It is quite well known that I do not consider myself to be a musician. Quite honestly, I have no idea what note I am playing when I press on a guitar string, and there are only a few chords I play to which I actually know the name. All I really can do moderately well is sing, and I enjoy expression through song writing and appreciate the outlet it provides me.
So, this begs the question:
“Lionel, how on earth can you be in a band / promoting gigs & music?!”
The answer is actually quite simple: surround yourself when people who have the skills you do not, and learn from them as quickly as possible. It is so simple, in fact, that most people probably overlook it.
As a simple example, when I started song writing I began with the chord structure, lyrics and melody. I knew I couldn’t play the guitar to save my life. And so, I approached a great guitarist to play with me… and thus began the journey of my band.
Simple! I didn't know how to run a magazine either, but I did that for twenty months of my life. The same has applied to learning about live sound, promoting events, finding gigs for my band, etc etc.
Most people are likely to abandon an endeavour that is “too hard” or will wait until they have acquired all the necessary skills to begin. Not me. I believe that life is too short and that I will simply have to learn as I go.
Yes, sometimes you make mistakes, but you learn from them so do not be afraid of them. If you have conviction, you will see it through. You can only hope that others come along for the ride!
It dawned on me that we are now over half way through 2009.
What have you done with your life this year?
- Nigel Nobody
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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i just follow my ears......im color blind, so thats no good.....a laughing point no doubt when i get my colors confused, so im stuck with my ears.
ReplyDeleteoh, and the tub tub thumping of a rhythmic bass drum and a gated trance synth and a killer lead and a heart pounding bass.....opps, too much Prog House for my own good......
ah well.....
-dan-
Yeah bro, following your ears is the best way to go. Often times, with the wonderful layouts in recording softwares these days, they tend to distract us and we end up using visual cues rather than aural, when audio is meant to be aural in the first place. haha. Go with the flow I guess. I can't wait to hear what else you've added to Asami's track!
ReplyDeleteBut what if you are like me and your ears are $hit too?! :p
ReplyDeleteThe song is sounding so awesome it's scary! Dan is a genius :D
ReplyDeleteand my ears used to be shit too and then i trained them to notice things. now it's annoying because i can't listen to anything without thinking about what's going on. haha but i guess that's a good thing :)
Asami's track is nearly done...im so excited!!!
ReplyDeletecouple more tweeks, and my fool proof listening test to do....aka, listen in my car whilst driving. If it is listens well in my car, then it should work....
woot woot!!
-Dan-
is it because your car speakers are super amazing? or not good? or is it just "the vibe"?
ReplyDeletecos im used to the sound of my car speakers....they are bog standard lexus factory fit speakers. Nice sound. My radio is blasing all the time im in the car..2 hours a day (1 hour to work and 1 hour back) so my ears are rather used to the sound of them speakers....
ReplyDelete