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Post by wiz on May 7, 2022 1:12:28 GMT -6
I was there, minding my own business.. watching pay tv..... and watched a show about Alanis Morrissette, and her album Jagged Little Pill.
I remember at the time when the album came out, thinking the songwriting in some of the songs, had some lines in it... as a songwriter I just wish I had written...
eg
"you said you would love me till you died...well ... you're still alive". killer
"an old man, turned 98, won the lottery and died the next day"
When I heard those lines today... I got a lump in my chest, my eyes actually welled up, goosebumps, and I couldn't talk for a second. I turned to my wife and told her about
my reaction, and she said she had goose bumps as well.
At first I was sort of surprised by my actual physical reaction, but it was a mixture of her talking on the documentary, hearing those lines again and my appreciation of the art involved.
It was wonderful to feel that.
And it go me thinking about my own art... and as is the Australian trait, my first reaction was to internally hang shit on it...
But then I thought about some of the contact I have had with people who have written to me, spoken to me etc... and all of a sudden I felt a little embarrassed by my inner Ozzie humility...I felt that I was cheating them out of THEIR sincerity about a piece of music that had moved them. That perhaps I shouldn't be so dismissive, even in the jesting comical way I always do...
I once received a message from someone who said the first three songs on the album they had bought, had actually gotten them through a period where they were so low they were suicidal....now my immediate reaction internally was too make a joke within myself... "what's wrong with the other 12?" ..... or "that's great , normally it induces the other reaction" whilst both are sort of humorous in a black comedy sort of way...I think what it says most, is my internal artist doesn't cope well due to insecurity....
There is at least one human, who believes that they are still walking around and hugging their loved ones, because of some songs I wrote...thats magical. As near impossible is it for my inner critic to accept... its true...
So, I gave my self a couple of "Good on ya's" and went back to doubting my ability to ever create anything ever again.... unless... you know... I bought that Burl Convertor.... hmmm
cheers
Wiz
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Post by reddirt on May 7, 2022 1:55:24 GMT -6
Beautifully put Wiz; if you are being true to yourself it will work on some level; anticipated or unanticipated........
Cheers, Ross
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Post by thehightenor on May 7, 2022 3:50:20 GMT -6
It's like love - there's someone for everyone.
All different artists will find a connection with some people - some of the time.
Some artists have (corny as it sounds) "the X Factor" and can for reasons never truly understood connect with millions of people most of the time.
For example, what is it about Pink Floyd that creates the world of Pink Floyd where virtually everyone I've ever known enjoys getting lost in - it truly is a magical thing.
All you can do as reddirt said - is be true to yourself.
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Post by kcatthedog on May 7, 2022 4:17:01 GMT -6
Well said Wiz, I used to go through a very similar thing when doing open mikes, but one night, I realized based on people coming up and sharing their perspectives was that we were all having our own different experience of the same music. I had been focussed on how well or badly I thought I had played the cover but others were reacting to the song and what it’s music and messages meant to them: a good lesson in humility.
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Post by gwlee7 on May 7, 2022 5:48:54 GMT -6
This post cannot be liked enough.
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Post by tkaitkai on May 7, 2022 6:52:25 GMT -6
I love this.
I've noticed that one of the defining traits of the past decade or so has been this sort of "faux-humbleness," especially amongst people my age or younger. It almost seemed like a knee-jerk reaction to the overblown, in-your-face nature of the mid-2000s, which were similar to the 80s. Everything was loud, glamorous, aggressive, obnoxious, over-the-top, and very theatrical. Lots of ego and arrogance.
So as a natural reaction, you had a new trend emerge where it became cool to be more "humble," even if it was completely feigned. Again, similar to the 90s as a response to the 80s. Nirvana vs. Motley Crue.
