My wife had been hinting that she would like to go out, so last night, we hit one of the local Micro Brewers in nearby Yucaipa.
We walked in and noticed the band was fronted by a female singer who stepped in and took over for us when we lost our female vocalist.
It was cool to see her and she stopped at our table and chatted a bit and her and my wife had me snap some FB photos. I told her about my new band and she told us, " I'd love to be a part of this! It was so much fun working with you. I'll be happy to come and sing backups or fill in on your breaks..."
Such a cool vibe and energy from her...just a great person.
A few minutes later, a guy that I swear I've never seen before walks up and says hello. I'm totally lost...and a little uncomfortable, because I can't place him.
My wife asks him, "So, how do you know Robert?"
He replied, "A couple of years ago, my amp went up in smoke at a show and he gave me a Marshall to use until I could get it fixed. He didn't know me. Never met me and just gave me an amp (DSL40C it was) like he'd known me my whole life...."
I'd forgotten about that...
The night would have more people that I didn't remember come up and say, "He fixed my amp," "He gave me a guitar!" or that I filled in when they lost a member.
I guess that I've come across so many opportunities to help people out that I cant really remember them all.
But, it came to me that this is such a wonderful - and satisfying thing - to be known for and I began thinking how can I do more this year???
I really can't explain the feeling of being able to give these people a nudge along their musical journey.
A lot of people dislike me or are offended because I tell them things about working in the music business that go against internet theories and I'm also very opinionated...but I'm not a mean-spirited person and I've always rooted for "the little guy" because I am one of those "little guys," and I've never forgotten my humble beginnings on the farm.
Teaching at the music academy is also one of the most rewarding activities I've ever been involved in. It's like coaching. It's so awesome to see people developing in their journey.
The past 2 months have just been a whirlwind of sorts. Getting sick for 14 days with an unknown something, losing 26 pounds in the process and starting a new job was intimidating but also kind of exciting.
Seeing our new band come together and being picked out of so many other bands to play at the NASCAR show is humbling. We are really just a bunch of 50 year Olds. We ain't nobody special, but we bring an energy that the 20-25 year old bands can't rival.
We're memorable I would suffice to say.
I've told everyone who has asked me how I've managed to remain employed in the music business that my greatest strength is being a "team player" and less about being a "guitar player."
We build reputations often without knowing it, but those reputations preceed you in this industry and when the chips are down, the dependable personnel will get the job over the more technically proficient personnel.
Many of you are also really great guys and gals who take pride in being a part of the musical journies of others. I've met a few of you and those were very positive experiences.
So, to those that have PM'd and emailed me to express their dislike of my bluntness, or who take offense to what i post, I would ask this question.
If you really look deeply into this, my motivation is to see people break free from the prison of internet opinions and the needless purchase of gear, despite the fact that the forums - and the industry - both push this practice like a drug dealer.
Yes, I'm opinionated. This is true, but rather than send messages telling me that you perceive me as a "dick" or a "know it all," I would simply say, why not just block me so you don't have to endure the emotional trauma of differing opinions and facts that are contrary to widely accepted musical mythology???
It's a free country and everyone is indeed entitled to their opinions and beliefs, and I will respect that, but I'm not likely to remain silent.
I get along very well with people, even though I'm not very social. I value relationships and I enjoy helping others when I am able too.
And to my very special friend who took enough time out of his day to email me this thoughtful note, "You're just an poop chute who thinks he's better than everyone else and nobody gives a f**k about what you have to say..."
I respond thusly...
I respect your right to free speech. Since you chose to email me, rather than allow your hateful nature to be uncloaked publicly, I will respect your anonymity and I will not reveal your identity.
May God bless you. May all your dreams come true. May your eyes be opened to the misleading nature of passing opinions as the law of Moses. May you grow old in good health.
In all honesty and candor, yes, I do "believe in myself," as you say. I do not sell a product, but instead I give away information for free in hopes of helping others.
And you have done????
I would encourage everyone to seek your own path...whether it be political, religious or musical in nature.
