Not much to say?

I haven’t recorded any music in seven years. I can’t believe how long it’s been, but as I’ve been telling people, “I had a lot to say on the last CD and I guess I didn’t have much to say until now!”

I’m really looking forward to this new album. It’s mostly original what I would call “inspirational” songs with a few covers that I’ve always wanted to sing thrown in. What’s been interesting through this whole process is that in the past, as I’ve written and recorded music, there was always the thought in the front of my head, “I hope they (the audience) like this.” Which means, “I hope they like my music.” Which really means, “I hope they like, ME.” That was a big factor with my previous stuff. Not that I changed things to try to appeal to the public, but there was definitely a measure of approval anxiety with each performance and CD sale.

This time around, while I really hope that people like my music and it resonates with them, I realize that I have no control over that and I have to make the art that is true to me, no matter what anyone else thinks. When you look at the artistic geniuses of the world – Picasso, Mozart, Thoreau – none of them were famous or necessarily well regarded during their times. But they created their amazing, long-lasting art the only way they knew how, regardless of whether it was going to pay the bills or earn them laudations.

Obviously I am NOT comparing myself to these masters that transcend time. But the concept of creating something from that which is within you, from the beauty and uniqueness that is you and you alone, is the same. Whatever you art form is – writing, dancing, singing, photography, painting, drawing – make it come from YOU. Don’t just do what’s trendy, don’t worry about becoming a sensation on youtube, don’t be concerned with how much money you will make from it. Just create, and enjoy the process.

Remember the scene from The Karate Kid when he was making his Bonsai tree:
Daniel: How do I know if my picture is the right one?
Mr. Miyagi: If come from inside you, always right one.