I played with a lot of pop punk/emo bands between 2012 - 2020, and this was extremely prevalent in that scene. Lots of self-deprecating humor and downplaying one's accomplishments. Almost every band's stage banter was some BS like, "Wow, you guys are crazy out there. We're just five dudes from nowhere special, we wrote all these riffs in our mom's basement, please buy our merch so we can buy some In-N-Out. Anyone here smoke weed or like to laugh at memes? We do! See, we do normal, regular stuff just like you guys!"
It was refreshing at first, but at this point, I'm pretty sick of it. What you tell yourself becomes your truth. If your inner monologue is a constant stream of insults and doubt and self-criticism, you're going to seek validation for that in the world around you, and you will easily find it. I actually think this is why a lot of music from that era feels kind of drab — people played the part until it became their reality, and it resulted in a lot of artists not reaching their musical potential. Why would you strive for excellence if you don't feel capable or deserving of it?
Of course, egoism can get out of hand, too, but this doesn't mean self-deprecation is the solution. Be selective with your self-talk. You will eventually believe it.
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Post by deaconblues on May 7, 2022 10:28:48 GMT -6
I love this. I've noticed that one of the defining traits of the past decade or so has been this sort of "faux-humbleness," especially amongst people my age or younger. It almost seemed like a knee-jerk reaction to the overblown, in-your-face nature of the mid-2000s, which were similar to the 80s. Everything was loud, glamorous, aggressive, obnoxious, over-the-top, and very theatrical. Lots of ego and arrogance. So as a natural reaction, you had a new trend emerge where it became cool to be more "humble," even if it was completely feigned. Again, similar to the 90s as a response to the 80s. Nirvana vs. Motley Crue. I played with a lot of pop punk/emo bands between 2012 - 2020, and this was extremely prevalent in that scene. Lots of self-deprecating humor and downplaying one's accomplishments. Almost every band's stage banter was some BS like, "Wow, you guys are crazy out there. We're just five dudes from nowhere special, we wrote all these riffs in our mom's basement, please buy our merch so we can buy some In-N-Out. Anyone here smoke weed or like to laugh at memes? We do! See, we do normal, regular stuff just like you guys!" It was refreshing at first, but at this point, I'm pretty sick of it. What you tell yourself becomes your truth. If your inner monologue is a constant stream of insults and doubt and self-criticism, you're going to seek validation for that in the world around you, and you will easily find it. I actually think this is why a lot of music from that era feels kind of drab — people played the part until it became their reality, and it resulted in a lot of artists not reaching their musical potential. Why would you strive for excellence if you don't feel capable or deserving of it? Of course, egoism can get out of hand, too, but this doesn't mean self-deprecation is the solution. Be selective with your self-talk. You will eventually believe it. Some interesting nuggets in this thread. This is a particularly nuanced take, and I can attest to experiencing something similar. Self-deprecation under the guise of humility is a slippery slope to feeling like an imposter — which is no way to live. Learning how to give and receive compliments is a lifelong quest; just like ego management. I cut way back on sarcasm and self-deprecation after a 30+ year binge, and found a new clarity with my relationships, goals, and self-confidence. Re: the original post…art is a mirror (sometimes of the funhouse variety). It’s life or death for a lot of the makers and the people who consume it. Full stop. I think that can get lost in opamp shootouts, promotional cycles, and social media engagement. The magic is figuring out how the tech, the presentation, and the communication can all come together into something that still gives chills 25, 50, 75+ years later. I think it’s an easier road to get there when you learn to stop worrying (and love the bomb). Which brings me to question about Pink Floyd…it’s just the preamps, duh! 😂🤣😂🤣 Peace! |
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Post by jcoutu1 on May 7, 2022 13:18:31 GMT -6
deaconblues... Beautiful. art is a mirror (sometimes of the funhouse variety). It’s life or death for a lot of the makers and the people who consume it. Full stop.
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Post by Chad on May 8, 2022 6:35:03 GMT -6
Well said, wiz. While reading your experience, I kept thinking of this quote I first read in a book over a decade ago: “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” |
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Post by Guitar on May 8, 2022 7:45:27 GMT -6
I spent half my life (or more) getting in my own way, shutting myself down in various ways. I don't have time for that shit any more. I'm nobody special but in some ways I'm kind of a bad-ass, on a good day. Just like a lot of people are.
