Don Massie

Singer Songwriter

Recently relocated from East Coast to Santa Rosa Ca.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

To me, music is a way of life. Music gives me solice. Plato described it well when he said, "Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue."

What is your music dream?

Collect and share as many of "those" catching lightning moments as possible before I die.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I was raised to think globally and act locally. So I would start by making my own light shine brighter so that it seeps into those around me in a positive and helpful way.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

"Stay with Me", Faces

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Lately the Black Crowes, Blackberry Smoke, Marcus King, Chris Stapleton, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell and Paul Thorn.

What inspires you to make music?

The love of the process. Sometimes. (lol). There's something about beginning with nothing but an idea and a blank sheet of paper and when you are done you have this thing that wasn't there before.. It's like magic. Muses that inspire the ideas come from everywhere and hunting for them teaches you to be in the moment.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Live in the moment because after all any other choice is an illusion.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Grateful.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I think it is what it has always been. Those that are music makers.. just have to make music.. its who they are. I'm not sure there is much of a choice or even rational decision. When you approach it that way the definitions of success change from annual salary or the year and make of your car but rather are you making music? Do you make enough to cover your expenses? And are people enjoying what you do?

What do you think of Drooble?

Band new member. Too soon to tell.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The over-saturation of stimuli in today's society. The waining attention span and lack of depth in much of what is being mandated as the "standard".

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Very much so. I often do discounted design work for many local artists to help them with the advantage of a positive first impression. donmassiedesign.com

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

A work ethic that mirrors their aspirations. Patience and the understanding that it takes time and sometimes you get one for each performance. You need to earn and sustain each fan. Know who your audience is and how they consume music. What appeals to you, and them about the type of music you are creating.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Eddie Seville's Steel Rodeo