By their deeds you will know them....
- Rob
We walked in and noticed the band was fronted by a female singer who stepped in and took over for us when we lost our female vocalist.
It was cool to see her and she stopped at our table and chatted a bit and her and my wife had me snap some FB photos. I told her about my new band and she told us, " I'd love to be a part of this! It was so much fun working with you. I'll be happy to come and sing backups or fill in on your breaks..."
Such a cool vibe and energy from her...just a great person.
A few minutes later, a guy that I swear I've never seen before walks up and says hello. I'm totally lost...and a little uncomfortable, because I can't place him.
My wife asks him, "So, how do you know Robert?"
He replied, "A couple of years ago, my amp went up in smoke at a show and he gave me a Marshall to use until I could get it fixed. He didn't know me. Never met me and just gave me an amp (DSL40C it was) like he'd known me my whole life...."
I'd forgotten about that...
The night would have more people that I didn't remember come up and say, "He fixed my amp," "He gave me a guitar!" or that I filled in when they lost a member.
I guess that I've come across so many opportunities to help people out that I cant really remember them all.
But, it came to me that this is such a wonderful - and satisfying thing - to be known for and I began thinking how can I do more this year???
I really can't explain the feeling of being able to give these people a nudge along their musical journey.
A lot of people dislike me or are offended because I tell them things about working in the music business that go against internet theories and I'm also very opinionated...but I'm not a mean-spirited person and I've always rooted for "the little guy" because I am one of those "little guys," and I've never forgotten my humble beginnings on the farm.
Teaching at the music academy is also one of the most rewarding activities I've ever been involved in. It's like coaching. It's so awesome to see people developing in their journey.
The past 2 months have just been a whirlwind of sorts. Getting sick for 14 days with an unknown something, losing 26 pounds in the process and starting a new job was intimidating but also kind of exciting.
Seeing our new band come together and being picked out of so many other bands to play at the NASCAR show is humbling. We are really just a bunch of 50 year Olds. We ain't nobody special, but we bring an energy that the 20-25 year old bands can't rival.
We're memorable I would suffice to say.
I've told everyone who has asked me how I've managed to remain employed in the music business that my greatest strength is being a "team player" and less about being a "guitar player."
We build reputations often without knowing it, but those reputations preceed you in this industry and when the chips are down, the dependable personnel will get the job over the more technically proficient personnel.
Many of you are also really great guys and gals who take pride in being a part of the musical journies of others. I've met a few of you and those were very positive experiences.
So, to those that have PM'd and emailed me to express their dislike of my bluntness, or who take offense to what i post, I would ask this question.
If you really look deeply into this, my motivation is to see people break free from the prison of internet opinions and the needless purchase of gear, despite the fact that the forums - and the industry - both push this practice like a drug dealer.
Yes, I'm opinionated. This is true, but rather than send messages telling me that you perceive me as a "dick" or a "know it all," I would simply say, why not just block me so you don't have to endure the emotional trauma of differing opinions and facts that are contrary to widely accepted musical mythology???
It's a free country and everyone is indeed entitled to their opinions and beliefs, and I will respect that, but I'm not likely to remain silent.
I get along very well with people, even though I'm not very social. I value relationships and I enjoy helping others when I am able too.
And to my very special friend who took enough time out of his day to email me this thoughtful note, "You're just an poop chute who thinks he's better than everyone else and nobody gives a f**k about what you have to say..."
I respond thusly...
I respect your right to free speech. Since you chose to email me, rather than allow your hateful nature to be uncloaked publicly, I will respect your anonymity and I will not reveal your identity.
May God bless you. May all your dreams come true. May your eyes be opened to the misleading nature of passing opinions as the law of Moses. May you grow old in good health.
In all honesty and candor, yes, I do "believe in myself," as you say. I do not sell a product, but instead I give away information for free in hopes of helping others.
And you have done????
I would encourage everyone to seek your own path...whether it be political, religious or musical in nature.
By their deeds you will know them....
- Rob