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10/7/2016, 1:59 AM
I can totally relate to what Todd has said on this subject. I have many challenges in my life as well and they do sometimes prevent me from being as productive as I want to be. It can be very frustrating but when there is very little I can do to change these circumstances I have to accept the fact that I can only do what I can do when I can do it. That's life! Think of "downtime" as a way of waiting for the next train. Occupy your mind while you wait. Rest up for the trip. When I was much younger and healthier I had lot's of time and energy but not very much wisdom or experience. In the past I didn't always use that time and energy as wisely or as productively as I would if I had them now. That's the irony of my life. But everything I was and all that I did informs what I am and what I do now. I wouldn't be able to access the emotions that go into my work now if I hadn't gone through such hard times in the past. Some aspects of life will always be a struggle for me but I try to focus on what I can do and not get upset about what I can't do. Life is what it is. Hang in there, Todd. You have a good spirit. Things will work out the way they're supposed to.
10/6/2016, 5:23 PM
I tend to think that life is a parallel dimension running side by side with death. When we sleep, we temporarily enter that dimension to receive visions of our own potential (meaning dreams). So, in that premise, death quite often gives birth to our achievements in life. There have been so many songs that I dreamed about and then later produced. Some of those songs have been my most successful efforts. It is only the rejuvenation of the human spirit that has kept me going after so much hardship and turmoil. You must fight for your right to get funky! Or, die trying. Anything that gets in the way must be navigated, avoided or eliminated. of course, we navigate the more important things like work schedules, familial duties etc. But, some things like religious beliefs and morals may get in the way of some creative choices we make. Fuck it, that's life man....... There is always a yen and yang of the shit that has to be considered. Life has a way of changing one's mind by example. For instance, my 7 year old nephew was in the car with me one day and I had one of my CD's on. When i heard him singing along to a naughty song of mine called "Baby Please" I thought "Damn, I can't let him listen to this" That reminded about how important it is to screen whatever is going on in his life. That includes me and my music. He loves my stuff and is a budding musician himself so I had to decide to make music that I won't be concerned about him hearing. In this way life (his) has gotten in the way of my art. But some sacrifices are well worth the effort!
10/5/2016, 1:23 AM
Richard is right in his whole "art is life" stance. However, it still takes time—focused time away from the hustle and bustle—to actually create something like a song. And, for me with the normal life challenges and then additional challenges (both familial and my own medical issues) to deal with, it's very frequently challenging to actually create anything to share with the world. Oh sure, there is always music going through my head, but then the effort of writing it, and recording it to share with the world... sometimes (usually) I just don't have the energy. It's frustrating and that is a very big part of why I am so frequently blocked. At the end of the day, I usually just wind up collapsing in bed and not even picking up my guitar. Or even thinking about it. I've been trying to be better... but you try living my life! (And, yes, I did get a song out of that topic one day when I had the energy to write.)
9/19/2016, 3:51 PM
Yes, all the time! But it gets easier when you retire from your day jobs like i did in 2002. Since then life has not done much encroachment on my music wuith the exception of illness. I always like to say that life is whatever you make it. So, if you allow life to get in the way of your creative nature, it will. But that wpould be your fault for allowing thst to happen. I have always mad emy creative side a p[riority and therefore nothing in life gets in its way. My wife tells me that music is the only thing she has to compete with in regards to me. I know that is true so I never argue with her about it. My studio is my girlfriend and she gets more time and dedication from me than anyone. Feel Me?
9/13/2016, 6:34 AM
That is an interesting thought Richard. Without the trials in life what would we have to write about eh? Watching the paint dry does not sound like a very exciting song topic. For us art is part of life and depending on your circumstances it may be a larger or smaller part. Whatever part it plays be grateful that it is a part of you and treasure it when you get to enjoy it in that way it will always be meaningful. Two Silo Complex, Ken
9/13/2016, 4:55 AM
Life is art and art is life. They don't get in the way of each other. They amplify and inform each other. They are partners, for better or worse.
9/13/2016, 3:31 AM
I think that Lesley brings about a valid point that I would like to expand upon. I think it is very important in life to setup expectations that are not out of reach otherwise you are bound for disappointment. There are very few artist who have the luxury of life not getting in the way and I dare say none. Even professional musicians have families and things they have to deal with that sometimes get in the way of art. The key to this is that it is false expectation to believe otherwise and if you do you set yourself up for failure and I don't know about you but failure comes anyway without me inviting it so I think you may need to re-evaluate your expectations and learn to be satisfied with what you are able to do. This will put your mind in a more satisfied state. Two Silo Complex, Ken
9/12/2016, 7:18 AM
unfortunately other responsibilities like work and other commitments do get in the way but I do what I can when I can and accept that is what I can do. Two Silo Complex, Ken