January's experience of the 2017 music challenge

It seems like January flew by. Admittedly, I thought this first song wasn't going to be terribly difficult, as it is pretty short and it was already written a couple years ago, and I actually remembered how to play it! The hurdles I knew existed definitely posed a challenge. (recap on 2017's musical challenge)

I have done a lot of inner work to release the need to be a perfectionist... yet as I listen to each recording attempt, I get to pick apart every mistake, inconsistency, imperfection... I continue to re-record, in hopes that the next time will be perfect, only to fall short. This should be interesting to see how this develops over the year - is it possible to achieve perfection? I seem to have this idea in my head that professional musicians may actually be completely perfect!

The arm was was definitely a factor during this... I can't only play the song so many times before I'm icing my shoulder. Still have to feel out how to deal with the physical health issues, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with this - even though it may be a painful process. ;)

It was good to have the chance to play around on the new computer and experience a newer version of GarageBand. The program was quite overwhelming at first with all of the new features (my computer and version of this program is quite old!), but I figured out how to record sound and that was exciting in itself! On top of that, I am playing around with some of the other settings, adding multiple tracks, etc. Thrilled the "white noise" effect I had on my older computer seems not to exist anymore!

So while the final recording may not be quite perfect...there was plenty of good stuff about this experience. I just hope the generous and supportive patrons feel it was worth their while too!

I realized that even though I am on a deadline, why not allow myself to re-record at some point down the line if I have the chance to do it better (as I learn) or to add additional instruments/layers? Of course I need to make the focus each month on a new song, but who knows, maybe some will go smoothly. ;)

This final day of recording was interesting... I didn't have as much time as I was hoping, there were snowplows driving up and down the street and shovelers, I wasn't feeling very well, and my arm hasn't recovered from yesterday's recording session...to name a few. Yet today is when I learned a few new things about GarageBand and my level of listening seemed to deepen. I'm noticing subtle things in my surroundings to pay attention to, as well as subtleties in the recordings (which sometimes just drives me nuts ;) ). As silly as it may sound, I even played around with the shaker in new ways and paid attention to the slight variations found within that instrument. I didn't do anything incredible with this recording or anything, but all that I've learned has me excited for the next tune.




If you'd like to join the project, it can be found here... For $1/month, you get to hear and download the tiny, original song of the month. Thanks for the support!

Here's to additional growth/lessons ... embracing a process that can sometimes be painful...and to reconnecting with "lost" passions. And of course doing something out of your comfort zone...which reminds me, I actually have to release this song now, don't I? ;)

www.patreon.com/NFGartist

Music challenge of 2017: a bit of backstory

I thought I would share some additional information regarding the new creative challenge of 2017, what Patreon is, and why I have decided to use it as the platform for this project.

I covered the next two paragraphs on my Facebook artist page and on my Patreon page, so feel free to skip that part if you already saw those posts: 

Patreon is similar to Kickstarter... except it is for ongoing projects rather than a single project that needs funding. It is a way for people to support creatives - to allow them to keep doing what they do best. The creatives have various "rewards" for different payment levels, these are things they give to those who become "patrons" or supporters/participants of their creative journey. Some charge per project, others charge once a month. There is a huge range of talent over here, pretty inspiring! 

How I am starting out with this, is with a specific year long project. I want to create/record one original small song (probably 1-2 min. or less) a month and release it through Patreon. If you would like to participate/support this project, it is $1/month (which is basically you pay $1 and get to hear and download the monthly original song - the song is yours to keep - and also get to enjoy whatever other content I share over there). I guess I am almost using it as a “shop” in a way or like one of those monthly subscription that we see a lot of these days that involve paying per month for something that interests you yet has an element of surprise (I don't know what to expect from these songs, so it is a surprise for me too!). 

So, music... 

Music was my first love. As a little kid, I would set up buckets like a drum set and use pencils (specifically with big erasers) as drumsticks. I used the vacuum cleaner handle to belt out tunes. I really loved my tiny kiddie keyboard. When I was eight, I started piano lessons. When I was in eighth grade, I started drum lessons. Soon after that, I found a new kind of music in the form of the band Creed, which blew my mind - from lyrics to the incredible guitar picking, it took music to a much deeper level for me. I just felt this need to be able to play these songs, so I started to teach myself guitar. The song I started with was What's This Life For (here is the guitar book on Amazon or check out the My Own Prison album on Amazon). I also started composing music on the computer. As an adult, I've added dabbling in ukulele and xylophone.

