I picked up my guitar at the age of 14, diving headfirst into the worlds of Nirvana, Slayer, and Metallica. The raw energy and powerful riffs captivated me, but after a while, I found myself yearning for something more. I quickly grew bored of playing other people's music and decided to start my own band. This initial step was a huge leap into the unknown, but it felt right. The creative freedom was exhilarating, and I was hooked.
Over the years, I formed four different bands, each one a unique chapter in my musical journey. With every new band, I hoped to find members who shared my level of dedication and passion. However, the frustration of dealing with bandmates who didn’t share my vision eventually wore me out. It felt like I was constantly pushing a boulder uphill, and my progress was being stifled by others’ lack of commitment.
That’s when Rafi, the singer from my latest metal band, and I decided to pivot. We started producing electronic music together. This was a completely new territory for us, but our passion for electronic music grew rapidly. It was a fresh start, a clean slate, and it became clear that this was the path we wanted to pursue.
The Leap of Faith
Ten years ago, I made a life-changing decision. I walked into my boss’s office and, with my heart pounding, announced, “I want to do music full-time.” This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was a choice that took me nine months to act on, filled with uncertainty, fear, and excitement. Every day, I grappled with the risks and rewards, but the desire to follow my passion was overwhelming.
A month after resigning, it hit me: I was now a full-time musician. The realization was both thrilling and terrifying. I was filled with excitement about the endless possibilities, but I also had no clear source of income. My friends thought I was crazy, and in their eyes, it was a reckless move. But deep down, I knew it was the best decision of my life. The fear of the unknown was outweighed by the exhilaration of pursuing my dream.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back at old pictures and videos, I’m reminded of the incredible journey I've been on. My musical tastes have evolved significantly over the years. Initially, I was captivated by the energy and melodic power of progressive house, particularly the festival banger kind. The pulsating beats and soaring melodies resonated with me deeply, and I immersed myself in the genre.
This love for progressive house gradually shifted to progressive trance. The intricate soundscapes and emotional depth of progressive trance spoke to me on a profound level. It became the hallmark of EIS, my old duo, and for about 4-5 years, progressive trance was my main focus. During this period, I honed my skills, crafted my sound, and delved deeper into the nuances of production.
However, as time went on, my musical inclinations began to shift once again. I started gravitating towards warmer, more organic sounds. Deep house and ambient music started playing a major role in my life. These genres offered a soothing contrast to the high-energy tracks I was used to, and I found myself drawn to their calming, immersive qualities.
Evolution of Sound
After several years of exploring deep house and ambient music, my focus shifted yet again. I now find myself drawn to Indie Electronic, blending heavy influences from dance music with elements from the band world. This new direction feels like a homecoming, reconnecting me with my musical roots. It's a fusion of everything I've loved throughout my journey, creating a sound that feels uniquely mine.
Last weekend, Brent and I went on a production retreat in the woods. We spent the entire week producing, jamming with live instruments, and experimenting with different sounds. The experience was transformative. We incorporated live drums, bass, and other instruments into our sessions, creating a rich tapestry of sounds. It felt like we were fulfilling the vision for HOKI, our current project. Suddenly, I found myself in a band again, but this time it was an electronic one.
Embrace Change and Follow Your Passion
What you’re producing now might change into something entirely different as you grow. The key is to have fun, explore, and listen to your inner voice. Each of us has a unique story to tell, and embracing the evolution of your sound can lead to incredible discoveries. Don't be afraid to pivot, to try new things, and to step outside your comfort zone.
Music is a journey, not a destination. It's about exploring your creativity, expressing your emotions, and connecting with others through your art. As you navigate your path, remember that change is a natural part of growth. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you to new heights.
Every step you take, every risk you embrace, brings you closer to your true self as an artist. So, pick up your instrument, fire up your DAW, and let your music evolve. The world is waiting to hear your unique voice.
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