Image by djenvert via FlickrThis Series - will be a new way to honor and recognize the musicians and leaders in our music communities around the world that have forged a "life path" for new music and given it opportunity where it was diminishing or bleak. My hope for my readers is that these interviews will assist you in growing into a responsible musician and to always listen to and record (whichever medium possible) your thoughts, songs and musical journey within YOUR journal:
TROY:
Chris, think of one of the first dozens of musical memories you've experienced. Share one or a few stories about how you discovered music? FOR INSTANCE: MY ITALIAN GRANDMA LET ME BANG ON POTS W/ WOODEN SPOONS - I FEEL THAT THAT ALLOWED ME PERMISSION TO CREATE ANY KIND OF MUSIC I WANTED TO GROWING UP WHILE LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE GUITAR AND SING.
CHRIS:
I remember when I was very young, I had a friend whose brother was into the band,"The Cure". All over his walls he had huge posters of The Cure. Seeing him play bass always perplexed me.
My Mother (Bless her Soul) bought me a nylon stringed beginners guitar and paid for me to take lessons. Just holding that guitar and strumming it made me feel a sense of power that the instrument held.
TROY:
Specifically about the style and feelings that the Cure writes and shares, what led you to dig deeper into the world of their music?
CHRIS:
Just experiencing and exploring their overall sound and feel. i know a lot of people feel their music is "depressing" or "dark" but at the age of even 11 they always had a certain mystique about them that i admired. like even the way they dressed, the way they played. i might not have been old enough at the time to understand what all their lyrics meant but i identified with their feelings of alienation.
TROY: A lot of people, myself included, were involved in the fad or "practice" of covering your bedroom or garage walls with your heroes or bands that you loved. What do you think are some of the reasons why we do that as teens and even into adulthood? Like for instance, we'd write a mission statement on a poster board and cut out pictures of things or people that were in alignment with that goal or vision. Why posters and not "Rock N' Roll trading cards" like sports stars have?
CHRIS: I think one could make the argument that going back to primitive human-kind we have always been a very image-oriented species. We used to paint on caves to tell our stories. I think for people, especially those in their younger years, they feel a sense of empowerment by putting up images of their favorite artists. i wouldn't call it a shrine, but more of an ode people build to reach out to those who may feel their loneliness, or any other negative feelings.
TROY: Interesting. Wow. So in a lot of ways we objectify those who are in the media and entertainment limelight as models of what we "could" become? Is it a way for us to understand the artist (in the broadest and truest sense of the word) and their pain and discomfort, their joy and elation?
CHRIS:
Interesting, I think it's more of the former point you have made; to truly identify with the artist emotionally as well as spiritually. I believe good music can be like medicine. I believe it can bring people out of bad moods, I believe it can heal people. So perhaps the images in people's rooms/houses are more of an *allusion* to this.
*Allusion - an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference : an allusion to Shakespeare | a classical allusion. The practice of making such references, esp. as an artistic device.
TROY:
Specifically about your history and diligence with the acoustic guitar - How has it aided in defining your own personality? What are the emotions when you pick up your guitar and creation just happens or you help it along with things like music theory and inspiration from songs you love? Those healing one you talked about previously...
CHRIS:
As far as aiding and defining my personality, I guess it's helped me look outside and see myself better.
People like Johnny Cash, Dylan, and John Prine are always men I've identified with; the "lone man with the guitar kinda guy".
Every time I pick up my guitar I feel a deep sense of empowerment. I feel one with the instrument, like it's an extension of me. And influences, they help deeply. I feel inspired by everything I listen to. From Bob Marley to the Smiths.
TROY:
So if this was your last breath to all those who've taken up the guitar and committed to figuring out the mystery and beauty of the art of writing songs and the instrument itself, what words of encouragement and tips would you give to today's up-and-coming Music Mentors, being one yourself? Any last shout outs?
CHRIS:
I know it seems cliche but - Practice! Practice! Practice! And don't get discouraged easily, many people are quick to cut other people down because they have no talents of their own. Some of the most famous singers don't necessarily have the greatest voices, they've made it because they put their soul into it. Shout-outs would have to be for God and my family for helping through the struggles I've been facing. And I would also like to thank old friends like you for giving me a shoulder to cry on when needed. For all those trying to make it out there - do it for the love of music, if you go about things that way, the money WILL follow.
TROY:
Wow Chris, It's been a little over two hours during our correspondence chat through Facebook. Thank you so much for teaching me what it means to be a true musician. To put your heart into what you know to be just and right. And for not being afraid to give props to our Heavenly Father, the ultimate picker of notes and beauty in this world. Here's to the night, and waking up in the morning just a little bit "MORE AWARE" of the love that music provides for us all.
PEACE! :o)
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