A Year In (P)review

by michael

A year ago I unveiled the first collection of songs that I was extremely proud of in the form of Genetic Engines. I find this a fitting time to reflect on the progress in the last year. On finding an audience, on finding other musicians to work with, on trying to connect with people in the city of Denver.

That’s a lot of big talk. What did I actually do last year?

Meeting Musicians

One of my big goals after moving to Denver was to proactively connect with other musicians and try to find some kindred spirits. In the past I’ve always been in bands with existing friends so this was a new experience for me. A learning experience. It’s thrilling and challenging to invite others into a collaborative space.

It doesn’t always work out. In forming Genetic Engines as a band, there have been many musicians who have joined up or come to practices to see how things work out. Most of the people who have generously given their time and efforts to try things out aren’t still in the band, which is just how it works trying to find the right fit. Some people weren’t right for the job and we had to let them go, while others showed up and decided they didn’t like what they saw in me or how the band was shaping up and took their leave. I view this as a necessary process and evolution and always hope that, regardless, I could share a beer with any of these people.

All told, I’ve been trying to get better at collaboration and communication. Trying to simultaneously pursue quality and the creation and performance of beautiful music while also letting go of the unilateral control of a solo project. I’m extremely thankful to everyone who’s been involved in any fashion so far!

Promotion

Last year I dabbled in the dubious world of promotion. It’s well documented that I don’t like self-promotion. The Onion has a good article that pretty much sums up the typical experience of self-promotion.

After I finished the album I contacted over 200 mp3 blogs hoping they’d listen to it. I managed to snag a couple of reviews and even end up in one blogger’s Best of 2011 list. How gratifying! I also had lots of wonderful and generous support by the fine musicians who frequent Reddit’s music related subreddits. See the posts here, here, and here for the kind words they left!

My thoughts as of late are that promotion is a necessary evil but I’d never want it to displace our musical efforts. I’d rather understate and surprise than overstate and disappoint. The music should, as much as possible, speak for itself.

Live Show

Genetic Engines played only 5 shows in 2011. Here’s a video clip from one of them:

I’d like this number to be dramatically bigger in 2012 and to involve many cities. I’d also like to be better connected to other local bands.

This Coming Year

Last year’s album was all me. It was also the growing pains of building a group. This year will be beyond me. It should show the fruits of collaboration with other talented musicians. We’re furiously working on new songs and are planning on putting a record together.

I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited about this.

I hope that by the end of the year I can look back and check all of these off as accomplished:

  • Full length record of all new material written as a group!
  • Solid and thrilling live show of enthusiastic participants!
  • Refined production and recording skills
  • Better musicianship (I think software is a large part of the future of music, so I don’t want to be left behind in this arena).
  • Presence and place in the Denver music community for friendship and collaborations
  • New friends, new musical partners

The Last Word

I’m not credentialed in music business. In the grand scheme of things I’m a nobody in the music world. I’m still growing in my skills at writing, playing, recording music. But I know this is what I want to do, and I’m convinced this determination will see me through my goals.

I know that I’m going to spend the rest of my life performing and producing music. I’m going to do it myself, and I’m going to do it in collaboration with others. There will eventually be a studio. There will be shows. There will be soundtracks. It’s going to be a great ride.

So here’s to a new year and continued progress!