So why do it again?

Well, its been awhile, more than 10 years since I have attempted such a thing. I think the purpose was the same: to test the bounds of creativity, and to learn more about the equipment I use to make this music.

I will tell you this...I am no longer afraid to start pushing buttons during a performance.

But why 'Collectives'? What do all these crazy names mean?

Honestly, I have always liked words. I like strange words you usually have to explain. I never thought 'The Troubling of Goldfish' should sound like goldfish, although I am suprised at how sometimes the names reflected parts of the recordings. Generally, the songs were recorded, and the names added later. I didn't think the name or sound of an animal should steer me in a dparticular direction musically.

These new recordings were more labor-intensive, better quality, and more rewarding in the end.

When an artist uses up their stock ideas, what is left? I didn't know, but I wanted to find out. It could be just reassembling those idea in a different order, or it could be some new ideas altogether. I worked really hard to not just change the order of my ideas. I did lots of research, learned new chords, scales, and all that music theory stuff all musicians should be drawing upon. I listened to a lot of different music, and forced myself to not play the same patterns I had been playing.

In the creative visual art world, the artist isn't as concerned for 'making it big'. There is much creativity, and, with the end expectation level lowered, they dream up wild ideas and regularly make them a reality.

In the music world, we have access to more people. Sadly, more people can 'get' music before they understand visual art. However, the expectation level is high, and we musicians are constantly compared to our peers, and usually are asked 'Do you sound like anything I have heard before?'.

Being a musician, I really dislike being in this situation. If I stay true to myself and play what I like, I risk a life of obtuse obscurity. If I play what they want me to play, I get the love, the chicks, the money. I have jumped between both worlds, and I have to say, I'd rather keep my soul.

Playing improvised music that has really no base in modern rock, blues or jazz (but is certainly modern, being that it couldn't have been made 15 years ago) presents many challanges to this musician. Describing what I do is hard enough, much less finding a venue for it. But I've always had hope.

I know there is a huge gap between 'rock star' and 'lazy musician' and I am determined to live between that world of fake opulence and drama-laden despair. Outlets for all types of music are out there, it just takes a little more digging to find them.

Guitarists, especially, tend to play in patterns. They might move the patterns up and down the neck, but they are the same. I find myself doing this all the time. This leads to boredom, and a really unsatisfying creative life.

And in the end? I have to say I feel like a better musician after all of this. I also made a terrible racket, and had a lot of fun.

- Dave
Monday, Oct 9, 2006