In an age of incompetence, I've been able to last in this crazy business. I actually know how to play my ax and write a song. That's my job.
Billy JoelRead
When one knows at an early age that their gift, talent and direction is musical, one tends to focus on that and let nothing interfere or impede the forward motion toward the end of that rainbow. And after 50-something years of rockin' out, you still realise there is no end to that distant rainbow until one's last sunset.
Interpretation
Recognizing and pursuing one's musical talent brings continual growth and joy throughout life.
This quote emphasizes the importance of identifying one's passion, particularly in music, at a young age. It suggests that a clear direction in life helps individuals stay focused and resilient against obstacles, while also acknowledging that the journey of creativity and self-expression is ongoing and transformative, with no definitive end until the final moments of our lives.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a youth music camp, one could reference this quote to encourage young musicians to pursue their passion.
In an age of incompetence, I've been able to last in this crazy business. I actually know how to play my ax and write a song. That's my job.
With Saint Heron, I really wanted to celebrate and continue to cultivate the community for genre-defying R&B artists.
As long as there are kids who are pissed off and have no real way in venting out that anger, heavy metal will live on.
Obviously you have to have rhythm. If you have rhythm, then you can play anything you need. If you have rhythm and you love music, then play and play and play until you get to where you want to get. If you can pay the rent, great. If you can't, then you'd better be having fun.
I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.
When I was a teenager, my biggest lessons came from Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley. I learned so much from opening up for those artists, and it also taught me how to treat your opening acts and make them feel like they're part of a family, not just a tour.
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