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Original poster

Homemade cd an acceptable Christmas present?

141 replies

DieAntword · 07/08/2018 13:12

I don't have a lot of money. I am not crafty AT ALL. People tell me, often, that I have a beautiful voice (I sing to my kids a lot in public because it soothes them and ...I love singing anyway). I like my voice I think it's nice.

I once took singing lessons for a term because at uni there was an option to do a terms worth of music modules but you had to do either an instrument or singing lessons and choir. She said I had a good voice for being "wild and untamed".

I want to do a CD of folk music songs as a Christmas present for friends and family because a pack of recordable CDs is cheap and I don't have a lot of money but it would still take work, it's not like I'm just going to belt out the songs - I will practice and try and get them to a good level.

On the other hand no matter how well I know a song there are moments I don't quite hit a note or my voice cracks a bit or something - I can never get it perfect. I imagine that's true of most singers tbh (every band I have seen live has made mistakes that were smoothed over in the studio produced versions) but obviously I can't afford access to a studio to make it "perfect".

Would you find a gift like that insulting? A bit egotistical (like... why would someone be so arrogant as to think you want to hear their singing)? Or would you appreciate it for the thought and work that went in? (and hopefully you like the music too!)

OP posts:
franklymydearidontgivea · 07/08/2018 15:16

Not being a party pooper, but please if you go ahead, check on the legalities, specifically the copyright of recording someone else's music.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 07/08/2018 15:18

Oh, no I wouldn’t be keen. Your parents might like it, but probably not anyone else. Is that a genre of music they like?

For people other than parents I’d think it’s a bit show offy. Mostly jealousy though as my singing voice is HORRENDOUS

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 07/08/2018 15:19

I always feel like I’m being a burden on people inviting them to mine

I really don’t think anyone other than you sees it like that. I’m sure they love spending time with you.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 15:28

Not being a party pooper, but please if you go ahead, check on the legalities, specifically the copyright of recording someone else's music.

It would all be old folk songs and hymns and things nothing that’s written in the past 70 years.

OP posts:
Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 15:32

I would be a bit hmm 'she loves herself, doesn't she?' If someone gave me a CD hey had made of them singing as a gift.

Well it’s just the only thing I think I’m any good at except computer programming which isn’t really useful without being good at ideas for computer programs to make.

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LynetteScavo · 07/08/2018 15:33

I would like it. If I enjoyed listening to it, I'd play it lots, if I didn't I'd stick it with other CDs and never listen to it again.

It's better than hone made mango chutney.

seven201 · 07/08/2018 15:34

Definite no from me. I would know what to say if someone gave me that. If your parents love your voice and love folk song then yes it would be good for them. Definitely don't give to anyone who needs a present though. I'm another one in the I don't even own a CD player anymore camp.

WillowRose79 · 07/08/2018 15:36

Lovely gift to parents!!

IKnowItsTIMHONKSTIMHONKS · 07/08/2018 15:37

I think it seems quite an arrogant gift to give. I definitely wouldn't appreciate it (not that I'd tell the person who gave it to me) and I'd probably feel really embarrassed and never listen to it.

Stompythedinosaur · 07/08/2018 15:53

While I see what you're getting at, I'd find it a bit cringy.

Maybe for you parents it would be ok?

I agree that simple baking or promises of help would be much better.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 15:56

Would you change your answers if all the recipients were people who previously told me they like my singing (and I almost always sing the same kind of songs because it’s the only kind I know how to sing).

OP posts:
bluetrampolines · 07/08/2018 15:58

For your parents yes but i wouldn't want it.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 07/08/2018 15:58

No I wouldn’t. Honestly if someone said that to me I’d assume they were being polite.

I mean actually I’d assume they were drunk, but that’s specific to my musical ability...

royalton · 07/08/2018 16:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 16:12

No I wouldn’t. Honestly if someone said that to me I’d assume they were being polite.

Even if they nag you to sing some more all the time, or when you're singing away from them, quietly to your child they ask their teenaged children to be quiet and listen?

