I Don't Have A Harmonica

I want to rant tonight. Sometimes you just need to. Keep in mind that while what I'm about to say may not apply to all of you, I want everybody to listen carefully because obviously this doesn't sink in.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am not the best musician in the world. I don't have the guitar skills of Hendrix, I'm not as deep as Cobain, I don't play piano like Mozart, and I sure don't have the voice of Josh Groban (even though I really, really want it). I would like to believe, however, that God gave me an amazing gift that is my voice and with this voice I have set out to become the most REAL musician in the world.

For the record, I, like other "popular" musicians out there, tend to use a four chord formula. The difference between me and everyone else? I'd like to believe I tell a damn good story with those four chords. Speaking of stories, there isn't a lyric that I have written that wasn't true. They are real stories from the heart and put onto paper. For this reason, I don't write a song every thirty seconds. I write when I feel inspired. Sometimes I'll manage three songs in a night. Most of the time it'll take me six  months before I get inspired again. Speaking of time, it's something that NONE OF US have anymore. So in case you're wondering why I don't play five shows a week or have out anything resembling a recording, it's because I have a job that just so happens to be at night. I use this job to pay bills. Sometimes it tires me the hell out. So on days off, I tend to do things other than record, write, or play music. Example: Realaxing. Doesn't mean I'm not passionate, it just means I need a break from everything.

All of those things are not only what make me as a person but they also make me as a musician. I knew that there would be people who get it and people who didn't. And while I appreciate the love from my supporters (you know who you are), I can't help but feel that there is a handful of people that have said or do say that they enjoy what I do but really don't.

Is it cause I don't have charisma? Is it cause I don't have a death metal scream? Perhaps I'm too emo? Are my lyrics not deep enough for you? Maybe they're too corny? Do I not have enough tattoos? Or is it because I don't have a harmonica around my neck?

This is where I hit you with the truth. When it comes to music and my life, I have a plan. I have a mindset. I will be damned if I let anybody change that. With that said, if you do like what I do then by all means thank you and keep listening and spreading the word. If you don't like what I'm doing, sure it sucks to hear that. But I would rather be told that you don't like it rather than discover that you didn't. The truth hurts but lies are far more painful. I would rather everyone told me I sucked at this music thing. At least then I could fix myself so that I don't suck. Trust me, I've become quite good at fixing myself.

The bottom line, if you like my music, awesome. If you don't, don't waste my time by telling me that you do.

Part of me wishes I didn't have to say all of this, but I'm not one to hold it all inside. Blame the Prima Donna in me. At least I feel better now...

Lessthanthree,
Doug

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Tonight's entry comes a day late. Hangovers kinda make it hard to write. I'm sure you all understand.

I'm gonna be about as blunt as I can be. The year 2011, all things considered, really sucked.

Don't get me wrong. There were some great moments. Some of you, however, who know me best know that this was one roller coaster ride I didn't want or ask to be on. Bottom line, this was a year of uncertainty. Where was I going in life? Who could I trust? Does anyone even like me? Will I be in debt forever? Too many questions and not enough answers.

It wasn't until August that the dawn finally came. Boy, did that sun shine. I got a secure job for once. I still do. Through them I was able to get myself some wheels and contrary to popular opinion I was still able to make music. The feather in the cap, however, was New Year's Eve. It's funny how people say "the pen is mightier than the sword." The pen I used that day was used to obtain freedom. That's right. After twenty-five years, I will no longer be a resident of my parents house. It was a big step. Still hasn't sunk in either.

With that, I wash my hands of 2011. 2012 is supposed to be the year the world ends. If that's true, I'm gonna make this year count. These aren't resolutions. Resolutions never come to pass. These are promises.

I will release some kind of CD before the year's end.

I will run Arcon's very first King of Iron Fist Tournament. Details to come.

I have three ideas for stories. I will finish them.

But most importantly, I don't care if I make it in music, hospitality, vitamins, or if I take a new route and go fuck crazy working for the post office. The only thing that matters is that I will be successful.

The new day is here. The slate has been wiped clean. Time to write the next chapter.

Lessthanthree,
Doug