Played bass for over 35 years, and whistles even longer, but not as well! Like to write and perform songs for my duo, Nex't'Nothin, and play with as many people as time and opportunity allows.
Music is something I just have to do, have to be involved with. I've played since childhood, and can't imagine a life without it. I think music chooses you, and I think I was chosen!
To hear the audience loudly singing one of my songs back to me!
That's a big question! A change that made people think more about giving than taking would be a start.
One of my earliest memories from when I was around 5 years old was my dad asking what I thought of a song, and I said it wasn't very good, and didn't think it would get anywhere. The song, She Loves You, by The Beatles. Shows what I know!
May and various - fan of Pink Floyd since seeing them in 1972 in London when they performed Dark Side of The Moon; Loved the early Yes albums. Joe Jackson is a big influence on me, such a range of styles and songs. And influenced by 60s pop in general, Mowtown, Punk, New Wave and Prog.
It's in there, inside of me, and I just have to let it out. Otherwise the pressure just builds up! One time many years back when I wasn't in a band, my wife told me I was grumpy and needed to join another band!
I like to tell a story with each song - without too much preaching. Basically the message is that life is about our relationships with others, not money and status.
Very happy, as long as I have performed well! Still remember the ecstatic feeling after my first gig in 1982.
In a funny sort of way, I think music is returning to it's historic normality. Before the 20th Century, few people made a living from music ( court musicians, orchestras mainly). Music for the masses was made by the masses and played in inns, and small venues, for a little bit of money (but not riches!). For the last 100 years it has grown to being a huge money making industry that was the preserve of the few. Now with the internet, and people fike Drooble, we can all share our music with other people again, without having to be a wandering minstrel!
Great way to share music around the world, and hopefully find people who love it as much as you do.
The locked, controlled nature of the industry is a frustration, but to be honest, more frustrating is other musicians who don't take it as seriously as you do, and let you down!
Yes, I get out and see as many local bands in local venues as I can - usually once or twice a week.
If I knew that I would have a larger audience! Clearly, social media plays a much larger part now than in the past.
Dogleg, Dambuskers, BewareThisBoy