Music is service, but maybe not like we’re taught.

I like this photograph because it reminds me of what music is good for.

Serve the song.

When I was younger, the older musicians I hung out and played in bands with talked about “serving the song.” This is not religious. It’s not preaching. It’s just what good musicians do.

Rock music, and popular music in general is a lot about making yourself a work of art. That’s another article. I’m concerned with the song itself. The process. It requires service, at least in my music room.

I was improvising with the camera on and my djembe going I had made earlier. Out comes Sabbath type stuff. What? I had been listening to Casualties of Jazz all day. Also, one of my early jamming experiences was in a band called “Blood Bath & Beyond.” We didn’t do much. But we would have smoked pot and jammed on this all day.

How do you serve a song?

I may have to learn something for a sound I know belongs, or ask for help. I may have to practice a lot. Maybe I have to ask a singer or soloist for a part. It’s possible I have to put it away for the day and come back later. It wants time and I’m in a hurry. My guide through all these decisions is whether or not I’m providing service to the tune in my head.

I’ve found out that the more I serve the tune what it wants, instead of what I want, I enjoy it a lot longer. Someone else may enjoy it too. That’s the goal.

I hear folks talking about music and their marketing and they often try to target an array of fans on different services in different locations. Our songs are more like a dart or laser beam, just there for whoever needs it and relates.

I want to get it out.

To me, it doesn’t matter if it’s popular. I’m more concerned with it being good. I’ve known forever those two things aren’t the same. I don’t try to walk the line between either. I’m all the way good. lol.

Un-digitize your imagination.

My song is not a button waiting to be pressed. It’s me throwing a dart at trying to make something good. It isn’t dependent on what folks think of it. It depends on my aim.

Art is not catering to folks. That’s a service too. But as I said, I’m serving the song. So I don’t worry about that while trying to make what’s in my head. I feel proud before anyone hears it. I did what was in my head and like it. That’s creation. You know, biblically.

At one time around 2016, I felt things were getting dark and this song came out of us. It hasn’t gotten old.

It takes time. Yes it sucks, (but not all the time).

The reason besides the Tardive Dyskinesia (that thankfully is much better) this new batch of songs has taken a while is because it’s very different than anything we’ve done before it. We were in country/rock/blues territory and I love all that. But I also love Fela Kuti. It has taken a lot of effort and learning to make that switch. But I feel awesome about it.

Protest does weird things to music. Energy. I have energy. I want to fight. It’s true. These assholes have taken over the place and robbed us. Yes I want to fight and yes that’s right. It gives great energy for hand drums. I can always beat on them instead of going to jail or getting shot. Yet one more way music keeps me out of trouble. I always said I love music for keeping me in-line. If I’m practicing what I’m hearing, I don’t have time for shenanigans. Great system.

“…and a good time was had by all!”

Try something new, see if it sticks, (like spaghetti).

Try serving the song if you haven’t thought of it before or are opposed to it. I’m not saying commit to change, just try it. Make something from scratch that you thought of. Try that feeling on. See if it makes you want more of it. Good luck, Songwriters.🍀

Hey, drop me a line.

Return to home. As always, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Maybe you want to talk about something I’ve written. Or maybe you’d like to see if I can assist with a music project. Possibly you disagree with something I said and want to change my mind politely. Maybe you just want to talk. All that is welcome. Thanks.

One badass Fela Kuti record, Ginger Baker is on it too.

Please let me recommend this album. If you like movement, improv, protest, rhythm, and scores of other elements, give it a shot.

Fela Kuti and Ginger Baker,

I love this album. Many folks are surprised to find this on bandcamp. It’s joyful, it’s rhythmic. I can’t help but like it.