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The Rite Of Writing The Right Music

Ok, so I'll admit, the title is a goofy attempt at getting a laugh in hopes that you might read this.  

Sometimes I wonder why I do what I do when it comes to music.  This is not an attempt to get pity, or what-have-you.  Just an attempt to write out what's on my mind...to work it out, so to speak.  

I have loved music since before I can really actually remember.  There was always music playing in our house.  My dad had a Conn home theater organ that I started climbing up on and plunking out melodies as early as 4 years old.  I started playing the piano and organ at my church when I was probably around 14, I think.  Every chance I could get, I'd find a piano and start playing it. 

My mom got me a small synthesizer for my graduation present.  It wasn't the biggest or the best, but it was really cool.  And I seriously used that thing to it's limits.  It was a little Casio with 49 mini keys.  I even joined a band called "Battlezone" with it, and we recorded a 5 song EP, and used it on that.  

When I got my first real keyboard when I was 21 or so (A Korg O1W/Pro), I had joined a "real band" with my good friend (still to this day), Joe Koziarski.  Our first "real band" wasn't much of a real band, honestly.  I don't think we had a name.  We didn't even have a major set list, but we had fun.  Our first gig, we played in our drummer's barn.  I think we had a few friends as an audience, but we had a fan club!  Yep!  We filled the entire front row with box fans, window fans, floor fans...you get the idea.  

Once we realized that band wasn't likely going to amount to actually playing real gigs, we started a real band.  In fact, we were called "Real World."  We actually played out quite a bit.  Even went to Colorado on a mini tour.  In that band, I actually had a guitar strap connected to the Casio and attempted to use it as a "guitar synth."  That didn't work so well. It fell apart.  The mini keyboard lived a good life, but it is now in keyboard heaven.  Probably. 

We then had to rename ourselves because MTV had a show called "Real World" and we really didn't want to be associated with that.  So what did we pick for our new name?  "Reality Check."  Because there were no other bands with that name.

Oh, except the pretty popular CCM band with the same name that we didn't know existed. 

Anyway, none of that is even close to what I was intending to talk about.  

I touched on it a bit in a previous blog, and wanted to expand on it. I was talking with another friend of mine, who I won't name since I didn't get their permission specifically.  They also like to do music, as well as make films.  We were talking about what it takes to "get noticed" to where you can actually make money for what you do.  It's really sad when your art has to remain your hobby.  I know I can speak for both of us when I say that we'd rather our art become our career.  Or at least progress hobby to money making hobby.

I know I'm not the greatest singer in the world.  I have accepted that.  :)  But I do ok.  I can sing on pitch, and sing harmonies, and I think for the style of music I write, it works.   

Speaking of singing, several people have suggested I do an instrumental album.  It kinda made me think that maybe they think that I have a voice for instrumental music.  lol.  So I did.  In fact, now I have three instrumental albums.  Fully produced.  Still can't seem to sell them though.  The people that do have them absolutely love them.  Several have left amazing reviews.  (Though I'd love more, since 31 people backed it...hint hint if you are reading this and backed it).  :) 

It makes me wonder...are people just not into music anymore?  Or do they only want to stream it now? (Though, I can see my streams as well on all platforms as well, I don't get many there either).  

Am I not writing the right kind of music that people want to hear?  Is there a rite I need to take part in in order to write the right kind of music?  (Sorry...I had to use rite, right and write again). 

So yeah, I've thought about giving up on it, but I just can't do it.  I enjoy writing / creating music.  I just need to figure out how to build an audience.  As I may have stated before, I'm not looking to become a "star" or anything.  I really, honestly, and truly just want to be able to create music that people enjoy.  Yes, I know some independent artists give their music away for donations, and several have suggested the same to me, but more people warn against doing that.  Don't sell yourself short, basically.  I do sell it for an extremely reasonable price.  "Intricately Woven" being my most expensive, but it's 2 CDs worth of music).  

Plus, If someone really wants my album, but can't afford it, they can contact me.  I'll work with them.

So yeah.  I guess that's what I wanted to say.  :)



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