Be A Cheater

When bands look at other bands careers, the attitude can get pretty competitive.  Maybe you don’t say it, but you think it and feel it.

And the other band is always cutting corners in order to be successful.

They’re not even that good and they got that great magazine review?!

They obviously aren’t experienced enough to have an opening slot at that festival!

How do THEY have THAT label?

In essence…They’re definitely cheating and are playing unfair but are having success! No fair!!

So the question isn’t, why aren’t they playing by the rules?!!!!

The question is…

Why aren’t you cheating too?

Why aren’t you breaking the rules?

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

For A Change...

Isn’t it odd that when we find consistency and reliability, it feels refreshing and new?

In theory consistency should feel stale and old.

In theory reliability should feel unexciting and mundane.

But consistency and reliability are fresh and new these days because not many people are willing to be that for someone else, or for a group of people.  We all want others to be that way FOR US.

More often than not, what artists want is affirmation…consistently.

The artists who lead with consistency are more likely to receive affirmation and at the same time, not care about it. Because they’re too busy fulfilling their purpose…

…in a consistent, reliable way.

For a change, try not changing.

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

3.5 Stars

These days giving a 3.5 star review (out of 5) says much more about the reviewer than it does the record.  Because once you state your stance, it lives forever and you have to own up to it.

3.5 stars is the safest, most diplomatic number of stars.

You get to be right no matter what crowd you’re in.

If you’re with people who loved it, you can clap along.

If you’re with people who hated it, you can dog it.

You can fit right in no matter what.

3.5 star reviews are the worst.

And at the same time, you know what we need less of?

3.5 star records.

We need more 5 stars and more 0 stars (like Led Zeppelin 1).

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Tuesday Nightcap

Antacid commercials don’t tell you to stop eating spicy, unhealthy food.

The holiday sale doesn’t tell you to save your money, it tells you to spend 80% and SAVE 20%!!!!!!

The media can’t show you what a rockstar is like when the cameras are shut off.

New York doesn’t tell people not to sleep.

Apple doesn’t ask people to talk about them.

The road doesn’t miss you being on it.

Guitar string companies don’t want people to play better, they want people to play harder.

Divorce lawyer commercials don’t tell people to stop cheating on their spouse.

When a band says “we need you”, it usually means “we’ll take anyone”.

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Mystique

How much should you put out there?

Should you tweet?

Should you say yes to the interview?

What should you let people in on in the interview?

Should you be like Jack White?

Or Katy Perry?

What part of your personality holds the mystery about you?

Is mystery cool?

Is being an open book better?

Can open books be mysterious?

I ask all these things, but I really really really want you watch this video…a 24 second clip from the directors cut of Almost Famous. Your free lesson.

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

That Thing You Do: Final Bow

Maybe the best thing about this movie is that…everyone who likes this movie, loves this movie.

And everyone who loves this movie, loves when they find someone else who loves this movie.

There is instant connection. They’re in on the jokes, the story, the sweetness, the characters, the quotable quotes.

Jimmy the talent, Lenny the fool, Faye, Guy the smart one, Mr White….and of course, T.B. Player.

This movie, about a rock band, created the thing that all bands aspire to create.

It figured out what story it wanted and needed to tell, and told it in a way that we wanted to watch again and again.

(That last sentence is important, probably worth reading again.)

If you’re looking for a even more That Thing You Do, go grab the deluxe version on DVD and watch the directors cut. It’s about 35 minutes longer and has some fantastic new scenes.

Don’t miss a post. Sign up for free.

I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com