The term “Music Business” is one where you can never separate the two words. It is a business. Make no mistake. To survive, one must be adept at both. So everyday I get up and go about the business of the music business, having appointments, emails, conversations.  Which all are very important. What I noticed though was that as I got more proficient at the business, I wasn’t playing guitar as much. The business end can be very time consuming. As we all know, many thousands, and thousands of people make it a full time job. That’s very cool, and very necessary.

I want to be proficient at the business so I can fully be aware, and understand the things going on around my career. So while that is all well and good, I contend that the “music” part of the term “Music Business” is not only first in the term as a descriptor of what kind of business we’re talking about: It is what should be first.The music, and creativity must be first before the business. As they say, “It all starts with a song”, and prior to that is practice and rehearsal. So today I’m recommitting the music part, and making sure I do music first everyday. Then when I do the business half, it’s fresh in my mind what all the business is for, and makes it for me, no less important, just a little less tedious.

That’s what it takes. Endless energy. You turn it on, and turn it on,and when you get tired you turn it on MORE. No one gets ahead by resting. I mean I do sleep. Sleep is important to rejuvenate the body. No doubt. However, once that quarter of the day is done, the other 75% should be about gettin’ at it. I read an article asking successful CEOs about their golden rules to success. The one I really liked was:

“My #1 rule? Work at least a half a day.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the first twelve hours, or the second twelve hours, but work at least a half a day.”

I enjoy it, as I love what I do. Sure there’s tedious bits, and frustration, and endless hours of the business and preparation side, but it’s so cool when it’s done. And you can show your heart to the world.

I’m beginning to perform the new CD “Addicted To The Blues” to promote the CD, and it’s fun to watch the responses, and to hear these songs live, as they start to grow on their own. I think some of the interesting part now is to get out of the studio head and back into the live head.

I mean I have to keep writing, but now the business engine of, marketing, publicity, performance, distribution are the prevalent heads popping up right now.

Like I said I love it. I’m always cognizant that I’m extremely lucky to be able to do what I love.

I work at least a half a day at it.

A friend of mine just had a celebration tonight for his 10th year in business as a major ad agency in Los Angeles. I was so happy for him. It really is quite the accomplishment in these, or any other times. I love dreaming, and making those dreams a reality. I also love to see other’s dreams come to fruition. It’s awesome. It’s great to see others go for it, to push aside comfort and safety, and to completely immerse themselves in the realization of a series of goals leading to the dream. Taking the path, with huge responsibilities above,  and no net below.

I like that. I admire that. I live that.

Wow, It’s amazing how long I’ll put up with little things during the making of a CD. Cables go bad and you just get a new cable for the moment to keep the session going, the little scratches in some pots in the console, and just general clutter of lead sheets, used ink cartridges, etc. Things are not in their little, and then, there’s the  “Well, do I really need THIS anymore? The triage that clears many little file cabinet slots, and used gear boxes.

So today is part two of this. Yesterday I got the machine room(where all the computers, printers, power supplies, parts bins,  and anything with a fan, or loud sounds, etc live). I re accomplished the cabling, and routing, and bought new parts bins, so it looks and feels better in there.

Also now, I can update some system software which you never want to do in the middle of a project for fear that it may somehow change how your music software works or doesn’t work.

And also now is the time for ergonomic change. Moving things around. Then the Console. It’s and old large frame AMEK mixing desk that I rebuilt. Analog consoles are great, but they DO need maintenance. So I’ll probably be tearing that apart later tomorrow through Thursday. Cleaning and replacing some faders, pots, and patchbay points. That’s going to be a lot of work. Yet once a year seems to do the trick.

Been wanting to do all of this for a bit. Now it’s time to roll up the sleeves again and get to it.

After much time, the new CD “Addicted To The Blues” is complete! I really like it, but of course I’m biased. It’s my CD. It is available on iTunes, as well as CD baby. It was a lot of fun to do, and now comes the marketing half of the deal. Getting it out there to the world. Or rather getting the word out to the world. Hiring the right cats to move this forward. The CD is 12 songs, with some very cool folks on it. Eddie Baytos from the Nervous Brothers plays on it, as does Albert Margolis from the Leo Nocentelli (from the Meters) band. Mark Justin, Byron Gaither, Elizabeth Hangan, Gedina Jean, and a song mixed by Matt Forger (who was an engineer on many Michael Jackson records). I am very excited to have them all on the project. Joy Neely, who is a great photographer did all the pictures for the CD.

The is a link for a free song download on the front pages of the www.philgates.com and www.myspace.com/philgatesmusic sites. Feel free to check them out. The CD has also helped place us at #6 on the Blues Charts for Southern California on www.reverbnation.com/philgatesband.

Many thanks go to you, the fans, and supporters of the band. Thanks! You all make this possible.

Have a great day!

Phil

Wow! The CD is finally done. After tweaking and changing and rejoicing, and dreading, and any manner of in-between emotion you could imagine. It has been birthed. I dig it. twelve really nice tunes that I feel good about. Actually there is a runt in the litter, but I’ll never tell which one it is, as I should love all of my little creations equally.

This process is just the start. Now comes the marketing, advertising, distribution, sending out countless copies to everyone who’ll listen. It’s all a part of it. The work all makes for that release on stage so much better. To perform in the studio is fun as all get out, but on stage is where these twelve creations will breathe, grow, and mature.

I so dig this process, from random, or intentional thought, to finished product, to active participation live. It’s what I do. Well, I guess it proves the title. I’m addicted to the Blues.

Phil

I’ve decided to get right at it in 2010. This morning is about getting some tracks mastered. I’m going to mess with some files to see about the sounds I want before hunting for a real mastering place.