Being Deliberate

[rayzer]

ArkJack,Thanks for checking in. Yes, it's a comfort to still be able to make music while everything falls apart, but I can't help thinking of other notable final concerts like:Nero fiddling while Rome burnedorthe quartet playing on deck while the Titanic sank.Well, now that I think about it, I guess we could have it worse.Thanks for the reminder, ArkJack. Hang in there.Rayzer

[tedsingingfox]

OK, here goes for Jan 15th.1) I MUST find a new job. (Today, I had a grand total of two customers during my shift. Not two TABLES, but two individual humans. Total. I made $3. I'm going hungry and I may not be able to make rent for January; so this job has GOT to go.) I realize this one's not musically related, but it's my highest priority right now.2) Still not sure why I haven't heard an answer from MasterWriter; but I need to get to the bottom of this. If and when it shows up, I will dedicate myself to learning it inside and out.3) As long as item #1 above comes to pass, I will try to get into the studio and record a good clear demo of the song I wanted to have custom-critiqued last month. There are a couple of "neo-traditional" country listings, WITH critiques, that I'd love to submit it to. We'll see.4) Re-read Robin's book. That's one I'll return to again and again.See you in about 5 weeks.Ted

[rayzer]

Hi all,Well, I knew this would be a full month, and it was. Thankfully, making a commitment here helped me get some stuff done anyway.What did I do? I'm glad you asked.Here are my January 15 actions and results:1. Keep learning with Robin's book.Still awesome.2. Write a new piece of music and submit it to at least one listing.I just submitted it today. It’s called, ‘What You’re Lookin At.’3. Make the Habitat people happy.They’re satisfied with the 3.5 and 9 minute versions. I’m still working on the 35 minute version.Okay, for February 15, I’m staying the ‘slow and steady’ course.I will:1. Write a new piece of music and submit it to at least one listing.2. Finish the 35 minute version for Habitat.3. Look into some new studio gear.There it is.Rayzer

[tedsingingfox]

Hey, Rayzer.Well, I have had the weekend from hell. sorry for not getting here sooner.BUT, I'm happy to say I had a decent last month.Got a new job. Although it feels like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire (the owners of the new restaurant are even more insane than the people I was trying to leave...but the $$ to be made here is about 4 times better. We'll see how it goes.)FINALLY got my copy of MasterWriter. It's pretty cool. Still learning my way around it, but I'm thinking this will be a GREAT tool to have around.Unfortunately, I had a major dental issue that just came up over the weekend, forcing me to give up a couple of big money shifts...which meant I had to cancel my trip into the studio that was coming up this Thursday. Damn it.SO... Let's see... For Feb. 15th.1) I WILL get into the studio and put down a decent, clear, simple demo of this new song I'm excited about. 2) I WILL force myself to sit down with the owner's manual to the little digital 4-track I have. (I've been chickening out because I don't have the proper cables to dump whatever I CAN record onto my laptop OR a decent microphone...OR the money to purchase those things; but I need to get over myself. Period. And besides, I usually really enjoy facing my fears.)3) I WILL write something on the keyboard, rather than on the guitar. I need to change things up AND I need to get more comfortable on keys.Maybe not huge plans for this month, but enough to keep me busy.See you in about 4 weeks.

[rayzer]

There are so many things going on at home and at work that I'm afraid this month will be another quick check-in for me. It's all (mostly) good, mind you, it's just taking all my time to keep up. I've had an hour available a few times this past month, but I have trouble switching on the creative switch when I've been so totally consumed every other minute. I start by thinking, "I should really take advantage of this hour." Then I take about 30 minutes trying to get back to my happy music place, and the rest of the time I work to get something started, but run out of time before I get anything solid accomplished. Anyway...There are a few changes on the horizon that should loosen up more time, so I'm holding on for that.For January 15, I submitted my song to a listing, finished the 35 minute Habitat piece, and did some research on new studio gear.For March 15, I will:Write and submit something to at least one listing.Stay strong and hold on.Thanks for allowing me to stop in for a drink once a month during my time in the desert.RayzerBTW, Ted, thanks for checking in last month.How's the new job?Sorry to hear about your new dental problems. What's new with that?I look forward to your report.