Spiritual guilt, family guilt, sexual guilt, artistic guilt, physical shame, flush all that down the toilet.
As a musician, as a performer, as an artist, people respond to freedom, to pure energy, to clear vision. Be a beacon of light, have no shame.
There's a lot of people who want to root around in the mud pile and poke each other in the eye, kick you in the back, steal your energy, poison your food. Say goodbye to them. And any of them, that's been ingrained in yourself. Cut the cord, uproot the suffering, nip it in the bud and live beautifully, enjoy your music every day. Quit being an asshole.
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Post by thehightenor on May 8, 2022 8:10:43 GMT -6
Imposter syndrome - oh I know that well.
I just put a new band together to take a couple of albums I've written and recorded as a singer songwriter out live to an audience.
A couple of well known older pro players (one still doing festivals with a famous artist) answered the ads
and said they'd love to be in the project - everyone is giving their services for free (or petrol money if a gig pays us a small fee)
I turned to my drummer and said - WTF why on earth would these guys want to join this project.
My drummer said to me .... you're kidding right.
I've always struggled with confidence and valuing myself.
These guys joining the band has actually been huge boost and helped with some much needed self-belief.
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Post by Omicron9 on May 8, 2022 10:34:20 GMT -6
This thread should be a sticky. It contains the kind of things that need to be a constant reminder and cause a shift in personal thinking and perception. For me, anyway.
Sincere thanks to all that've contributed to it thus far.
-09
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Post by Guitar on May 8, 2022 11:45:45 GMT -6
I also have to say, regarding the title of the thread, being grateful to your "self," a lot of that, is getting your "self" out of the way!
A lot of what people consider to be their "self" or "identity" is mental formations, concepts, memories, "beliefs," views and opinions, emotions, in a short word "ego."
The destruction and demolishing of the ego, the sense of an individual or "permanent" unitary self, which is really a delusion, is the thing that gives "you" a lot of these new experiences, these new "elite" friendships, great experiences and opportunities.
Let it go. Be no one, have everything. Have nothing. There is nothing to have, and no one to have it. There is no soul, there is no self, and you don't even necessarily exist in the way that "you" think you do.
It's a hard message for some audiences, but there's other ways to "interpret" this kind of experience. We've all got our own path, our own understanding. But to "me" this is the essence of the topic at hand.
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Post by Johnkenn on May 8, 2022 17:52:04 GMT -6
I heard Johnny Reznik say “writer’s block isn’t ‘not being able to think of anything’ - it’s thinking that everything you come up with isn’t good enough.”
Man, that’s where I am with writing these days. I’ve left a lot of really promising half done songs in the last two years to just sit and rot. I don’t know - like a lot of people, I sometimes hear the song so much the excitement is gone or I feel like it sounds like everything else I do, blah blah. I think it’s also the fear that I finish it, put it out…and no one gives a shit. I’ve honestly had enough of that.
I also don’t know what else I really want to say. I’m passionate about politics, beagles and bourbon. Who wants to hear that? I also feel like I’ve got 500 plus songs no one has recorded. Probably 10 excellent ones…so idk, I’m just kind of burnt. Maybe it’s just my personality - but I need that validation to want to create.
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Post by srb on May 8, 2022 18:34:06 GMT -6
I appreciate y'all.
