Crazy how people may be so hungry to be glorified and take the credit for something they haven't done..But rather then sitting around and pondering what comes next it's better to pick up my feet and roll with punches. I find it more beneficial physically,mentally & spiritually to make my own way in this world with the sense and knowledge of knowing that I've given it all I could. And although someone else gets credited or tries to take the credit the truth lays with in your own knowledge. Life and this world in general ain't ever fair but if you start moving and motivating yourself in positive way things can surly start looking up. I cannot express to everyone how many times I've been pushed aside, over looked or quite plainly left out and seemingly ignored by Radio (program directors), Labels and producers that after all that I became self efficient and much more conscious of what this industry was being driven by. For the most part there has been some very supportive stations (Radio) and Labels and Producers who believed and saw my journey for what it was and helped out majorly. But still there where's some that was deemed (the it) station where you had to get played on to make it here or Labels and Producers to work with in able to get played all these designated stations! But when you look at it for all it's worth it does look very fishy.. I've paid my dues and till this day practice (rehearse) my butt off to improve everyday. I quite literally sit for an hour or more sometimes doing scales,licks and songs on my guitar trying to improve upon what I have already achieved. It is endless and never for a moment do I ever think I'm good or I'm the sh*t cause all I have to do is put on a video on YouTube of someone like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Morse,Steve Lukather,John Petrucci, Joe Banomassa, John Mayer, Jonny Lang, Travis Larson, Gretchen Menn, Sharon Aguilar, Slash and the list goes on and on to realize that I'm not even close to being at the point of staking a claim.. And Vocally I just watch John Mayer, brother Bruno Mars or guys like Cee-Lo Green and know that I've got work to do.. But that's what I'm striving for and doing it all myself. I'm not one to try and ride on a coat tail or take credit as I've mentioned before what someone else has worked hard to achieve like "I've had done to me repeatedly". I find it weird that some songs that I've produced in "my style or sound" for other artist achieve great success but I'll do something very similar and it gets no love. Almost as if they see the name and toss it before listening to it. I really don't know what I've done to deserve that kinda treatment if that's what happens. But I know I've always gave everyone my aloha no matter what the situation was or is. And I won't sit here and complain cause I've had great success but there are those "gatekeepers" that a close friend and fellow artist has pointed out before. So if you don't have a huge budget, hang in the "in" crowd, kiss butt continuously it ain't jiving with the "gatekeepers"! Since last spring or so I've linked up with pretty much some of the best Music affiliated gear companies in the world. And they've believed enough in me to take me in as artist right up there with artist I've mentioned earlier. Which I feel truly honored to be a part of. And I know that its been going around in musical scene here that I'm not worthy or that the claims are false but I just look at it as the "crabs in a bucket" syndrome. Again like in many occasions jealousy reaps it's ugly head. So instead of showing love and support they either turn their backs on you or say stuff to take others perception of you down to a lower level. It's crazy but it's true! But it's got me thinking about the industry here in my home state.. If I can have these big corporations believe in me and my music when they deal on a much grander scale and on international levels, why can't I in my home state? Hmmm? I myself don't know the answer and maybe it would be different if had a huge budget to get on the road and tour to my hearts content but I'm living in the real world with bills and a child to care for. So I can afford to go out there and play for pennies all in the name of promoting and getting my name and music out there. Thanks god for Internet and Internet radio and things like fb,twitter and MySpace etc. that helps a lot. But someday I hope to get out there even more I then now and playing not just to promote etc but because I love to play. And I love to share what god has given me. I hope this doesn't seem like a endless rant but its just stuff that's been on my mind. I can fairly say that I've paid my dues and put my time in to at least have a say on my own blog or post.. :) aloha everyone RJ
Sorry for any typos, but I hope y'all are getting what I'm trying to say :-)