

I will chime in young man and say until you get older and can go live in Melbz and advertise to get in whatever musical niece would be most agreeable to your feelings and whilst your in rural Vicco and young just use it as a way to expand your musical knowledge. It's like believe me you will pull heaps of new technique off this guy playing outside your comfort Zone and you will take that with you and build on your style with new technique and you will only grow your own style out of the ordeal. Country towns don't leave people with city options when finding other musicians likeminded so just learn from it and as you get out of school and working it might be time to look toward the Melbz music Scene. The experience your are going through WILL make you a better musician!!!

And as you would expect from me on a more light hearted note....If all else fails!!.....Start a duet with the new cute girl in stage band!!!!

rebel

your a star in our book bro.