Born to Rock...

I recently had lunch with a veteran of the music industry, during which he gifted me his latest book. It was autographed with a nice inscription simply stating: "Music makes the world go 'round."

Later that afternoon I got to thinking about this statement a bit more and it wasn't until I broke open the first few pages of the book that I came across two awesome quotes, which I felt compelled to share:

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT
"I don't think true musicians, actors and artists have any choice." - k.d. lang

THE HEART OF THE MATTER 

"You have to love music for itself. If you get into it because it's cool or want to be like whoever the current person is that year, then it won't last, and you're taking up everybody else's time. - Suzanne Vega

Now, if you're reading this and consider yourself in the artist category, then these statements may deeply resonate. Unfortunately, we must also know the reality that there is a large population famous in their own minds.

And why wouldn't they want to be? After all, we live in a world which honors those on stage as the extraordinary, the gifted, the super-humans. Because of their ability to captivate, entertain and inspire, these folks command admiration and gain wide-spread acceptance throughout an otherwise prejudiced planet. The saying is true: Everybody loves a star.

That's cool. But it's interesting to keep in mind that some of the very best of these individuals are just being themselves.  Let that sink in a bit...

So for all those with similar aspirations, please be aware: You're either a rockstar or you aren't - and us normal folks can usually tell the difference even if you and your mom can't.

Thanks Mr. B for the great book (MUSIC smarts by Mr. Bonzai).