.
the result
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 3:43am
Years ago when I was doing those demos I've shared on this forum and dozens more, I wanted to give trying to make it in the biz my best shot.
I used the best musicians I knew.
I bought cutting edge gear.
I put in hours and hours of preparation for every track of my songs.
I think it shows in my demos.
Not only did I do all that, but I used all of my contacts to make sure that folks in the top tiers of the music biz heard my tunes.
None were impressed enough to invest.
I was roundly and soundly rejected by the pros.
Finally I said enough.
I worked my bass skills as a night job for many years, and finally gave that up.
I didn't play for years after that.
Finally my buds got me involved again and we're having a great time.
I guess what I'm saying here is that everything I do, I do with all my heart.
I can accept that I have limitations.
What I didn't want to happen was for me to say in my old age (which I'm getting into now), man, if I'd just done this or that, I probably could have made it.
I did this or that, I did everything I could.
I made an honest effort.
I've got a good singing voice, I hit the notes hard, clear and in tune, but it's not a marquee voice.
I write good songs, but not memorable ones.
Finally, after 25 years of concerted effort, and a considerable investment of time and funds, I said enough is enough.
That seven year layoff helped me to regain perspective about why I got into music in the first place.
I guess the real result of my efforts at becoming a pro songwriter and artist is that I've met so many wonderful folks along the way.
I've also had the support and encouragement of hundreds of great folks not connected with music.
Years later, one of those folks convinced me to get involved in music again.
I'm playing in a band with two great friends now.
When I stumbled across UBP in 2005, I found an online home filled with grounded musicians (bass players of course), and an opportunity to impart some of the great advice I was given along the way.
The pearls of wisdom I get credit for here are just something I'm passing along from folks like Jr. and others.
My life didn't end after my recording career stopped. I moved on. I've written a book and my writing has been published hundreds of times in local papers and magazines. I've run marathons. I had a radio show. I broke my own horse to ride. I rehabbed a barn. And the list goes on.
I've found out that I'm not just a one trick pony.
That's the result of all my effort across the years, and I wouldn't take back a single moment that took place along the way.
I raised my family well. I'm in a wonderful marriage.
I've stayed true to myself, and that's a payoff all its own.
This probably sounds like bragging or something.
But like one of my heroes Muhammed Ali said, it aint bragging if you can back it up.
I'm not sick or anything and everything is going well in my life, so don't think I'm writing a eulogy here.
But bringing out those old demos reminded me of how valuable that experience has been to me, not in terms of monetary gain, but the enrichment I gained from it has been substantial nonetheless.
Sorry to bore you if I did.
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:38am
#2
oldfclefer;167294 wrote:
When I stumbled across UBP in 2005, I found an online home filled with grounded musicians (bass players of course), and an opportunity to impart some of the great advice I was given along the way.
The pearls of wisdom I get credit for here are just something I'm passing along from folks like Jr. and others.
My life didn't end after my recording career stopped. I moved on. I've written a book and my writing has been published hundreds of times in local papers and magazines. I've run marathons. I had a radio show. I broke my own horse to ride. I rehabbed a barn. And the list goes on.
I've found out that I'm not just a one trick pony.
But bringing out those old demos reminded me of how valuable that experience has been to me, not in terms of monetary gain, but the enrichment I gained from it has been substantial nonetheless.
... and impart great wisdom you have done and will do again, I'm sure. I always read your posts carefully and with great consideration. You have a way of putting it all into perspective.
You proved to yourself that you're not a one trick pony. That's a lesson that more of us need to learn.
Sometimes, like you, bringing out old recordings that I have played on remind me of how far I've come and how far I have to go. They remind me that I do have something of value to offer even though, like you, that's not always the way I'm made to feel.
God Bless You and Yours, Ron.
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 10:04am
#3
oldfclefer;167294 wrote:
I'm not sick or anything and everything is going well in my life, so don't think I'm writing a eulogy here.
Whew! Glad you put that little blurb in there.
Thanks for sharing this overview and perspective. Very cool.
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 11:53am
#4
And Muhammed Ali was correct.
There's absolutely no shame on reflecting on previous accomplishments, and wanting to share. I for one always enjoy reading your posts, and think you bring something to the forum that few can, and that is experience. (Well, of course there are others, but they haven't reflected yet.)
Many young'ns on here (including myself) look up to fellows like you, who gave it all for the love of music. Getting into music is something many dream of, but few dare to accomplish for fear of failure, and it takes a hell of a lot of courage to take a run at the music industry, and in doing so, I'm sure you've gained a lot of respect between all Ugs here.
And as Socrates said, The unexamined life is not worth living
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 2:53pm
#5
Sounds to me like the moral is:
We all have the same destination. All we can do is enjoy the ride... no matter what path we end up taking. I'll never make a living at music... but it's a big part of my journey to the end. And it has made the journey so much more fun...
Thanks, Ron.
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 3:35pm
#6
Uncle Fat;167321 wrote:
Sounds to me like the moral is:
We all have the same destination. All we can do is enjoy the ride... no matter what path we end up taking. I'll never make a living at music... but it's a big part of my journey to the end. And it has made the journey so much more fun...
Thanks, Ron.
moral?
I've never been associated with that word before :D
yeah, the journey
such a gift
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 7:23pm
#7
Right on OFC
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 7:19pm
#8
Skydiving?
Tue, 03/31/2009 - 6:38am
#9
Get another motorcycle?
Seriously, you gave it your best shot.
From what I've read from and about you, thats quite alot.
Its hard to understand why some people- who haven't got sh!t for talent- make it big in the music biz, while others- who've got talent runnin' out of every body orfice- don't even get looked at twice. Go figger.
You're still the go-to man for advice around these parts.
Keep on keepin' on.
LowDown:cool:
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 10:06pm
#10
staying true to yourself is wise advice my friend....
best wishes always......paul
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 4:09pm
#11
Well, I rode a horse once and it broke me.
So it looks like you're doing better than I am :D
You've got a positive outlook and it seems like you've done some cool things with your time. I can't say I don't look back and wish I had done something else, but that's the past, what can you do?
It's all about now and enjoying it. I don't know where I'm going with this....
trails off rambling incoherently.
I'm glad that I'm the first one to add to this thread.
OFC, in the very short time that I've known you via this forum, you've impressed me with your straightforward honesty and no-nonsense attitude.
You don't suffer fools, but you always have a solid piece of advice for anyone who needs it. If anyone looked a little closer beyond that tough exterior, they'd find a man who has a warm heart and great compassion.
I for one have gained as a result of your influence, and I'll bet a CSS to the London Bridge that I am one of many that will reply in a similar fashion to this post.
I love your songwriting, your voice, your playing, and am as surprised as anyone that the 'bigs' never picked you up. However, for what it's worth, your music travels with me and I am inspired by your work.
I wasn't bored reading your post about your life, just motivated to do more with mine.
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