Efficiency: But HowWhatHuh?

The key word for this blog is Efficiency.  In order to have efficiency, one must clear his/her space.  One must fully rest (what does that mean?)  In order to be truly and fully rested, one must have the space to do so.  Unfortunately, an ideal space for oneself is rarely had.  Regardless, for us to make this space, it does take discipline to maintain the space and efficiency that one needs for success.

Don Novello (i.e. Father Guido Sarducci,) taught us (or me, rather,) that Supply & Demand is the most important thing to remember in Economics.  In fact, that's the only thing that you'll remember from economics.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO8x8eoU3L4

My former Theatre professor from the University of Illinois at Chicago, William Raffeld, taught me this vital life lesson (and it still rings true through my head to this day:)

"Creativity comes through discipline.  It is NOT the other way around!"

"So, what is David rambling on and on about?"  If this is your question, there is a point to all of this meandering (well, it makes sense to me, anyway.)  I have written about writing and creative blocks numerous times in my previous blogs.  In fact, as I type this, creative blocks seem to be the reoccurring theme in my writings.  Or rather, this is my main problem.  Now, after I remove my head from my anal cavity, I realize that I continually create on a daily basis.  The trick is to be aware of said creativity.  For instance, 

I have been maintaining and broadcasting a 2-hour bimonthly webcast via KAVUS.  This is Not as easy a feat as one thinks.  The question that KAVUS received from our recording engineer (while working on our debut album,) is,

"A webcast every two weeks?  How do you keep it fresh?  What's your gimmick?"

"Well, we don't repeat the same song twice in successive webcasts.  Also, we play certain skits, commercials, what have you... We talk, the audience interacts... We keep it interesting:"  (www.wetoku.com/KAVUSmusic)

Also, even though my self-proclaimed title as a musician is singer/songwriter, I need to remember my primary title:  musician.  There was an interesting article that was published recently via CD Baby that accentuated on the benefits (and, in some cases, necessities) of performing cover tunes in their articles (there's an article on the Pros and an article on the Cons of playing Cover Tunes:)

Pros:

http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2011/01/the-pros-cons-of-playing-cover-gig...

Cons:

http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2011/01/the-pros-cons-of-playing-cover-gig...

In regards to the aforementioned articles, it is very easy for my head to start swimming about what is important and what is arbitrary.  In short, it is very easy to get depressed.  I don't know if I'm doing enough or if, rather, I'm doing too much in one wrong area.  Or, better yet, am I doing enough and waiting "for the other shoe to drop?"  (Nik Wielgus of KAVUS is very quick to point out that the latter is what I do the best.  I'll be the first and the last person to admit that this aspect is very true.)  

On one hand, I want to keep my creative juices flowing.  I want to make a name for myself in my original music.  I want people to think of the name "David Kav" as: innovative, talented, original, genius (yeah, I said it,) moving, thought-provoking, inspirational, fresh, coveted (in the musical and creative sense of the term.)  I don't want to be known as a cover artist.

On the other hand, I can say, from experience, that my knowledge in the cover songs that I know have led me to create some (if not, all) of my original music.  In the words of the late Jack LaLanne (re: JuiceMaker:)

"Death doesn't beget life.  Life begets life!"

Well, should it be any coincidence that if it works for the Late JuiceMan, it should work for me?  Why the Hell not?!?  He made a living selling those damn things!  Stating the obvious?  Sometimes, it's necessary.

When all else fails, go back to the basics:  First Things First, Easy Does It, One Step At A Time, Yada Yada Yada (Now, the 3 Y's make it all the more interesting.  What Yada Yada Yada pertains to is up to you.)

Thanks for letting me share my experience up to this point.  Really, all is well.  I'm going back into the studio on Monday for one of the Final Mixing Sessions for KAVUS' Debut Album to be released April 2011.  There WILL be a tour for KAVUS TBD.  I'm still playing Potbelly stores on a regular basis (7 days a week - by the Grace of the Universe,) I am creating (songs, blogs, music) on a daily basis.  I'm making a living as a full-time musician.  

Well, it seems I answered my own question for this blog, huh?  :O  

Let's keep stepping!  Until next time...