It Takes Courage To Advance

One of the hardest things to do in this industry and life in general is to change. We know that it almost always takes changing something to move to a better place. As musicians and artists, change is usually something we fear so for the most part we become complacent and just settle for what we have, not realizing that life is always about taking risks and having the courage to move out into the unknown. I'm am personally faced with making these kind of decisions ALL the time. I travel all over the world doing many things in many different capacities and the more I see the more it becomes evident that I need to make certain changes. Now these changes can be in association, location or focus. It takes a lot of self confidence and courage to decide to uproot and move yourself to a new market or to even tackle something at the next level. The truth is sometimes it may seem as if you are going backwards. For instance: I'm tasked with relocating one of my main recording studios to a west coast market. Now this means I have to find new real estate, set up in the market and be able to generate income to sustain in this new market. Some say, "Why move!?" I have certain personal, career and financial goals that can't be met where I am now and changing or moving doesn't mean you leave what you've built behind, it simply means that you are expanding your territory, raising your visibility and earning potential. We all SAY we want certain things in our careers but very few of us have the courage to make the necessary changes it takes to advance. Never make changes based on other people either. It's cool to have a support system but at the end of the day YOU are going to have to make it happen. Sometimes people have good intentions but they are consumed enough with their own lives and goals and you and your goals become at best a part time interest for them so stay enCOURAGEd. Just focus on what you want and have the faith and courage to pursue it relentlessly.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Reading Between The Lines

I've read a lot of articles and reviews of my work and lots of people's work over the years. Most recently I participated in a few festivals and I had people that where friends of the music send me the articles. Now the one thing that I thought was interesting was that very few of the articles really captured the WHOLE story. Now I know that in an article you have limited space and you have to get to the high points to keep the reader interested but I still feel that it is the writer's duty to paint a TRUE picture for those that where not in attendance. The biggest thing I gleaned form these articles was the importance of reading between the lines. Let me explain. In one article this guy paints a picture of how the festival was dreary except for one or two performances but he wasn't in attendance for the ENTIRE festival. He showed up late one evening and stayed all day on the next day. It was also evident that his opinions may have been politically motivated because I personally witnessed some of the greatest shows I've seen yet there was no mention of them in the review. I guess my point is for us as artists and musicians to understand that reviews and articles are cool but they don't define us nor do they most of the time even tell the whole story. It is important that we learn to read between the lines of all of it including flattery. It is largely media manipulation. I mean how can you truly cover an event and not see ALL of the acts that take the stage or at least try to see as many as you can to give equal and balanced coverage to all involved and to paint the most accurate picture for the reader. The truth is even though journalists' are suppose to write from a non-biased point of view, very few actually do. If it is someone they like personally then they paint a better picture. Even if that person is not as good as some other artist or performer. At the end of the day it is all politics and BS. Just don't let yourself get too caught up in it. The bottom line for us is what we get paid and how any press or whatever is going to contribute to the advancement of our career. We must remember that we are in control. I mean without us what would they have to write about. So keep your head up and always read between the lines even if the lines are flattering. Don't believe the hype either way. Stay focused!!!!!! And to the journalists' out there, please make an attempt to write honest non-biased stories that will help our careers and don't get involved in the ego game. We perform; you write, that is it. If you want to perform then put down the pen and join us on stage and see what we do. Just be FAIR!!!!!

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Dealing With The Front Man

I'm just back from touring for the last month. It was interesting because within one month I toured or performed in five vastly different situations. Each situation required a different level of musical prep and emotional understanding. The one thing I was thankful for was my years of experience knowing what to deal with and what not to deal with. The biggest thing is understanding the front man ego. (This applies to male and female). I've worked with Little Richard for the past sixteen years and there is no bigger star in the galaxy. The main thing to understand when dealing with a front man of any sort is that you are there to give them what THEY want, even if they don't know what they want. (LOL) This sounds strange I know but it is true. I can't tell you how many times I've had an artist try to tell me what they wanted but had no clue on how to communicate it technically or otherwise but the front man ego won't let them admit that they don't know. So I've just learned to be observant of everything from their off stage personality to there body movements and gestures on stage. IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE FRONT MAN. Their actions truly speak louder than their words. You should always adopt this motto, " They may not always be right but they are never wrong." The front man can do no wrong. At least that's the way they see it so if we are going to exist in their world and truly give them our best then we must believe it too. Never take any of their rantings personal because most of that is just to keep you off center. Just be confident and most of all be well prepared and just relax. Music is nothing but fun. Most of the time front men can be very insecure so they feel like enforcing their will over us validates their importance to the world. (LOL) Just go with it. Don't allow it to stress or affect your performance. These are very special people and for those of us that also double as front men, just keep in mind how we feel sometimes and let's do our best to be fair with the musicians we deal with. Now go have a great show and remember they are NEVER wrong.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011