How can it be that I've completed no more songs? (See what I did there?) So here's the big secret. I'm a scaredy cat. While many people who know me now see me as a very social extrovert, inside is a very shy little boy that doesn't want anyone to tease him, speak harshly to him or criticize him. Turns out I am my own worst critic. I want perfect results. I want it to be effortless. And oh yeah, I am deathly afraid to fail. I never like to do anything unless I know I can do it well. How is it that I've ever accomplished anything in my life? I really don't know. God's grace!
Anyway now I'm back. I've had to get over myself. I've had to remember how it was when I first tried to learn how to play bass. I didn't really get it. I couldn't really figure it out. I tried to follow books, but that didn't teach me the things I really wanted to know. Eventually, a simple lesson from a friend, and everything started to click. I learned to copy bass lines from songs I liked on the radio - SOS Band, Cameo, George Clinton, Ohio Players. I tried to mimic Bernard Edwards (Chic), but I could never duplicate his style. Another friend introduced me to the music of Abraham Laboriel and I was hooked. His is the style I most try to emulate. Fast forward 20 years from when I first started: In a foreign land, people I never met before said I played like Abraham. For me this was the best compliment. The point is, it took time and effort to get past my initial attempts to make music to where I could play whatever, wherever (and fool people into thinking I was good).
So, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to recognize that for this year, I'm going to screw up all the music I produce. Nevertheless I'm going to produce more and more music this year. Just copying music that I know and love. And then. . . well, lets' not get too far ahead of ourselves. Let's just say I have a project in mind to complete this year. If I achieve any results at all this year, that will be more than what I've done in the past two years combined!
So why is this year going to be any different from the past two years? I've made a few life adjustments. Basically, with a little reorganization, a little reprioritization (and a few strategic music purchases) I've played more music in the past week than in the past two years.
We'll talk about what exactly I'm doing later, but I'm already seeing improved results. I'm actually spending a little time everyday, actually making music, actually putting in the effort, and actually learning how things work in my own mini studio, on my computer, in my room, on my mic and keyboard (and other toys). Things I will probably share in more detail later.
Until next time, I'm going to get over myself, and get out of my own way, and start making some music again. You should too.
