So I'm back to blogging in the middle of the night. No, I'm not drunk. It's just the night-owl artist in me that likes to be active when everyone else is asleep. In fact. . .
There is a theory about artists. Some say that in caveman days there were two sets of people, one of which was the "hunter/gatherer" type. . .always out hunting/gathering all day to make sure there's enough food for the tribe. The other group was the guardians of the cave as the hunter/gatherers slept. This was a pretty boring job, so those who sat and watched the front of the cave would draw pictures, sing songs, and tell stories to help pass the time. According to the theory, we artists are descendants of those cave-watchers who had nothing nothing to do. Interesting idea, huh?
This brings me to a thought. If necessity is the mother of invention, why were basic forms of art discovered and applied to everyday life before math? Why is it that now math is at the top of the "academic food pyramid" of sorts while the arts are being cut from it? Historically, during recessions and economic downturns, musicians and artists have thrived.
I think since many people haven't been taught how to express themselves (even if their expression is as lame as "I want to get drunk and party") they are drawn to the people that can assist them in putting their thoughts in some tangible form so they can share it with others.
Those are my thoughts . . .do you know how to express yours?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Blogging Nick Number One: The Bandwagon
Everyone seems to be having a blog these days. By that, I mean my family. . . and as I try my best to keep up with all the blogs and fail to find the gumption to comment regularly, I find myself having my own thoughts on things that I might want to share with the . . . . I was gonna say "world" but what I really mean is the very small circle of people that might actually check in on my little ramblings here.
So, here I am, sleepless at 3:26 in the morning because I had a church gig at 9 in a northern suburb, then worked at Avenue N Guitars for our first Sunday being open ever, then made my way to my favorite local spot, Aberdeen, for a delicious dinner of Steak Frites (it was a long day, I deserved it!) and promptly went home and fell asleep until about an hour-and-a-half ago. There is no YouTube video that is safe from my late-night search for entertainment, mainly guitar players this time.
It actually was a video I saw that planted the seed of public expression in my head this late night. A girl guitar-facing her way through Eric Johnson's smooth shred classic "Cliffs of Dover", an impressive attempt for any fast-fingered female, or male for that matter. This had me seeking out other songs she's done. . . and then I got to one of her songs.
Ash Soular wrote a political song called "Obamanation", and perhaps you can infer by the title that she's not a big fan. . .which is fine. (don't worry, this is not a political blog.) As I watched her performance and read the endless stupid comments people made. . some in favor, some in opposition, and some just crude, sexist crap. . . .I realized that I have troubles taking thematic chances musically. I've never written anything overtly controversial in any way. Even the chord progressions I like are complex, yet slick and most often undetected in context.
I try to figure out what this means. Am I a wuss? Do I not like confrontation? Am I passive aggressive? Do I feel I need my music to be acceptable to everyone? Would I rather be liked by all than only loved by some?
I suppose the challenge is knowing. How are people so sure that they are right, while others disagree 100%? Doesn't that make you question your first thought? Is everyone else just a moron? How do you know if you're the insightful one or the one shaped by your side's propaganda?
You don't. . and that's why it's so tough. Who's to say what really works or what really should be in such a large and complex country.
I think that's enough thought for now. More blogs are to come, but be prepared. . . . I have no plan on what topics will be covered, so who knows what's to come!
~Nick
So, here I am, sleepless at 3:26 in the morning because I had a church gig at 9 in a northern suburb, then worked at Avenue N Guitars for our first Sunday being open ever, then made my way to my favorite local spot, Aberdeen, for a delicious dinner of Steak Frites (it was a long day, I deserved it!) and promptly went home and fell asleep until about an hour-and-a-half ago. There is no YouTube video that is safe from my late-night search for entertainment, mainly guitar players this time.
It actually was a video I saw that planted the seed of public expression in my head this late night. A girl guitar-facing her way through Eric Johnson's smooth shred classic "Cliffs of Dover", an impressive attempt for any fast-fingered female, or male for that matter. This had me seeking out other songs she's done. . . and then I got to one of her songs.
Ash Soular wrote a political song called "Obamanation", and perhaps you can infer by the title that she's not a big fan. . .which is fine. (don't worry, this is not a political blog.) As I watched her performance and read the endless stupid comments people made. . some in favor, some in opposition, and some just crude, sexist crap. . . .I realized that I have troubles taking thematic chances musically. I've never written anything overtly controversial in any way. Even the chord progressions I like are complex, yet slick and most often undetected in context.
I try to figure out what this means. Am I a wuss? Do I not like confrontation? Am I passive aggressive? Do I feel I need my music to be acceptable to everyone? Would I rather be liked by all than only loved by some?
I suppose the challenge is knowing. How are people so sure that they are right, while others disagree 100%? Doesn't that make you question your first thought? Is everyone else just a moron? How do you know if you're the insightful one or the one shaped by your side's propaganda?
You don't. . and that's why it's so tough. Who's to say what really works or what really should be in such a large and complex country.
I think that's enough thought for now. More blogs are to come, but be prepared. . . . I have no plan on what topics will be covered, so who knows what's to come!
~Nick
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