Epiphany

This blog is not necessarily going to be much of a surprise to people who know my music...but I have had an epiphany! *cue the angelic chorus/hendrix guitar solo*

For those who don't know or are just unaware, I have been playing and writing songs on my guitar for a very, VERY, long time. I played a show on the 26th, and felt an oh-so-familiar feeling...disappointment. Now let me explain something...I'm a perfectionist, and I make no secrets about it. I didn't play the most flawless show. But, something was bothering me aside from that...

I've come a very long way since 2005 when I played my first solo show, opening for my friend John Allred at the Hogi Yogi I used to work in. I organized the show, and I was blissfully ignorant as to just how bad my original songs were...I enjoyed that one immensely...but in almost every concert since, I have had this, I don't know, sinking feeling after each performance. Some were better than others, and some just weren't very good. I know my songs are at least ok, since I've recorded a few songs and dissected them over and over...but they were recordings; not performances. I have been blessed to open up for John a few more times, along with Spiral Diary, Jordan's Memory, Debra Fotheringham, Pleasant Tree, Postcards Home, and a handful of others. I'm extremely grateful to each of these groups, but I couldn't shake this feeling.

Another thing I was unaware of until recently was this; all of the aforementioned groups play what I will call acoustic rock...And when I realized that, I realized that I don't play that style...mine is closer to ACTUAL rock! Who knew? This explains the empty feeling, due to the fact that half my song is missing without the harmonies, solos, leads, and other guitar parts I hear on my recordings! Amazing! This may not mean much to the rest of you, but I now know the feel my songs should have and therefore I'm not trying to be John Allred or Dave from Spiral Diary! I have my own sound! I know my strengths now! So if I use my new insight, my songs will improve! And also, I will probably bring a second musician to back me up in all of my shows now...or open for other acts...who knows?

Needless to say kids, I'm stoked. I've recorded some really cool things in the last 2 weeks, and I can't wait to share them. If you want to hear what I already have done, go to www.myspace.com/sbarrington.