For anyone who is following these postings, the reason I am putting up these video clips of me improvising or “making it up as I go along” is because I am trying to figure out a new methodology in my music. I feel I have gotten too safe lately and so by putting myself on show somewhat I can get my arse kicked by those who know better. Most of these improvised tunes aren’t that good, so I expected some bad reviews. And it didn’t take long to get a drubbing…
My most recent “improv” put down on 24 September was also posted on YouTube and I got a very perceptive comment from the mysterious “SrEspantoso” who commented “Too much money – too much technology”. This very perceptive because it is indeed true that what I lack in musical ability and talent, I make up for with technology. I would be the first person to say that I happily hide behind my racks of gear purely because I am not a musician in the classical sense of the word.
I find making music very difficult and it’s not like writing where I can happily string words together without even thinking about it. Music for me is tough and every tune and doodle takes effort as I am naturally not a musician. I took to music later than most, starting on and off with the bass at seventeen. I then moved onto guitar in my early 20s. I think for me, music is more about pushing myself forward and surprising myself rather than pleasing anyone else. And if you can’t please yourself, who can you please? But the comment got me thinking…it was a fair comment…and it was true. Again, I think I am presenting this weaker material purely so I can get sniped at. A bit of humble pie is good for the soul, etc. etc. But should I care about my approach?
I’ve known other hobby musicians who spend their time perfecting their craft – being happy that they’ve mastered their instrument and getting frustrated with their own limitations when they hit the artistic wall. I’ve never been like that. I’ve always just tried to write a tune that I like. I couldn’t give a fuck about how fast I play or if I am repeating myself or if I’ve nicked an idea from somewhere else. If I did care, I doubt I’d have had so much fun with my music. Indeed, I have recorded 90% crap, but in there somewhere is some tunes that I am proud of.
But what about the technology? Should I step away from it and try and do something a bit simpler? Should I forgo the electric guitar? I don’t know. I’ll just keep pressing the buttons until I come up with something better…
As for Mr SrEspantoso, I deleted his comment because I didn’t want the whole world to know what a complete and utter fraud I am! 🙂

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