What the DEVIL are you reading Mr. O?

Well it turns out I’ve decided to start reading books again; I don’t know how I’ve found the time but obviously I must think it’s important enough of a thing to do for my mind, body; and soul. You know; I’m like any other average joe. How am I better than any other guitar player or working stiff?

That’s the thing; I’m terribly similar.

I like to think I can connect to those of you who bother to read these blogs because of that.

Sure the website looks reasonably snazzy, as I didn’t make it, but it’s just an appealing rope which I can haul you into my world of bizarre musician-ocity-isms?

Anyhow; I’m reading “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne. I have no idea who the devil she is but she has written some interesting books on how to perceive life I can say that much. This one is all about being gratuitous with your gratitude: and I’m telling you I couldn’t be happier people bother to read my blog. There is a sense of genuine folk on WordPress which is entirely different from YouTube or Facebook or Twitter which I totally dig.

This book has opened my eyes up to a lot of negativity that I seem to be lumbering around with: not in the sense that I’m a miserable depressed unhappy mother finger; but that the way I approach situations is in the negative and the way I approach, more importantly, thoughts is negative. BUT WHY?! WHY!!!!

Because as children we didn’t have those negative things going on – we had to get them stamped out of us with the hammer of social awkwardness. That being socially acceptable things to do/say/act/be. So as I’m trying to remove some of these internal dialogue awkwardness’ I’ve discovered once I started to remove them from my social and real life I came to the conclusion that people are morons.

Brash? Hardly. People love drama. They seethe and rage but have some kind of a near sexual fantasy with these incredibly over dramatic personal relationship drama situations. And it really does cause a lot of pain and problems and the biggest unfortunate thing is that it distracts from really living life. SO. It comes down to this. What the devil am I reading? A book about being a kind of more solid person. Enjoying and appreciating things more and removing the indoctrination that society has provided me with the love of the material. It’s going really great.

I got some good friends back into my life; and some bad ones out. I am on the right path once more. And I promise not to type nearly 500 words about overly interpersonal and judgemental things for at least a week.

~P.o

To Be a Virtuoso

I think I’ve realized what my dream is in a very clear and concise way. I want to be a virtuoso guitar player. The problem with that term is that it isn’t one you give yourself; it’s one others give you.

So be it. I’ll work hard. I’ll work harder than ever before. As I strive for perfection my only problem is that I have no problems or excuses in the first place to be the very best I can be.

Cheers.

THE WIZARD RETURNS

Well folks; my 6 string beauty; my ESP Horizon FR-II just got resurrected with it’s original setup of EMG 81 and 85’s. Now; that might sound like a lot of redundant meaningless technobabble guitar nerd speak HOWEVER. This is good news.

I’m gonna finish the leads for Land of Secrets with this guitar; at least mostly. It’s an extremely exciting time to put on my old pair of boots and test drive the guitar that purrs like a lion after devouring its meal.

I beckon you to watch my YouTube channel as I will be reviewing the EMG 81 and 85 and giving a thorough in depth look at why they are misunderstood and a lot more awesome than they are. I’ll probably post the link in a separate post.

Anyhow; this is so awesome. It sounds so Mid and REALLY punchy. The thing can cut through mixes so easily – I am so excited to start hammering at my tunes with it again! Yes it’s a 6 string yes it’s not as functional as my 7 but damn it I’ve had it for years! There is love ; blood; sweat, tears and joy in this instrument!

It has travelled thousands of miles; seen the coasts of Canada, played on 4-5 albums, and will continue to serve me well.

I hate to sound like a poster boy for ESP Guitars but they really do age like a fine wine; and mine is getting particularly expensive.

Bert the Bald Eagle

So I call him Bert even though he is an avatar of Re.

Whatever though.

Here he is!

bert

Development

I’ve been working so hard on my album and on the material I have been neglecting a lot of other things. Thankfully my friends and family are kind of understanding about it and don’t get upset with me too much for telling them to bugger off when I’m busy.

But really it’s not anyones place to bother anyone else whilst they strive for perfection; is it?  How annoying is it to be pestered by text or by family whilst actually trying to accomplish something? The eternal, gluttonous; selfishness of distraction. People don’t want other people to be successful; because they are jealous they aren’t doing something productive. It makes me sick. It makes me lose faith in humanity. Fortunately for me though? There is duct tape; and an off-switch to my phone.

I have 10 or so demos with the final number being 12 almost ready for recording in a studio environment. This news comes with a hefty price; as the mixing and mastering and even recording of this record is going to be a lot more substantial than before. I welcome the challenge. I am going to make the best album I can make. And I hope to shatter minds and all of that good stuff.

I will return to YouTube soon.

~P.o