Ok... so I know it's been a long while since my last post. However, in my defense, it takes a long time to look up awful lyrics worthy of this blog and I am extremely lazy. Also, if I were to blog about my recent shows it would throw me into a deep depression. If that were to happen I couldn't give you all the gift of song (which, conicidentally is what I'm giving everyone for Christmas because it's much cheaper than a Gergory Peck VHS box set-or whatever the kids are watching these days). But, as is my nature, I digress
Recently, I had fallen on some hard times music-wise which made it very hard for me to get out and keep playing. First, I started a new job which DEMANDED I be up before 1pm (I know, it sucks). This new-found early riser syndrome provided me with little energy for the late sets to which I had grown accustomed. As a result, my former "3 open mics+1 full show every week" attitude diminished to a "4 open mics+1 full show ever month" attitude which dwindled to a "fuck it; I'm going to take a nap" attitude.
Nevertheless, speak to any musician and they will tell you that no matter how tired they are, they'll get up for a good show. They will tell you that a crowd can energize any performer to the point where sleep is not an issue. This is what happens on good shows. They will also tell you that a bad show drains you so much physically that it is hard to operate. There's a big give and take of energy on good shows. On bad shows, it's only give and it sucks.
My past 3 full shows had been really bad ones. Whether it be due to unresponsive crowds, nonexistent crowds, or belligerent crowds is irrelevant. What is relevant is that it was disheartening and I took some time off. This is the explanation of my inactivity. This is my excuse.
Still, recently I've started finding my love of performance again, my songwriting has returned and my frown has been turned upside-down... which makes it a smile, if my math serves me. I still haven't gotten a "full set" since late October but I can feel it isn't far away. I play as a featured performer at an awesome open mic at Drexel University Tomorrow and I will surely blog about the experience on Friday.
Here are your awful lyrics for the day courtesy of Alicia Keys and JayZ. It's amazing they could be so wrong in just two lines
New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
I'll forget that the sentence was ended with a preposition as that is something of which I am often guilty (avoided it there, tho). But... c'mon... think about it... "where dreams are made of." When does that statement make sense ever?
Have a pleasant evening
--KR
Posts
3 years ago
Welcome back Kevin!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what you are saying about playing those "bad shows". Even though I try not to look at them as "bad", and prefer to think of them as "part of my evolution as a musician", it can still be a total drain of energy. One of the things that I love about performing is the opportunity to connect with an audience. this is a give and take exchange of energies. In my experience It gets tough when there is only a "giver", not to mention it can be depressing.
By the way, here in NYC, it is impossible not to hear the song you mentioned above at least once- a -day, and if you wanted to (not that you would), you could hear it played on the radio stations five times an hour. How's that for inspiration??!!!!