Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

After a detour through two marriages, three children, and a major depression, all supported by a series of unfulfilling jobs, I'm ready to give in to the unshakable desire to play guitar and sing songs for public consumption.
I can retire in five years, do not buy into the American dream, and would like to relocate somewhere where people believe there's enough for everybody. I want to busk my way in search of my craft, and live every moment of it. Anybody with similar interests willing to throw me a bone? I could use a little encouragement and a short list of favorable locales.

Here's you a bone brother. And I mean this in a most careing way.
Find yourself a good Psycologist before you end up blowing your head off.
Anyone who can admit he's been married twice, never had a job he enjoyed (even if the one I have right now sucks) and has major depression. Well, you need help. Not trying to be a smartass my friend, Just my professional nursing opinion. Too many musicians who were not right on their mental game are taking dirt naps. It's a tough business.
God bless and good luck.

Sans. Your concern for my sanity is unnecessary. I'm just a little anxious about trying something different. The point I was trying to make is I've adhered to socially and culturally acceptable norms long enough to have had a career and raise a famiy (or two), and it just doesn't work for me. I was hoping this thread would reach a kindred soul. If not, that's okay.

Rick Stringfellow wrote:Sans. Your concern for my sanity is unnecessary. I'm just a little anxious about trying something different. The point I was trying to make is I've adhered to socially and culturally acceptable norms long enough to have had a career and raise a famiy (or two), and it just doesn't work for me. I was hoping this thread would reach a kindred soul. If not, that's okay.

I have similar credentials.....
The happiest Ive ever been in my life was a very short period that
I was able to devote to art and music to exist. After all sorts of
trials and tribulations one suffers/enjoys getting to 49 years old
I would really like to give it a try again, myself. The older one
gets the less sense it makes to spend your time on earth toiling
for people/entities that are soul crushing and unfulfilling, spiritually.
Cant really offer anything more than best wishes and hopes that
you find whatever it is you are seeking. Be positive and treat
yourself well.

PEace.

I'm right there with Bo, and would add...just don't let yourself end up living in a box in order to pursue your dream. I agree with the spiritual fulfillment that music gives us, but ya always have to remember that life gets in the way of the plans we make.

That being said...Hell, man jump in with both feet and I wish ya the best!

Whew I feel better! I thought for a moment your cheese had slid off your cracker. We be creatures of habit. The new and unknown frighten and cause anxiety. I think thats why we seek it out when others would remain comfortable. Good luck.

When you're on your deathbed (hopefully a long time from now) and you're thinking of your life and you had a chance to do something that you always wanted and you DIDN'T DO IT, then it would be a shame. I say go for it. This may be the only opportunity you've got. If you can make ends meet financially then especially go for it. You only live once (Hindus believe otherwise). Good luck...

Rick the best therapy I ever had is "my music"...my guitar and pen wont fuk me! major art often comes from major pain. you can just swallow it, or express it! go to myspace.com/blunderingeye and leave a message there if you like.
Hayden King

I dropped out of college (again) & played music full-time at the tender age of 37. It worked for me for 2 years. Some of the best times of my life, before the places I worked went under, for the most part, & I had to really hustle to get gigs.

Eventually, I had to get that dreaded day job again, but went my own route on that, too. Don't make a whole lot of cash, but it's rewarding.

I have all but stopped playing these days, due to too many factors, but still have the "wanna/gotta" & am looking to get new things going.

Good luck with your own journey, Rick. Hope you find what you want & need. Just take the right risks.

When I read your post Philby makes me wonder what I am doing wrong. I hate working for the man. Damn them and their profit before people attitudes. We hates them my precious! Talked to a nurse friend of mine in the store the other day. She was so fed up with the crap she got out of nursing all together. I gota find my way out of this place, If it's the last thing I ever do.

Rick,

I believe your post speaks to many of us. I too bought the hold dream of having a respectable career, a house, kids and the white $%&#* fence. I got started musically at 13 and loved it. At 18, I sold my 61' Strat and I put it all on hold. I went to college, got married and the kids followed. About ten years ago, it all fell apart for me because I realized that the music was not part of my life.

The real question that needs to be address by all of us is whether we have any regrets choosing the paths we took. And would it had turned out any better.

My only regret is not having the music along for the ride!

I too am searching for a way out of this glass cage of the American Norm. I still have my nursing career night job, but I only use it as a means for funding what I cannot get paid for during gigs. I say if you want to get out there and hoof it to have the music experience of a life-time, do it and don't look back. Also, if ya come out our way give me a holler, and I'll see what I can do to help a fellow musician. Good luck to you.

Cheers,
Alex

www.myspace.com/theblank45s

I read all this midlife crisis garbage.

Most of us couldnt have handled a musical career if it had landed on our heads. Wake up the only thing you can do anything about is TODAY. So what if you had a bad marriage, hell I bet everyone on this site has had at least one and maybe two. Thats not what made you not have a music career, you made a choice at some point to get on the ole American Dream wagon, nobody twisted your arm.

So if you want to play music then play music, its not some life changing event, its a lifestyle choice.

Most of you are like me and having lived the pursuit of the "American Dream" has put me in a position where I can play music on my terms.

Just remember this is only a sounding board, it wont help you in any way other than entertainment. If you want to play music get off your asses and go play music. Your burnin daylight.

preach on JW!!

I agree. I figured out 2 years ago that my life without pursuing a dominant musical path was unfulfilled, and changed all that. Now I get the best of both worlds, I have my family and job (normal life) on one side, and my band and gigging on the other side.

It's a choice that a person has to not only make, but also they have to make it happen themselves.

I have a feeling you'll want to introduce yourself to rythmbluesrock...
you two seem to be "in the same place" if you don't mind me saying.
cheers.
mv