I used to be able to sit at the piano (or with any instrument really) and play for hours. However, in my early twenties, some health issues crept up and has made it difficult to continue to play music, especially like I once could, much like some of the struggles I have talked about with art. With art, I have been able to find new ways to create: I've embraced smaller works, and I have expanded the range of mediums/materials so that I can bounce around between several projects depending on what I can physically do and what I feel inspired by. I haven't found tricks like this with music yet, I don't know if they exist. I have been grateful to be able to play a few songs, once in a great while - as that can sometimes be difficult in itself! 

Much like embracing small works of art, I have had several small songs that have come about through the years. I tend to devalue them, because they aren't full length or anything terribly amazing. However, there is something kind of neat about them that I thought would be interesting to explore. And while I explore, I thought it may also be time to start opening up this creative outlet to share...

I think I may stop there for now, and continue this another day. 

Thanks for your support, in any form. :)

To join the project on Patreon: www.patreon.com/NFGartist

Affiliate disclaimer: NFG (artist) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   ...What this essentially means is that if you use the Amazon links in this blog (which I tried to label as such) and make a purchase, I would earn a small commission. That being said, I would suggest these things regardless of how you choose to purchase (if you choose to purchase).

Creative Challenge #2 of 2017

Photo by Casi Lea Photography, of All Star Studios 

during a lighting lesson

I'm going to get a little crazy with these creative challenges for myself... so hold on tight...

I have slowed down with modeling. Again, there have been hurdles, and I've tripped a bit. This was a creative outlet I never expected to experience, and fell in love with it. Workshops, photo lessons, creative/concept shoots, and so on... I enjoyed it all!

It always felt like a limited time opportunity, however, and I am a bit disappointed in myself to have let it slip away for a bit. So in an attempt to soak it up while I can, I would love to do a total of 6 photoshoots this year - and am open to the type of shoot. I would of course consider more if the interest is there, but am aiming for 6 in which I am willing to do it as a trade (for images). And I will consider out of state options if they'll work with my schedule/financial situation.

What would you like to see? Are there photographers you'd like to see a collaboration with? (new or old)

Photographers, please get in touch if you are interested being considered for one of the six slots. I am looking for shoots that will be beneficial to all involved, that will help us grow, that will inspire. Contact me via PM on my Facebook artist page or through the contact page on my website. I currently have long hair, but may be chopping it around Spring time.

NOTE: I do not do nudes, erotica, fetish.

Kicking off 2017 with a Creative Challenge

Hello 2017.

It is time for another terrifying creative challenge.

I have set up a Patreon page for this one, if you would like to follow along. I may be adding to the  page, but for now I am going to attempt to figure out how it works via this challenge...

Music was my first love, and it has slipped out of my life much like art had due to life and obstacles. My instruments patiently wait, and I am genuinely sad when I think of them going unused, as if they can actually feel the pain of being abandoned... I think it is time to find creative ways to reunite.

This is an idea I've been tossing around in my brain for quite some time, but loads of fears continue to get in the way. Due to a handful of technology issues at the end of 2016, I ended up needing to make a hefty purchase of a shiny new computer and conveniently enough, I think it eliminates a few of the hurdles I had been struggling with regarding this new challenge idea - uh oh, the excuses are dwindling!

So, here we go.

The new creative challenge is to record one tiny tune a month, whether it is one that has been floating around in my collection for a while or a freshly created one. I have loads of song ideas, some of which I rather enjoyed as mini songs, yet I always thought they had to some day "grow up" to the standard length of a "real" song in order to be complete. However, I've decided to embrace them for what they are, plus I think they could make neat ringtones! If you'd like to participate, and if I understand how this Patreon thing works, you can sign up to receive the recordings for $1/month.

I'm not sure what to expect really... All I can say is I have a piano, a guitar, a ukulele, a xylophone, and odds and ends...plenty of things that make noise. ;)