There’s one thing in music that I had to get over. The idea of the sellout. I remember thinking I want to be a true artist. I had to use a certain set of tools and they had to have the street cred to be viable. I still run into musicians that do this. One day I realized that I wanted to be selling out of copies of my music. I wanted to be selling out of things I created so I could make more. I finally realized that a true artist utilizes tools in creative ways to make better music.
At a certain point, the music is what’s written. After that, the tools become the polish that makes it happen. This weekend I got a lesson in creating a certain niche of music. The issue wasn’t my writing, it was the production that goes along with it. I’m pretty used to getting creative with the tools I have, but what was lacking in this niche was the tools I didn’t have. It means having to upgrade my tool chest to include more tools for a certain sound.
The good thing is: I’m willing to upgrade and expand.
Yesterday I had breakfast with a couple of friends. One I’ve known for years. One I had met that morning. My friend and her boyfriend. Discussion came up as to what I do for a living – and he was interested. But when he asked what else do I do, I said, that’s it. Music. That’s the day gig. I suppose it’s gotten pretty bad in the world when people think it’s not possible to have an income in a certain line of work. He mentioned that all the musician’s he knows have other jobs they do for a day gig.
Anyway, as I’m flying back in to LA today, I’ll be writing lyrics on the plane. I found that it’s very conducive to getting writing done – flying. Once I’m back on the ground it’s off to a meeting about a film trailer. The off to pick up more new tools of the trade, then to the studio to be working on the trailer and finally another writing session tonight with Jesse Stern and Alfredo Herz.
Which leads me in to Move On by Jet.
For a modern band, they actually a real throwback sound. As I’m here listening to this song I’m thinking of an old Pink Floyd song. If you’re familiar with Pink Floyd you’ll know what I mean. Then again, it’s become real prevalent these days. Hell the Grammy winning song this year was also highly reminiscent of a hugely popular song from the 70’s. Music recycles itself, but it’s getting to the point where it’s becoming a little obvious and the only difference is starting to be the production.
I’m not saying Jet channeled Pink Floyd.
Either way, I’m still diggin the song and it’s working for me any on this day.