Past The Finish Line! Onto The Next!

  July's Mission "31 Songs in 31 Days" ACCOMPLISHED!!!! 

It was fun, challenging and mind expanding. I wanted to prove to myself, that I can focus two hours a day on writing a song start to finish with lyrics, without feeling "Writers Block". It was not about the full production but the fact that if I was to walk into a studio tomorrow to record an album, walk into a writing session or have a library request, I now have 31 songs to choose from. It was about being creative, in the moment and trusting that I can do it. About collaborating, enjoying teamwork and effort. Growing and expanding as a writer. Thank you to those who were part of it. This is just the beginning ;)

So what's next? AUGUST MISSION!

Step 1: I will finish one song a week for 31 weeks, (every single song from 31SI31D challenge). I plan on pulling a collaborator in for every song because 1) it will be faster and 2) another persons skill and talent will make it even better and after all, it's about making a good song GREAT. Knowing that people may flake, get busy...collaborator or not, one song a week to be released every Monday on soundcloud as well as some video clips.

Step 2:  I'll write one song a day but this time, instrumentals only, no longer than 3 minutes. Since I don't have to record vocals and write lyrics, I can do the full production in three hours easily, keeping the track focused, clean and simple.

Ready to bust ass for what I want! Willing to put in the work,  even if it means getting up a little earlier. Think for many of us the challenge is to be productive rather than busy! I know this will not be easy but I know it's do-able and I'm super excited.  PS: I'll let you know how happy or cranky I will be in a few days!

Let's get this party started! Happy August!
;)
JVB

Do you wear a blindfold?

I'm truly amazed by people. So many complain about their life, circumstances and usually something, a book, an event, an article or person appears pointing them in a direction, yet most don't respond. They don't read it or don't attend. They walk right past opportunities.

I go to many networking events and I've met quite a few musicians who keep asking how they can get their music heard and placed, they don't know who to talk to or what to do. The panels usually give a pretty clear answer and when speaking to people, I also give them a few good pointers and I'd say 75% of them don't do a damn thing, or they hit up one person, that person doesn't respond or is not interested and they throw in the towel. They never follow up or keep in touch.

Everything takes time. Most importantly EVERYTHING is based on relationships! You can't expect to walk on to a scene and be the top guy/girl in the game. Learn about people, learn about the business, your craft. Be interested in others and keep going, focus on the things you are in control of. Your craft, your appearance, your attitude.


Take your blindfold off and see what's right infront of you! And don't ever come from a place of desperation, be confident, polite and patient.

Take advantage of twitter, facebook and google, upcoming events in your area. Anything we want to know is within our reach. Most importantly, once we have the information, we have to use it, apply it and take action! Build relationships, make yourself visible in whatever field you're in.

Einsteins once said "Nothing Happens Till Something Moves". Turn that engine on and step on the gas and watch the signs along the way! It's all right before your eyes.
We can't blame others for our failures.

To your happiness and success with eyes wide open!
JVB

Zip It!

The Universe does guide us!I came across an article published by Derek Sivers a while ago talking about the announcement of intentions. I really needed to read this. Do you?



I used to announce my intentions, a) I'm excited, b) I'll really have to do it, since I announced it right? Well, luckily, results speak louder than words. Truth is. NO. I hardly ever finished what I had announced. Now I know why. (or at least have found an excuse, lol) Have fun reading it, it makes a ton of sense; so from now on, let us "shut it" till it's complete! Than share it with the world.

http://www.sivers.org/zipit

Questions for today

Certain things in life are a one time opportunity. We either take it, cherish and nourish it or ignore it. Before you make a decisions, think carefully what you are about to win or lose.

Are you settling for less?

Are you living up to your own standards and values?

Am I? Question for the day!

Another day in Paradise

I've been composing more than ever. I committed to 70tracks for my library and the game is ON. 50 more to go! While I feel slightly overwhelmed; I'm actually very confident that I can deliver. Life is all about choices and commitment.




I'm still working on finding the balance between being social online, offline and working, which is really more fun than work to me.









One thing that happens as a musician/composer; when you're in the FLOW, times flies by and you don't want to stop. You're in that ZONE where nothing else matters. Isn't that a great gift?





With that said; today I'm extremely grateful for all the opportunities and my ability to do what I truly love. I'm extremely excited about my solo dance EP, my new band PinkStar, My side project "When Planets Align"; my library deals, my collaborations and all future opportunities. I feel blessed! I'm grateful for all these amazing people in my life.

I'm writing this because oftentimes, I get overwhelmed and frustrated that things don't move as quickly as I'd like them to. I focus on all the things that I don't have. It's so easy to do and get caught up in it. I know I'm not the only one. This is a reminder that things are in fact "Happening". Just because we can't see it yet doesn't mean it's not happening.
The seeds are being planted. Trust and Faith is the only thing we need to move forward. (of course action is required however, if I just push and push, I'm not trusting the process).






Cheers to a fun and productive week!
xXx
JVB