The lonely musician

[DeterminedJuliet]

Welcome to the forum.  No heavy metal? Screaming can be quite melodious.

I've listened to some when friends play it in their cars.  But I don't divulge in it. Have any suggestions that I should listen to? No one really shares heavy metal with me because they think I wouldn't like it. 

I have a few suggestions.  I won't go to far because some of the stuff I like is literally just people screaming.  A good example of that would be Slipknot though they have a few non screamers.  Anything Metallica did in 1990 or before is good.  My favorite singer would be Serj Tankian from System of a Down. He's actually a really good singer even though his lyrics are nutty.  For classics I would recommend Black Sabbath or AC/DC.

Surely Iron Maiden should be the first port of call. Possibly some of the most harmony-literate of any heavy metal, and some excitingly palatable melodies for the most discerning of musos.

This is true. I don't even really like the genre, but I can listen to Iron Maiden.

[Jimmy]

Welcome to the forum.  No heavy metal? Screaming can be quite melodious.

I've listened to some when friends play it in their cars.  But I don't divulge in it. Have any suggestions that I should listen to? No one really shares heavy metal with me because they think I wouldn't like it. 

I have a few suggestions.  I won't go to far because some of the stuff I like is literally just people screaming.  A good example of that would be Slipknot though they have a few non screamers.  Anything Metallica did in 1990 or before is good.  My favorite singer would be Serj Tankian from System of a Down. He's actually a really good singer even though his lyrics are nutty.  For classics I would recommend Black Sabbath or AC/DC.

Surely Iron Maiden should be the first port of call. Possibly some of the most harmony-literate of any heavy metal, and some excitingly palatable melodies for the most discerning of musos.

This is true. I don't even really like the genre, but I can listen to Iron Maiden.

Iron Maiden and early Metallica(...and Justice For All is packed full of awesomeness) Just about any Maiden album will do: Powerslave, Number of the Beast(my favorite Maiden though is Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
I'm generally not into metal, just some stuff when I was younger. I'm much more into other genres like classical, jazz, some dance and electronics stuff, alternative rock, blues, alt country, opera. I did read somewhere that the personalities of classical and metal music are similar. Anyone else heard that?

[rickrocks]

Hi, Musicality,
I too am new here, and I too am a musician. What's your instrument? (Please forgive if someone already asked) I play classical music on the piano, but I also play pop/rock oldies in a local band. Both are a lot of fun, but obviously pop is a lot easier. The only thing is you have to get the 'groove' right. The rest really doesn't matter.

I'm 58 and I've been a musician a long time, as well as being an atheist since I was about 19 or 20. I could tell you a thing or two about either one, but the thing I wish to share as a way to introduce myself, is that you have to take an unbiased look at things and go with what seems right to you, day to day. That seems overly simplistic, and almost faith-based, and, well, so be it. I try hard to not have any set-in-stone beliefs, but to filter all incoming data through my own pocket version of the scientific method. It's the only rational way to go through life, and it yields the most usable information. Once I am satisfied that I have adequate information, I then decide on my actions.

If you recently have removed yourself from a long-standing relationship with your church, you are sure going to feel lonely sometimes. The thing that draws people to church, aside from all the God claptrap, is the sense of belonging, of community. It will take some time, but after a while, as you form new relationships, you'll find yourself redefining what community and friendship mean for you. Deciding you don't believe in God etc is a very important though gradual process. At least it was for me. Give it some time, and have the patience of Job, if you will. I really enjoy knowing that I am responsible for my deeds, good bad and indifferent. Wouldn't have it any other way.

As for metal, my favorite band is the Swedish band, Meshuggah. Their polyrythms will drive you crazy. I like to put them on when I am driving back from a far-away gig. Guaranteed to keep you awake! My two sons play together in a metal band called Hubris and are weeks away from their first CD release. I'll keep you posted, if you like.

[Siz]

Welcome to the forum.  No heavy metal? Screaming can be quite melodious.

I've listened to some when friends play it in their cars.  But I don't divulge in it. Have any suggestions that I should listen to? No one really shares heavy metal with me because they think I wouldn't like it. 

I have a few suggestions.  I won't go to far because some of the stuff I like is literally just people screaming.  A good example of that would be Slipknot though they have a few non screamers.  Anything Metallica did in 1990 or before is good.  My favorite singer would be Serj Tankian from System of a Down. He's actually a really good singer even though his lyrics are nutty.  For classics I would recommend Black Sabbath or AC/DC.

Surely Iron Maiden should be the first port of call. Possibly some of the most harmony-literate of any heavy metal, and some excitingly palatable melodies for the most discerning of musos.

This is true. I don't even really like the genre, but I can listen to Iron Maiden.

Iron Maiden and early Metallica(...and Justice For All is packed full of awesomeness) Just about any Maiden album will do: Powerslave, Number of the Beast(my favorite Maiden though is Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
I'm generally not into metal, just some stuff when I was younger. I'm much more into other genres like classical, jazz, some dance and electronics stuff, alternative rock, blues, alt country, opera. I did read somewhere that the personalities of classical and metal music are similar. Anyone else heard that?

For someone not into metal you certainly have a good handle on what's good. You've chosen the best of the best here Jimmy IMO.