[tedsingingfox]

Hey, Ray.Sorry to say, I've already been fired from the new job. The new boss made an outrageous demand, and when I refused to comply, I was fired on the spot. I've spoken to the legal division of the NM Dept. of Labor and was told that, while her demands WERE technically illegal, she didn't actually take it FAR ENOUGH (she didn't behave illegally enough?!?!?), and I have no leg to stand on. In fact, they wouldn't even finish the process of filing a complaint. That was 9 days ago.I'm thinking I've decided once and for all to simply get the hell out of here. If I've got to be this broke and this hungry and to struggle THIS hard to find and keep steady work, I might as well do it in Nashville. (I'm fighting the urge to simply pack up the car, douse the apartment with kerosene, toss a match over my shoulder, and head east. ) I'm aiming for an April (May, at the latest) launch date. I'll keep you posted.ANYWAY, as to last months' list...Both of my potential studio dates fell through (I was on stand-by for cancellations that never happened). BUT, I spoke to my engineer on Friday and we have a solid date booked in March. Cool.The digital 4-track just didn't happen. I'm too busy trying to figure out what to do with all my crap and packing and trying to manifest the supplies, be they cash or other, to expedite this move. Starting with such a huge, new project rigtht now just doesn't make sense. But it's one of the few things that will be traveling with me in the car, if I have to leave most of this behind.I'm about halfway done with the new keyboard instrumental. Not having an 88-key keyboard is annoyingly limiting, but I'm not willing to let this little idea in my head fall by the wayside. I'd love to be able to post a scratch version of it BEFORE heading to Tennessee. We'll see.So, for March 15...Will actually POST the demo for "One Step Removed" Don and I will record on the 11th.Will have at least 15 boxes packed and labelled and ready to either be put in storage OR to be packed into the U-Haul. Putting stuff in storage out here (plus the costs of driving out to retrieve it) simply doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I prefer the U-Haul option. Aiming for the U-Haul option. I WILL achieve the U-Haul option. Period. Don't CARE how unemployed/penniless I am right now, I will make it happen.Will actually post either a new instrumental or a new set of lyrics ... SOMETHING new besides the overdue demo mentioned above.Wish me luck. See you here next month.

[rayzer]

Hey Ted,Thanks for checking in.Sorry about the job 'Illegal, but not illegal enough' sounds like 'kind of pregnant.' It sure seems like the signs are telling you to get out of NM. I hope everything comes together for your move real soon.Let's make this month count for something good!You're in my thoughts and prayers. See you here 3/15.Rayzer

[philschon]

I just yesterday saw this post for the first time.WOW! That sure is an eye opener on wasting time. I'd like to jump in if I may! About a two months ago I came up with a list of goals I call THE PLAN. They are more long term, but I really like the idea of setting monthly goals. Using that would show real (or lack of) progress. Here is THE PLAN as it now stands; THE PLANGOALS (and how to obtain them, step by step) Become a Successful Songwriter by;1 Writing songs everyday and Complete them2 Recording these COMPLETED songs3 Continue studying thru books, listening to TV, radio, other songwriters***4 Taking songwriting classes in every area in which I am deficient *6 Sending my songs in, USING the critiques7 Collaborating with other songwriters when possible8 Attending next years Road Rally, and every one thereafter Become a Better Musician by; 1 Getting back in shape and BETTER on guitar2 Learning and using my Theory** Selling My Music by;1 Writing, Recording, Mixing, and Mastering my own CD's2 Do this ^ by myself, but knowing when to ask other musicians or recordists for help3 Finding a Good CD duplicating company, and printing and releasing my CD WITH good graphics4 Signing with the Best independent distibutors I can findCOMPLETED;* 5 Join TAXI and/or find a way to get my songs heard * done10/08** 3 Began voice lessons 1/15/09***Bought Shortcuts To Hit Songwriting Jan 2009 So, my goals for March 15; 1-Complete and submit AT LEAST one tune2-Continue study of the Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting book. Complete at least to the end of part Two (I am at Tip #8 now), and USE THESE TIPS.3-Write something my wife can sing on (she's really good).4-Make better use of my time (using some of rayzer's suggestions)5-Finish up my song GOSSIP BITCH, for my CD (except drums, which I have a friend coming in to do for that and other tunes in April).6-Stay in touch on The Forums

[tedsingingfox]

Hey, Philschon.By all means, jump in. The water's fine.and don't hesitate to post up some music on the peer-2-peer chapter. Will look forward to hearing it...Ted

[rayzer]

Welcome, Philschon!I like 'THE PLAN.'It's good to have everything right there on one page.I'm glad you're here to break it down into manageable chunks every month with us. Having more people involved in 'the deliberate thing' strengthens my commitment to it.Quote:2-Continue study of the Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting book. Complete at least to the end of part Two (I am at Tip #8 now), and USE THESE TIPS.I've been thinking about how Robin's excellent book fits with being deliberate and I realized that her 'Do It Now' exercises are great to have on hand when I have less than an hour to do something related to music, or as a directed way to transition from the rest of my life back into music time. Thanks, Robin! Philschon, I look forward to our check-in time on March 15.Rayzer