Many of you know that I've been a professional musician almost as long as I've been alive. Scored nice endorsements, played some killer shows, toured with legends, you get the idea. But with the sweet comes the sour. I think it's time to walk away from performing for a while. I am NOT quitting music; if anything, I feel very creative and inspired.
Songs are coming to me at a nice pace, and of course not everything will stick. I am always firing up the Orange amp and recording little ideas into the Tascam DR-05 recorder. Finding musicians who are up to the task of my supposed "difficult" music will be a challenge but for now, I am happy with what's coming out of my brain, into my hands, and onto the guitar. (Oh yes, the new 7-string is VERY inspiring to play!!)
You also know that I've been a teacher for a long time too. I have been teaching private guitar instruction since 1996 (and I thought back then it would last 6 months tops?) and I've been teaching in Music & Arts since 2017. Teaching is definitely a way more rewarding experience. Seeing a student's eyes light up when he/she "gets it" is a huge thrill. Whether it's showing them a C chord or learning a Metallica riff, the joy that comes across their faces is way more pleasing than playing to a crowd standing there with their arms crossed.
And I uncross those arms REAL fast!
Do I miss performing? Not as much as I thought. I don't miss the stress of hawking for ticket sales, trying to keep a band together (I am on par with Ritchie Blackmore and Uriah Heep now) and feeling like I am fighting a losing battle. If the gods smile on me, then I will lug my gear out of the basement but it has to be a special occasion. I enjoy opening for a lot of national acts but seems like people are picky with whom they want to see. I only get support if I am opening for a band that everyone is dying to see. Otherwise, I am shooting fish in a barrel.
So for now, I am shifting my focus on teaching and writing new music. I don't think I will do a full album, it's not really cost effective anymore. If I do a short Ep, that may work. Again, whatever the planets dictate, then I go with that.
And no I am not cutting my hair either. Sorry not sorry.
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