Experts claim that Metallers and high IQ are linked in the same way that Classical and high IQ are. Who am I to argue
I'm not exclusively all about metal though. I love me some classical and some jazz and I'm a fairly recent convert to Dubstep. Can't stand Opera, Hip Hop or the arrogant, crotch-grabbing, crime-glorifying, baseless self importance of rap.

This is my current fave:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDBxWQtgypY
And I went to see these guys a couple of months bakck - very cool contemporary. They played half the gig in pitch dark which was an amazingly immersive experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly8KniNgkXo

[Buddy]

Welcome to the forum!

If you are in the market for some good rock, I would definently suggest Nephew. One of my favorites is Hospital.

[Guardian85]

Welcome to the forum. Glad to have more musicians here.

I have played the drums since I was ten. Played in marching bands, orchestras and some band projects that never went anywhere.

If you want some good, melodious metal, try this on for size.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Eu3rZOxaN0

[applesauce]

Hi musicality. I'm the same age as you, and I'm still in college as well. I decided to commit to my non-theism not too long ago (maybe a year ago). When I first realized everyone at my school was really religious, I was discouraged. There are 5 religious clubs at my school and no secular club. I thought about starting one, but I'm really busy + I got some not so supportive reactions from people there. I'm not that discouraged anymore, though. I realize there are atheists and agnostics everywhere you go. They're just not as loud as Christians are. Are you filipino btw?? There is a website online called filipinofreethinkers dot org. I think they do meetups, but they're probably located in the phils!

[rickrocks]

This is a reply to Applesauce and it may be useful to Musicality as well. For those of you in college and wishing there was a secular group on your campus, I'd like to suggest that you contact the Center For Inquiry. I've been a member for some time. Originated right here in Buffalo NY, believe it or not, they have recently been designated as an NGO by the UN. They are truly worldwide, with centers around the globe. They have campus outreach programs and will be able to help you find others looking for like-minded people. I'm also sure they would be supportive if you were to express interest in starting a group. Go to http://www.centerforinquiry.net/oncampus/

[En_Route]

I'll try to make this short. I am a new member here & also new to atheism  I am a classical musician and music major in college and have found that in this career, I am surrounded by devout believers. Some know what I believe (or lack there of). But I have lost friends as well. Also, being raised in a strong asian catholic household doesn't make it any easier to be atheist.

So I Just thought I'd come here and find a place where it didn't feel so lonely in my thoughts. 
Also, I just want to learn as much as I can about religion, philosophy, science, etc. Hope to engage in wonderful conversations with you guys!

I'll add my welcome. Being a non-believer seems to be a lonelier and tougher station in the USA than in Europe.

[AnimatedDirt]

I'll add my welcome. Being a non-believer seems to be a lonelier and tougher station in the USA than in Europe.

I'll add my welcome as well as HAF tends to be a lonely place for believers...but accepting.  HAF is a great place.  I know you'll enjoy.

[Tank]

I'll try to make this short. I am a new member here & also new to atheism  I am a classical musician and music major in college and have found that in this career, I am surrounded by devout believers. Some know what I believe (or lack there of). But I have lost friends as well. Also, being raised in a strong asian catholic household doesn't make it any easier to be atheist.

So I Just thought I'd come here and find a place where it didn't feel so lonely in my thoughts. 
Also, I just want to learn as much as I can about religion, philosophy, science, etc. Hope to engage in wonderful conversations with you guys!

I'll add my welcome. Being a non-believer seems to be a lonelier and tougher station in the USA than in Europe.

That's an understatement! Some of the stories I've read about teens in the US 'coming out' are truly horrific.

[En_Route]

I'll try to make this short. I am a new member here & also new to atheism  I am a classical musician and music major in college and have found that in this career, I am surrounded by devout believers. Some know what I believe (or lack there of). But I have lost friends as well. Also, being raised in a strong asian catholic household doesn't make it any easier to be atheist.

So I Just thought I'd come here and find a place where it didn't feel so lonely in my thoughts. 
Also, I just want to learn as much as I can about religion, philosophy, science, etc. Hope to engage in wonderful conversations with you guys!

I'll add my welcome. Being a non-believer seems to be a lonelier and tougher station in the USA than in Europe.

That's an understatement! Some of the stories I've read about teens in the US 'coming out' are truly horrific.

That's the very first time in my whole life I've ever been accused of understatement.

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

[Firebird]

Welcome musicality! I used to be a classical/jazz musician back in my younger days (clarinet and saxophone), though I'm no longer playing. Life gets busy, I suppose, but someday I'll get back into it. But as far as metal, I would definitely suggest checking out Dream Theater. As far as pure musical talent, it doesn't get much better than them. I'm also a big fans of Tool's "10,000 Days" album and plan on checking out more of their stuff. Hope you enjoy your time here.

[musicality]

Wow! thanks for all the suggestions guys!!
This is actually kind of amazing because I lost a lot of music when I switched to a new laptop

If you guys have any other suggestions (not just metal) don't hesitate to send me a personal message or post here, your choice
Thanks again for all the artist/song suggestions?

People usually think that since I'm a classical musician, i'm stuffy and only listen to symphonic scores and arias. To be honest, sometimes I get sick of that and just wanna sit at home and listen to some jazz or whatever.

So send away wonderful people!