OP posts:
BloodyForeigner · 07/08/2018 16:12

No from me as well.
Even USB sticks are a outdated now. Most people use phones and Bluetooth. Also, I think you are seriously underestimating how hard it is to record a nice, professional-sounding track (and to keep your small DC from interrupting!). Would there be no backing music, just your voice?
IF your parents like folk music AND appreciate artsy/homemade gifts AND you know they listen to CDs, then may be for them. But for no one else. Make some edibles instead, tailored to people’s preferences.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 16:19

Also, I think you are seriously underestimating how hard it is to record a nice, professional-sounding track

Well it obviously won't sound professional because I'm not, but I've made tracks with garage band and given them to people before just as an example of a song for instance (like there's a Greek song that has an English translation but was not in Welsh so I made a Welsh version of the song for someone - it was a religious song and they are a singer in a church in Wales and this allows them to learn the song in Welsh so they can sing it for the church). I don't think it sounds awful but I do flinch when I hear mistakes or whatever. But knowing how my cakes turn out they wouldn't be any less obviously flawed.

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dun1urkin · 07/08/2018 16:24

No.
Don’t do it.
I love hearing my parents sing, they both sing in a choral society and my mum is in a madrigals group. But I’d never want a cd of them, as pp have said, it’s cringy.

Whatsthisbear · 07/08/2018 16:24

Would you find a gift like that insulting? A bit egotistical (like... why would someone be so arrogant as to think you want to hear their singing)? Or would you appreciate it for the thought and work that went in? (and hopefully you like the music too!)

I wouldn’t find it insulting but I would think egotistical tbh and it would make me cringe a bit. It would also make me think the person would be fishing for complements.

Even if they nag you to sing some more all the time, or when you're singing away from them, quietly to your child they ask their teenaged children to be quiet and listen?

Yes even then.

Enough people have said they wouldn’t personally like it but you seem to really want to and at the end of the day you know you friends best. But I still think no. Sorry op.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 16:28

Well that sucks. I guess its pretty note cards for everyone yet again.

OP posts:
ShotsFired · 07/08/2018 16:42

What, so it's either first choice of cds or last choice of notecards and they're the only possible options in the whole world?

Nothing anyone else has suggested (that may be even cheaper than those) is any good?

You may not mean to but you're sounding a little precious now OP. You asked for, and objective people gave you, honest opinions and suggested alternatives.

DasPepe · 07/08/2018 16:55

OP it sounds like the people around you know your money troubles and understand.

It’s not my thing but if it wouldn’t cost a lot of money I would go ahead. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to listen to it.
But some my appreciate popping this on as background music during Christmas lunch.

It’s better to give a gift than a “voucher” for something - then the recipient has to do all the work of claiming their gift that’s not really a gift.

Make a CD, wrap it up and give with joy and love. I’m sure the sentiment will also carry and will be appreciated

2010Aussie · 07/08/2018 17:03

I think that it's a lovely idea. Perhaps just for family and close friends but if I had a friend in your situation, I would be quite touched.

Do keep up with your singing. Join a local choir. If you are good they might coach you for nothing. It's fun and really not that expensive.

You can buy a CD player for a tenner and CDs are very cheap in charity shops. I regularly buy a few and then either keep them or donate then back.

Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 17:05

You may not mean to but you're sounding a little precious now OP. You asked for, and objective people gave you, honest opinions and suggested alternatives.

I don't feel confident to cook stuff for other people, my family will eat it but I just don't think its good enough for anyone else.

Babysitting - my friends bar one have teenage kids or no kids and don't need that sort of thing.

Dog walking - none of them have a dog and I'm scared of dogs.

Chutney - definitely don't feel I am capable of making this because I don't like it so would have no way to test if it's nice.

I've actually gotten compliments on notecard gifts because I make sure to choose art styles I know the recipient likes.

I like the idea of vouchers, but I have no valuable skills to offer and not a huge amount of time. Last time I gave people cakes for Easter they got food poisoning (hopefully it was one of the other items of food that were around and not my cakes, but it doesn't fill me with confidence. Least no-one would end up vomiting from some music.)

OP posts:
Original poster
DieAntword · 07/08/2018 17:06

Do keep up with your singing. Join a local choir. If you are good they might coach you for nothing. It's fun and really not that expensive.

I really want to find somewhere I can do the kind of music I like - three/four part harmonies, folk and religious music - sort of a mix of stuff like Peter Bellamy and stuff like Ensemble Organum.

So far though I've not come across anything like that.

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