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Stoneman
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7/16/2022 12:11:15 AM
Try Something New!
One of the definitions for insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. I know so many artists who are caught up in this insane maze of genre exclusivity and creative hell. Typically, they fell in live with a particular genre and never strayed from it. Now, there is nothing wrong with this unless, after so many years nothing ever really happened. In the music industry you be in the make things happen" business. Contracts and agreements require that you be productive. however, one should never allow oneself to be grouped into one thing. By doing this you narrow your options and stunt your access to creative growth. One of the reason I perform so many genres of music is because I saw opportunities and decided to try to optimize my catalog to meet those or be compatible with those opportunities. Back in 78 I joined a Reggae band just so I could learn the genre from an authentic perspective. It was a fun 2 year excursion into the cruise ship industry. From there I went to a supper club jazz band that played on jazz standards. Didn't do any singing with them as i just played the horn parts. From there i toured with a metal band and was probably the worst lead guitar player they ever had. But with each experience I learned something new. Those lessons were invaluable to my later songwriting/producer efforts and contributed to the fact that I have now earned music industry awards in 9 musical genres.
My motto has always been "Why not try something new?". I like learning new things and proving to myself that I can do them. Recently, my martial arts instructor challenged me to compete in a national tournament. Up to then I had only competed in regional competitions. So, I sifgned up and competed and guess what? I won first place in the 65 and older category.But the best art of it was the preparation for the tournament. My Sifu put me through some grueling exercises and I had to learn some new fighting techniques. The result was that I am now a much better martial artist and it gives me great pride to see my trophy and I got a bet promotion (Brown Belt). My doctor said I was too old to be competing in tournaments. Fuck him! What does he really know? I whipped everybody in my path.
But I digress, my point is that by branching out and trying new stuff you make yourself more marketable to music industry decision makers and you improve your confidence. Think of it this way, if you were an a&r person would you sign the guy that plays great guitar and writes awesome Pop songs or would you sign the guy who plays every instrument well, writes and produces 9 musical genres well and has credentials in both recording engineering and music industry studies? The answer to that question is very clear. however, you cannot become anything more than what you are unless you try something else. So many of us get stick in a rut. It's an easy thing to do. When I get stuck in a rut I move on to something else. I am constantly trying to grow and know more about music. There is so much that I don't know so I keep seeking the answers to my personal questions about music production and songwriting. It is my hope that one day I can reach first place in the national music tournament known as the Billboard charts. If you are in it for the long haul I implore you to learn how to do as many things as you can. The more you know, the more you grow. The more you grow the better you become. The better you become the closer you get to your overall goals. A few years ago I said that I was going to be a nationally ranked Black Belt by the time I am 85. So many people laughed when I said that because I had just suffered a stroke and was paralyzed on one side of my body. The doctors were saying that I would never walk again. Ha! I got up and started dragging myself down the hallways in the hospital late at night. I was determined to prove them all wrong. I did a lap the first night on my right knee. The second night I did two laps and some modified knee bends. Each night I did more and added more stuff and about a month later I walked out of that hospital. I had a bad limp but I walked out and my doctors were totally astonished. It's been my trait most of my life. Set your mind to it and do it. If it don't work, try something new. Keep learning new things so you can keep growing. Right now, my new thing is the flute. Last year it was the harmonica. Next year I may take up twerking. Hahahahahah. Nobody needs to see that but I may do it for my wife! Haaaaaaa! She, will love it! Since we both retired in 2003 I have been her daily source of entertainment. Mostly comedic relief. But my point is that diversity in skills gains you an advantage. You never know when being a flouter might get you a great opportunity. It certainly worked for Lizzo! I'm just say'n. If what you been doing ain't getting you there. Try something new! Enjoy the adventure. It's called LIFE! Much Respect, Stoneman
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family album
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7/16/2022 4:46:00 AM
Good read.
I wish I were more like you in may ways Stoneman. As I get older, instead of being adventurous and trying new stuff, I'm feeling less inclined to take risks. I'm scared to drive, I'm nervous using stairs and escalators, I wear the same clothes and eat the same food every day ; and I stay away from crowds, confrontation and technology. The only thing I ever want to change is my house because I'm still trying to satisfy that dream.
However I find I still want to have a go at every style of music and singing and I'll live vicariously through others, enjoying their adventures and achievements :) just as I always have done.
Jilly
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Duane Flock
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7/16/2022 9:55:51 AM
I started with pots and pans on the floor for drums at 5yrs old. My dad played in a country band, and he would have practices at our house. At 10 I picked up the guitar and started practicing and learning. Later came the bass, then mandolin, and keys. Over the years my genres are Rock, Indie, R&B, Country, Blues, Alternative, Jazz, Fusion, and a few in between. On my page are quite a few songs with different genres. I try to appeal to as many people as possible. I even bought two steel drums to play and learn on. (Eggxellence)
I learned a long time ago to be diverse and don't let rejection stop you. For every one person that thinks your bad, there are 10 more that like your music. The positive is to learn from the criticism and become better for yourself and everyone.
Stoneman, we live less than an hour away in the bay area. I'd like to hookup in a week or two and jam and BS. I'm on facebook, instagram, etc.
Cheers,
Duane
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Stoneman
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7/17/2022 1:34:42 PM
Will be out of the country for the next month or so. Would love to connect when I return. Would be an honor! Much Respect, Stoneman
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Larree
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7/17/2022 5:12:29 PM
I am always trying new things. I watch guitar lesson videos on youtube all the time. Whenever I hear a song that I like I start at ultimate-guitar.com and find the lyrics and chords. I also dabble in fiction writing. So I have my creative outlets covered. And then I also devote time to news; politics, science, medical and environmental issues.
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Stoneman
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7/18/2022 1:24:24 AM
Way t go Larree, The more you know the more you grow! Much Respect, Stoneman
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RobertHuffman
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7/18/2022 3:48:25 PM
The positive is to learn adhd doctors near me
from the criticism and become better for yourself and everyone.
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