Why Being a Musician is Dope

The supplemental podcast is right here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/bminusshow/why_being_a_musician_is_dope.mp3

As you may or may not know, I have been into playing and making music for quite a while.

I embraced my start of making my first rap song back in the mid 90’s and crossed over to rock production in the late 2000’s.I didn’t really perform much into my rock days, which brought me into my late 20’s.

Albeit, I did do a few garage rap shows in a few random garages along with a number of freestyle sessions and rap battles during that era.

Anyways, I think I have put in a good amount of time to give a gauge on what exactly makes me continue to create and perform music, along with some cool side benefits as to why I do it.

Here is a podcast and an article about why I think being a musician is a great thing for myself and perhaps others.

Inner fulfillment

I know, this sounds obvious or even corny to some. I make and perform music because of the intrinsic benefits. I actually feel pretty damn good when my band or myself creates a piece of decent music.

The feeling of coming to the table with an idea, then turning it into something gives that great tingly sensation.

Perhaps it is a hit of dopamine or adrenaline. Regardless, it’s one of the things in life that has consistently made me feel this way.

For example, a lot of times I get bass licks or bass lines stuck in my head.

Sometimes they come from a spinoff of another bass line, and sometimes I fiddle around with my instrument and come up with some killer shit.

When I bring that idea as a central or starting piece to a composition and keep adding layers and vocals to it, it gets me stoked.

Inner purpose

Back to my soap box in the intro about my nostalgic music history, I continue to make music because I knew I loved music.

Yes, I love music soo much that I actually make it (same with beer).

I first just liked listening to music, then had the opportunity to play and learn some good recording equipment from my friends dad’s garage.

His dad actually made records back in the day and had since had a 4 track, mixer, mics and all the instruments we needed.

They were generous enough to let a few teenagers mess around with the gear and a dream emerged from that experience. What I felt deeply from those days was a sense of purpose with my music.

Albeit, my music ideas do not always convey the exact message I am trying to communicate.

However, I find that some pieces of art or music I have made were perfect at the time, but then a lack of popularity or sound quality slowly chipped away at the perfection that I once conceived about that song slowly dwindled away over time.

So I guess I am on a mission to make the perfect record that sustains for me over the years…or for the people, which usually equates to hella money.

Chicks

Well, I have heard that chicks love guys in bands. I can tell you that it was not the reason I joined / formed a rock band or made rap / hip hop music. I can also say the statement is about 50% true.

The successful musicians get the chicks. Some low-level musicians pull the girls. In my experience, girls tend to like and appreciate the fact I have a productive hobby and creative outlet.

So don’t join a band for getting girls, although it will likely help you out a little bit in this area of your life.

It does make you look cooler for the most part, especially if you and your crew are even just semi-talented and in some sort of cohesion.

I think if you are an attractive person, music can help you become more attractive (assuming you have at least a normal way to make a decent living in addition to your music hobby).