Hello Troubadourians! The start of a new year… what does that mean to you? Excitement, anticipation, and hope? A continuation of “the same old…” or something entirely different? For me, there is some of all of that in what I can see in the near future. Family, day job, playing music with good friends, performing for people, writing, and recording new songs. All of these are familiar and come with certain expectations based on past experience, but experience also tells me that this year will be ever-changing and unexpected. The not knowing makes it interesting.
I expect to keep working as an engineer, but my role is evolving, less of the day-to-day and more forward-looking into new designs, but even better are the opportunities to teach and mentor younger engineers and interns. That is a big shift in responsibilities but will soon assume the same everyday feeling that I have now—being used to doing something is good as long as you appreciate the opportunity to serve. I have often been so busy this past year that I’ve sometimes resented it. Note to self: it’s not about you.
That thought works with my music just as well. Sometimes I get frustrated that I’m not playing what I want to play and worried that I’m not as good as I used to be. Both are wrong and selfish. If I feel like my skills are diminished, all I have to do is to put in some more practice time and listen to more music… I’m much happier with how and what I play when I do that. Playing in support of the song seems like a cliché, but it’s much more difficult to do than it might seem. The better I get at it, the more I get out of the music and the more fun I have.
Last year I learned a lot about writing my own songs, mostly by learning a lot about myself and becoming able to express what I learned in words, which became lyrics. Letting the words happen first was an epiphany for me. By letting what had always been my weakness become the focus of the song completely changed songwriting for me. I totally want to explore that as far as it will take me. And writing things that are outside the context of what I “normally” do is an exercise in building character and confidence. Maybe I’ll make a solo record…
Speaking of… my daughter has been asking me to record all the folk and bluegrass music I used to play solo when she and her sister were still in utero and when they were little girls. Yeah, that sounds like something I ought to do sooner rather than later. Folk music is about stories and songs, not perfection, so I have to get myself past the “studio player” mindset and into being a storyteller. Now, there’s a leap outside of my comfort zone. But singing with the Outliers has already pushed me in that direction, so maybe I’m ready.
Over the years, writing this column has become easier… and more difficult. The ability to create something informative and interesting to read is a skill I have worked hard at learning to do well, and I’m getting better at it, but with each one written I raise the bar a little bit higher for myself. Some are better than others, but the really good ones make the next one harder to write. Writer’s curse, I guess, but I asked for this and I hope we’re all better for the effort. I do appreciate your taking the time to read them.
At the end of January, I’m scheduled to attend the NAMM Show for the first time since 2020. I’m looking forward to it. I had planned to go in 2024 but I fell ill the week prior and couldn’t make it. The music industry has changed significantly since COVID and I’m anxious to once again experience it for myself. I have friends who will be there that I haven’t seen in five years. And there are friends that I’ve come to expect to see at the show who are no longer with us. Attending a once-a-year event can truly focus your attention on your own mortality. How things have changed from year-to-year is always significant but will undoubtedly seem jarring after a five-year absence.
I’m interested to hear how your 2024 ended compared to how it began and what you expect for 2025. There are many challenges facing us in the coming year and many still tagging along from the previous year. May we handle them with courage and grace. Here we go…
Need to know? Just ask… Charlie (ask.charlie@hotmail.com)
