The title of this post has absolutely nothing to do with its content. Haha it's been quite a while since my last update and my how things have changed. It's a new year! And there is so much to celebrate and appreciate right now. I've grown stronger in more than music (as all things are connected this should come as no surprise). For one, I have begun a solo project for the first time in a few years. As of now I've written 10 songs and continue to write and record as inspiration strikes and commitment takes hold. I still love the idea collaborations and look forward to making music with those dear to me, but I believe an artist gains strength by creating and experimenting alone; and can better appreciate what others bring to the table and in turn bring more themselves.
For one, I am surprising myself with guitar abilities, though I have a long way to go still. I am also growing confident in my singing as well. My mixes still aren't quite sounding "professional" and huge. Fortunately, I will this weekend delving into stereo-buss compression and understand more how that affects a mix… In other words, I've got a game plan. Starting next Thursday I will be going into the studio at Dizzy Records with my friend and master musician, Reed Guillory. I am extremely optimistic and am working to have my songs ready to rock and roll.
Another plan developed from a recent trend in my life: the spontaneous jam session. It could happen anywhere, anytime, with anyone, with out any instruments (though there are those who are special souls who are especially likely to join or even start one). The joy of connection and being present in such a moment is so inspiring. In fact, it makes me rethink the traditional role of a concert. Generally, there is a clear divide between the performer and the audience. The performer has practiced and practiced until mastery has been achieved and then performs with as much flash as needed to compensate for the lack of musical substance, hahahah… That's a rather negative view just to make a point: Imagine how fun would it be as an audience member to simply be improvising music with the master musician you adore.
This leads me to another thought: Masterpieces. What makes a masterpiece? The simplest answer I can think of is a Master. Anyone can be a master through mastery… okay, what is that? I hear you ask… Mastery is making the exact right action in the moment. This awareness takes practice but time is irrelevant in the actual rate of progress. For some, it will take a lifetime (especially if they are unaware), for others, like Josh Radin, it could take two or three years only. Still other "child prodigies" (Tony Royster Jr.) seem to fly through the process overnight… Here is one wise, old man's (Tom LaCoque) explanation of the Mastery process: ignorant, inept, bad, ok, good, adept, boredom, mastery. Let's apply this to my singing history thus far:
1) Ignorant: So at first I was ignorant of any skills involved in singing… I was complete unaware. I didn't know I didn't know how to sing.
2) Inept: Growing up with many musicians, I would join in the singing and playing and was quickly told I was not helping
3) Bad: I attempted with more awareness and had the occasional success but learned now that I was "off pitch"
4) Ok: Soon I was encouraged to sing along with simple choruses that were too easy to mess up
5) Good: I became aware of the physical sensations of singing and analyzed them
6) Adept: This is where I am now. I can now singing a tune and have anywhere from a 75-95% success rate hahah
7) Boredom: This is a critical stage according to LaCoque where one can get stuck and never develop into a true master… One must power through with belief and work ethic and critical awareness in order to make the jump to mastery
8) Mastery: Again, Mastery is making the exact right action in the moment. Singing very note with feeling and awareness
As this music blog borders the line of being a life lesson blog I will make a recommendation for the book I am currently reading, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book changes everything… Enjoy!
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