It's hard to put into words. Music is like language. Just as there are many different languages, there are many different genres of music. Different dialects of a language are like different subgenres. When I don't appreciate a particular genre of music, it usually means I am not fluent in that language. With more exposure, I begin to grasp the language and appreciate it more.
To bring peace and understanding to the individual, the community, and ultimately, the world.
Myself. Change always starts with the self. My song "Sensory Benediction" was written by me to me as a reminder to always, always, always seek the best in others.
The earliest song I remember hearing as a child was a recording on a record (remember records?) of Stardust. It made a lasting impression on me.
I absolutely adore Adele Blanchin!
Discovering an instrument I didn't know about, or hearing an unusual sound. Lots of things inspire me, actually.
Two of my favorite songs are Babymetal's "The One" and Jacob Naverud's "Sisi Ni Moja." We are one. If you hear no other message in my music, please hear that one.
Euphoric. Playing takes me out of myself anyway, and sharing that with an audience is all the more inspiring.
Very supportive. I connected with a collaborator on Drooble.
My lack of musical knowledge. I'm a terrible sight reader, and I don't understand a lot about how music is constructed. It makes it difficult when playing with other musicians.
Of course I do. I go to a lot of open mic nights, whether I perform or not. I also seek out live shows by local musicians I know. Having friends can really increase your audience!
Marketing. You've got to be business savvy and tech savvy to get heard by a large audience today. Of course, the real music is being performed someplace you've never even heard of, to an audience of maybe 20.
Adele Blanchin, Zalem, Lisa Gerrard, Michael Stearns, Rebecca Ivkovich, Jill Benson, Sean Cunningham, Jeff Peterson, Eric Erickson, Lewis Burns....