Ooh, Olive!
First off, I'd like to thank all of my loyal readers for taking the time to read what I have to say - please know that it means a great deal to me.
Alrighty, now on to this week's topic - "I am what I am!". This quote was made famous by the cartoon character Popeye. I'd heard it many times and just took it as something he said. Well, lately this saying has developed a deeper meaning as I continue to pursue my creative muse.
For most of my 'adult' career, both as a writer of music and person in the world, I had troubled myself with the notion of doing what I think others would like me to do. This would go so far as influencing my opinion of music I would write, food that I cooked and how I would spend my time. It was pervasive!
To a certain extent, that is not a bad thing - one should concern themselves with the wants and desires of others, but if it becomes the dominant influence on one's behavior, then you can lose track of who you are and what you truly want.
I could go into a deep analysis of why I am this way - the impact of having two highly dysfunctional parents, being an only child with no sibling with whom to confide...etc... it's a very interesting story, perhaps, but the main thing is that I AM this way!
So, how does this play into my musical creativity? For one thing, I have always thought that in order to be successful with my music that I at least attempt to write music in a currently popular genre. Even if it was 'old school' it would be a hipster kind of thing. Well, I've come to the conclusion, to quote Bill Murray: "It just doesn't matter!" My music sounds the way it sounds, like it or hate it, take it or leave it - it is what it is and I am what I am! So there! Nya, nya! ;)
Also, if I fall prey to the "what do other's think?" way of thinking, then my appraisal of my work is subject to what others think, instead of keying into whether or not I'm expressing what's in my heart and mind.
Overall, the idea is that one should be true to oneself and be sure to share what you've done with others. All the rest - success, financial independence, super-model wives (yes, plural, I'm going to move to Utah :D) will all fall into place as you take the world by storm!!! I WILL CONQUER YOU ALL!!!
apparently, I've got other issues - for another time then?
Cheers!