Mission statement - you and me.

     The music business is for creative young people, at least that part which I am interested in most certainly is. So why should my musings be of interest to this target audience? Why should you want or need to take notice of what I have to say?

     My answer to that would be pick and choose. The purpose of this blog is to support potential artists in ploughing their own furrow; to subvert the process that is drawing talented aspirants into the game show, or even the ‘Fame School’ route.

     I have been watching these shows out of curiosity over the last couple of years, though previously I had shunned them, and have been startled by the destructive effects of the pressure applied and the knockout process.

     I have also, even in this last week, had the opportunity to contrast the qualities of a naturally beautiful and interesting voice with one that I found over taught. The nervous twelve year old was to me more interesting by a mile. She is in good hands and can be left alone to develop without pressure or interest. She is not the only one in recent weeks who has blown me away by the sheer quality and potential of her voice over a backing track, although this has never happened before.

     On and off over the last twenty years I have been supporting and creating opportunities for young musicians to perform their music, and to get it heard by a wider audience.

     From one chance encounter in a pub, where I was persuaded against my better judgement to act as ‘manager’ for a seven piece ‘crusty’ folk rock band, I have acted as promoter, booking agent, A&R scout and festival organizer.

     I have seen very distinct approaches to the scouting process, some cynical. I have experienced that spine tingling moment when discovering something truly exceptional; seen bands develop that I thought might not, and witnessed the despairing performances of others who found themselves in the ‘last chance saloon’.

     I have even bashed non standard percussion instruments in song writing sessions and sung otherwise unperformed songs of my own in boozy garden party sessions.

     If this is enough of a CV then please read on.

     What prompted you to have a look at what I have to say?

     Obviously you are a music lover, or you would not have found your way here. Presumably you also perform in some way, or wish to. I’d be surprised if you didn’t have some rather ambitious dreams, however hard it might be to admit that, even to yourself.

    If you are not yet performing, ask yourself why not. There will be no reason that cannot be overcome. If you don’t play an instrument and don’t feel you can sing then the obvious first step is to learn something, have lessons or teach yourself.

     If you can sing, or are comfortable enough with an instrument to contribute, you will have much more fun messing about with others. Join a local group, if one exists, or check the ads in your local music shop. Maybe an existing band needs you, or perhaps you can advertise to put one together yourself. If you surround yourself with like minded people then that first step will be so much easier to take.

     If you are already in a band, or are contemplating performing as a solo artist, are there enough places to play? Open mic nights give an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment without having to prepare a full set. Are you able to attract an interested and loyal audience? What are you going to play? It’s easier to copy or adapt a cover, and this may make it easier to engage an audience, but to write and perform your own material may be more fulfilling.

     While this first post is pitched at those at the beginning, ‘a jolly good place to start’, the dialogue will hopefully become just as useful to those already out there. With a sharing of experience which will be beneficial to all.

     We will have a few participating acts, who will be willing to share the trials of their artistic development with us. I will have direct communication with these as well as consultation with expert opinion. Those who wish will also be blogging about their growth, their journey. And it will be their journey. No excessive influence will be attempted. Acts with no public profile might do this under an alias to preserve privacy, but their choice if they want to be out there. There are some acts and artists I intend to approach about this, but if you wish to put yourself or selves forward then please message me direct.

     I also hope to call on a few old friends for perspectives on how a life in music is still possible and fulfilling if those dreams don’t come true in their original, conventional sense.

     Whether a participant or an interested party do feel free to influence the direction of this blog by challenging points or asking questions.