Over the last few months I have been writing constantly for my next musical creation and album entitled firstly in Bulgarian and secondly in English as “Wrathful Anubis”. Firstly in Bulgarian as the concept is conveniently leaning towards a radio transmission being discovered by Bulgarian authorities from space first before anyone else into the epic entity of my album and secondly in English because who in their right western mind would buy an album strictly done in another language.
But to get back to the point I’m trying to make.
Over the last few months I have written a total of about 46 minutes of music; giving me the notion that I might have about 20 minutes of good solid material and about 26 minutes of leftovers. People in the genre of progressive music, especially metal, like to have very very long songs that are beautifully written etc. but I find are completely lacking in what I call “Moments”.
Moments in music are the parts of a melody or song that force you to feel, sometimes uncontrollably, because it resonates with you inside. Either on an emotional or subconscious level it gives meaning and has power and value. And as such the writing time for my second album is going to have to be expanded upon: I am hoping to be done writing by the end of the summer and to be going through not one but two producers to give the album a modern and relevant edge and style. I have my team ready; so I just need to finish writing really.
But, coming back to the topic of moments, their importance is paramount to a great release and a poor release from a failing sinking project. If you can’t write a great moment in your music and in your songs, you won’t have a memorable song, and therefore a memorable album, and then your career takes a nosedive or doesn’t even start properly and you’re left feeling kind of upset. You can practice 12 hours a day and have the best gear and even tour but if you can’t write a decent tune worth your salt then what’s going on there?
I’ve summed it up to a balance of personality. Of social life and wealth of the bank account and of belief systems of self and of spirituality. In my case? I have no belief in god or in the idea that there is a creator that is omnipotent simply because I know that humans are too ignorant and unknowing to realize the implications of such a being as well as are extremely egocentric about it – but this isn’t a blast at religion.
Basically; you have to believe that success will come to you. And that if you’re truly a musician who wants to make people feel and to be happy and to feel the power that you’re outputting through your music; you should do it. You shouldn’t waste time. You should just go for it as hard and as much as you can; because why wouldn’t you? What’s stopping you from being the best person you can be?
Yourself.
Is your boss an ass that won’t give you a raise? Get a new boss. Is inter-band drama destroying the prospects of success? Get new band members; or a new band depending on the situation. Do you need a band to dictate your schedule for you? Or do you want to set your own schedule for success. Time constraints? There isn’t such a thing – it’s just how hard you’re willing to push yourself. Complaining that you don’t have enough time in the day is a cop out to yourself and to your life. So suck it up buttercup and accept your future reality that you will be successful if you choose to be.
So really what do “moments” in music come down to? The feeling. The pure ecstasy and joy of creating something which makes people cry or laugh or feel strong again. That is what I am trying to do. I don’t want to make an album that is throwaway or meaningless or childish; I want to tell a story, and I want it to be heard and appreciated. And the only way to do that is to make something that people will listen to and appreciate.
I hope that my post has given you something to think about.
Paul Ozz 