For The Love Of Music

I have to admit, sometimes I get a little bored with writing technical articles about the nuances of how to make money by writing songs for the medium of film and television.  Talking about things like contracts, the ins and outs of music publishing, music marketing and so on, aren’t necessarily the most exciting topics to discuss. 

Don’t worry, I’m not going to stop doing that.  My goal is to continue to help all of you figure out how to navigate your way through this crazy business of music, to the best of my ability.

I’m more than happy to share things that I’ve learned on my journey with anyone who can benefit from what I’ve learned. In fact, I consider it almost a sort of moral obligation.  I feel like it’s my civic responsibility, if you will, to give back. 

But… sometimes, I have to remind myself why I’m doing all of this in the first place.  Sometimes it’s good to get back to what really motivates and drives us.

For me, it’s really all about the music. It’s ultimately about my love for writing, performing and listening to music. That’s why I feel so compelled to help other musicians, because I know you have this same passion for music.  We have the same sickness!

Making money is an important part of life.  Without sufficient resources, it’s hard to focus on what we truly love… music.

With that said though, sometimes I get burned out on all this focusing on money and networking and marketing.  The constant feeling of having to call this person or upload your song here or get back to this person here and so on. The constant pressure to earn more money and move forward in life. It can all get a little overwhelming sometimes. 

I know, I know.  The work must be done!  We must keep fighting the good fight.  We only live once after all, and this is our chance to make a difference in the world.  To leave our mark.  A sort of metaphorical carving of the words “we were here” on the tree of life.  We must continue on, marching forward towards the realization of our dreams.  I truly believe it’s the only way to live life; inspired and purposeful.

But, every once in a while, when I’m feeling tired and frankly, from time to time, a little weary, about all the work that must be done, I stop and I take a break.  Sometimes for a few hours.  Sometimes for a day or two.  And I pick up my guitar and I just write music.  I focus on why I’m doing all of this in the first place. I get back to my own personal center.

And, when I do this, music comes out.  I remember why I was so drawn to music from the time I was twelve years old. I remember why I get up every day and get back to work, even when a lot of times I don’t really feel like it and would rather just binge on Netflix or go for a walk.

I remember the feeling that drew me to making music in the beginning, when I was just a young boy.  I remember the sense of magic and wonder that I felt when I first heard a song that I loved.  I remember the sense of awe of going to see my favorite bands perform live and the sense of energy and excitement that filled the air as the crowd roared in approval.

I remember laying in my bed for hours when I was 13, on a Sunday afternoon, listening to the radio and discovering new songs for the first time. I recall the sense of elation the first time I learned a pentatonic scale on the guitar and could play something that sort of resembled a blues guitar solo.

It’s times like this, when it all makes sense again.  The whole struggle to succeed in the music business starts to seem like a sort of trivial game, when compared to the simple and pure love I have for music in the first place.
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In moments like these, when I’m really in touch with what motivates me, I feel like I write the best music.  Music that’s from the heart.  Music that’s not really trying to accomplish anything other than simply being the most simple, pure expression of myself that I’m capable of.  Isn’t that what music is really all about?

Here’s a new song that I wrote recently during one of these creative breaks called "Where We Were".
This one features background vocals and harmonies from my good friend MJ, a life long friend since High School and as always, production was provided courtesy of Mr. Gary Gray. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it and as always, I wish you continued success and happiness on your own musical journey, wherever it may take you.