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Post by Guitar on May 8, 2022 22:05:20 GMT -6
I heard Johnny Reznik say “writer’s block isn’t ‘not being able to think of anything’ - it’s thinking that everything you come up with isn’t good enough.” Man, that’s where I am with writing these days. I’ve left a lot of really promising half done songs in the last two years to just sit and rot. I don’t know - like a lot of people, I sometimes hear the song so much the excitement is gone or I feel like it sounds like everything else I do, blah blah. I think it’s also the fear that I finish it, put it out…and no one gives a shit. I’ve honestly had enough of that. I also don’t know what else I really want to say. I’m passionate about politics, beagles and bourbon. Who wants to hear that? I also feel like I’ve got 500 plus songs no one has recorded. Probably 10 excellent ones…so idk, I’m just kind of burnt. Maybe it’s just my personality - but I need that validation to want to create. I've been there a few times recently. I don't know maybe get more into live music? Just try to have fun. Just play, play with people. If you don't want to finish things, don't finish them. That's kind of what I'm doing now. Finishing even less than before, but having way more fun with music, just playing a lot. The idea that you have to finish things I think is a bit of a delusion, a bit of a head fuck. You really don't have to. What's the worst thing that could happen? Probably not much. I say don't fight it, just let it ride naturally. But do try to have fun with music. |
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Post by Guitar on May 9, 2022 6:46:15 GMT -6
wiz , funny thing, I was telling my special friend yesterday that line, "you said you would love me till you died...well ... you're still alive" Anyway I was in some shady grove with a single column of sun shining down through a hole in the clouds, birds singing, people singing together, she says, "Oh yeah, that's Alanis Morisette" The person singing then does a tune about the mind that never dies, how we'll meet again and again and have before, some line like, "If I live again, I know you'll be with me too." Then I found myself in this really cool specialty grocery store and "Ironic" was playing on the PA system... love it when that happens. Don't mean to lay on the sauce too heavy but that was a cool moment.
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Post by Omicron9 on May 9, 2022 8:31:47 GMT -6
I heard Johnny Reznik say “writer’s block isn’t ‘not being able to think of anything’ - it’s thinking that everything you come up with isn’t good enough.” Man, that’s where I am with writing these days. I’ve left a lot of really promising half done songs in the last two years to just sit and rot. I don’t know - like a lot of people, I sometimes hear the song so much the excitement is gone or I feel like it sounds like everything else I do, blah blah. I think it’s also the fear that I finish it, put it out…and no one gives a shit. I’ve honestly had enough of that. I also don’t know what else I really want to say. I’m passionate about politics, beagles and bourbon. Who wants to hear that? I also feel like I’ve got 500 plus songs no one has recorded. Probably 10 excellent ones…so idk, I’m just kind of burnt. Maybe it’s just my personality - but I need that validation to want to create. Johnkenn, you probably know this, but sometimes it can be helpful to hear it from someone else. You can also tell me to take a hike.  Screw what anyone else thinks. Create/write/record for your approval. Do it because you have no choice but to create. Maybe your excellent song ratio is 500:10. I know an artistic photographer in Europe that creates amazing pieces. He told me that maybe 1 photo out of 1,000 works for him and gets published. Again, you probably knew all this. -09 |
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Post by teejay on May 9, 2022 9:16:52 GMT -6
I heard Johnny Reznik say “writer’s block isn’t ‘not being able to think of anything’ - it’s thinking that everything you come up with isn’t good enough.” Man, that’s where I am with writing these days. I’ve left a lot of really promising half done songs in the last two years to just sit and rot. I don’t know - like a lot of people, I sometimes hear the song so much the excitement is gone or I feel like it sounds like everything else I do, blah blah. I think it’s also the fear that I finish it, put it out…and no one gives a shit. I’ve honestly had enough of that. I also don’t know what else I really want to say. I’m passionate about politics, beagles and bourbon. Who wants to hear that? I also feel like I’ve got 500 plus songs no one has recorded. Probably 10 excellent ones…so idk, I’m just kind of burnt. Maybe it’s just my personality - but I need that validation to want to create. My initial thought on your comments was: I'm not going to win you any Grammy's, but happy to take a shot at a few of those 490 songs if you want some of them sung. Then I got to thinking I'd need some musicians for the tracks, so maybe this is an opportunity for a pro-bono RGO collaboration project (?). A lot of talented guys here to spread the workload. There's a balance you'd have to determine between doing justice to your songs and never having them produced. |
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