Well music is what makes the world go round for me. It has always been a part of my life and hopefully always will be.
To be able to be financially and artistically satisfied through music. Those two things are not mutually disagreeable. To be able o make a living with one's passion is rare and to be able to accomplish that would be quite nice.
I would start with education and bringing people and different cultures together through education . It is the key to a positive world view
Well.. I don't think there is just one. I remember listening to the 1812 Overture down on the lake front in Chicago with live cannons and timed fireworks and it was awesome. I remember listening to Muddy Waters on records and my sister making me learn all the Beatles songs when our parents went out. I remember discovering Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones and saying this is what I want to do... this speaks to me.
Miles, Monk and Coltrane for jazz. Prince, James Brown, and Maceo Parker for funk, Muddy Waters for all that is blues and soul. the Rolling Stones for shear power and rock n roll. The Clash for taking the reigns of rock n roll and running with them like no other band when music needed it most. Soundgarden and Chris Cornell for bring back loud guitars. Appreciating Heavy Metal as I got older and wondering why it didn't catch my ear earlier, so many great players there.
everyday things make me inspired. Maybe its just the way someone catches your eye. certainly always a feeling can bring something to light but the whole world around you is just eating to be seen through notes....
I think that the message is personal for everyone. If there is something about a song that makes me feel something that might be different for someone else listening to the exact same song.
Performing is the reason you put up with all the other BS about the business. There is nothing like being on stage. It is the one place where I don't think about anything else in my life.
well i can't speak to other peoples reality, its an odd question. Money could be improved. I have been playing professionally since 1989 and the only hasn't changed since 1969.
Dealing with other musicians who think that there is just the instrument and nothing else. There is a lot that goes into this business. Pay attention and bring whatever skills you have outside of your instrument to the table. Lots of musicians I have come across hate sports but that team mentality and helping your teammates along is the exact type of relationship you should have with the musicians you work with.
I try and hit as many shows as possible, hit open mics I know people are hosting and share in the social media playbook.
persistence and perseverance , don't let someone out work you. Keep working and working and working this is a marathon not a sprint.
Well I like Gidgets Gaga out of Chicago, Dave Tamkin, Blackberry Smoke. Two guitars bass and drums what more do you need?