New York City: #025 (Resilient)

Today I'm working on a new song.  October has been a change of pace.  Starting to get settled in the hustle of the city.  This week my Nashville compadres Damien Horne & Fat Cat Banks are teaching me how to play guitar.  Damien and I have been friends for awhile now and seen the ups and downs of the music life we have come to know.  So it's only fitting that he's finally getting his big break at the hands of Mr. John Legend himself - and it so happens he's staying only blocks from me here in Bed Stuy Brooklyn.  I think God is funny that way you know.  So tonight I'm headed to the studio as him, JL, and others will be listening to these incredible demo recordings he's been making while JL has been onthe road promoting his new album WAKE UP.   Dam's been working with JL's producers and soon you'll hear more good music (no pun intended) from Dam in 2011 if all goes as planned, as it will.

We were all talking about the music life we lead and how it's America's biggest crap shoot.  As much as you know the game, nothing is guaranteed.  It's hard to break a code that doesn't exist.  Since I've been here I've gotten interesting looks on stage as well as people who come up to me and say that was the most inspiring/greatest/bestest thing they've heard in years in New York.  There are managers I've met who haven't called me back yet, and those who have called back multiple times and I've developed great relationships with.  It's all about perspective.  The reason most artists are "crazy" and wild/out of the ordinary is because if we weren't we'd be DEPRESSED.  There are other professions that are very difficult no doubt, but music is the ultimate beat down.  The bad outweighs the good on any given day so taking it personally can cause a career to stop before it starts.  We are resilient individuals, and just like any game, attitude and heart is what separates the good from the great.  Well, a little swagger don't hurt either.  To every artist out there, be resilient, smart, persistent, and great.  

Be resilient people.  And watch out for my brother Damien Horne.  ...and then watch out for me;)

Read This:

http://www.taletela.com/news/3284/john-legend-talks-kanye-west-amy-winehouse-and-justin-bieber