My Arrogant Behaviour Towards Music Can Lead To Terrible Things...

It's been a terrible month for songwriting - for me. I seem to be more concerned with what's 'out there' rather than what's 'in here' (ie. my head). Ever had those moments?

Ever had those moments where you seem to criticize everything and anything you hear on the radio? Instead of focusing on the content that can help your songwriting, you end up purposely finding flaws in it - so you can justify your own in-actions.

Well, enough of this! You see, today it may be criticizing songs and the artists... tomorrow I may be putting down people because of their looks, habits, characteristics or personalities. Think I'm taking this thing a bit too far?

Trust me, I'M NOT.

I've seen this happen to people. People I know. Songwriters, Musicians - and dear friends of mine. It all starts with the negativity:

"that base line sucks" , "that guitar solo is naff", "man, what terrible lyrics".... or "she's such a crap singer". How about ... "eew, what a cheesy melody...that's been done a thousand times before".

They continue to chant on their soap box until the cows come home. And before they do, it turns into this:

"that dude with the crap song has a brother who plays crappy bass... and his sister is well ugly".

Trust me, I ain't kidding here.

That's why I posted this here today. I wanted to validate my recent pompous behaviour towards the current music scene, and then do something about it. I have no right to judge. None of us do.

Yes, I know we all have opinions. And we should. But remember this.: an opinion can change... but a judgement is absolute.

This means, I won't be the one who says "that song is crap" as if it's the God to honest truth. Yes, I will have my reasons for why I don't like something, but equally I will try as best as I can to soak up as much inspiration and positivity that the song/artist/band/person can give me... as I humanly, possibly can.

I don't want to be the person who is constantly trying to justify my own rubbish music (or behaviour) by putting others down. And I hope you see the wisdom in this.

Peace,

Shamir
[formally known as Calvin]