being a singer for about 16 years now i sure do know everything there is about ego and a really long time i thought that’s what music is about… so where’s the big deal because the vast majority of musicians think of it the same way.
well, they’re all wrong – it took years for me to figure that out, maybe my inner moron outweighs the ego, but now that i know i’d like you to avoid that mistake. although there is a certain amount of ego necessary to even dare climbing on a stage – call it self-confidence – and if you’re writing songs you need to put a little of yourself in there but that’s about it. as soon as you’re playing – be it in the studio, on stage or even during rehearsals – get rid of the ego. period. as soon as you’re making music, it’s all about the music. it’s all about the song, the moment and being in the moment for that matter. it’s about the picture and not just your single colour. who cares about a freaking guitar solo? just the guy who plays it. a drum fill every few seconds – no matter how fast or fancy it might be – destroys everything the song could be… ok, i’m drifting off a bit. overplaying should get it’s own entry – and it will. back to the ego: for starters, try to make your next rehearsal all about your bandmates. listen to what the bassplayer does…….yes i know, but do it anyway and listen to the others too, one at a time. come to think of it, listening should get its own entry as well. if you really are interested in what they do, it will make you a better musician and it will make it a better song. i guess in a nutshell this lesson would be: it’s not about you.
to be continued…….