I haven't quite been as productive on this blog as first intended, no? It's easy to get wrapped up in the daily routine and working on music that I always forget to update this. Luckily, with a nudge from my pal Sabrina, I've decided to become more dedicated to updating this regularly.

Currently, I'm in the process of writing music not related to video games. As much as I love composing for games, I find this a nice refresher. It allows me to approach a blank canvas in a completely different mindset. What I've been writing has had A LOT of influences from industrial metal and 80's synth pop. It's been a nice experiment, and I'm interested to see what thoughts are once I've gotten around to releasing some of them. Personally, I feel that these tracks are stepping up the game so to speak. When it comes to writing music for games or other media, I often find myself thinking too much and not letting everything flow NATURALLY. I often compare myself to those who have had extensive training in music theory, and this can be a bit demoralizing since I've had NONE.

This brings me to another point for any artists who may be following this - Play on your STRENGTHS. While I continue to practice, practice, and practice in making my compositions more intricate, I focus on letting what I do well drive my compositions. For instance, I know I do decent for now in electronic compositions and atmosphere. I let those things drive my music forward when going about a project. Annnnnddd, this just prompted me to start a small rant OH SH-

I know many artists in all aspects, and I've known many aspiring musicians/composers who have reached out to me about creating music. I'd say about 90% of these individuals have given up and quit because of hitting a plateau or feeling discouraged. For any aspiring musician or composer who MIGHT be following this blog - First off, I'm right there with you. By no means do I feel like a professional or that I've hit a point where I'm comfortable. I aspire just as you do. One thing I can say (and this goes with ANY pursuit in life), is that you WILL feel discouraged at SOME point or hit a wall. If you've set your mind to this, do NOT let that stop you. It's natural, and it helps fuel the desire to become better. Again, in any aspect in life, if you give up when you hit a plateau, you will NEVER reach where you want to be. Anything worth doing is never easy, and it takes time and dedication.

I've always felt strongly about my pursuit in music, but one evening I knew that I was going to happily commit myself 100% in this pursuit. I was having dinner with a friend, and we were discussing our aspirations and methods of achieving what we wanted. She asked me, "What makes you happy?". Without a second thought, I said "Creating music". It felt good to say that. I felt reassured. I knew at that point that I needed to fully devote myself in order to make it work. Regardless of if it's music, school, painting.. whatever.. If you can truly ask yourself what makes you happy and something comes to mind - PURSUE IT. Pursue it and stay disciplined enough to fully dedicate yourself each day to reaching that particular goal. It doesn't matter what anyone else may say, you've decided on what makes YOU happy. Afterall, what's the point of living a life to please others and sacrificing your own happiness in the process?

What I'm trying to say is.. nothing out there is impossible. FUCK barriers. There are NO barriers. If you really want to do something, go after it! End of story - no excuses.

Anywho.. I think that's enough of my random babbling for now.