As a self-proclaimed artist, it’s always been a major struggle for me to ask people for their opinions. I know that I write music for myself and not to please other people, but I often find joy in making people happy. It’s a strange Catch-22 (and a very fine line) between maintaining artistic integrity and wanting to make sure people have a good time at shows.
Sometimes, I find myself more concerned with what people think about my music. It’s not unreasonable as an artist to ask that, especially when the ultimate goal is to be self-sustaining in your art. The interesting thing is that I really do care and want to have a discussion with you about what you think about my music. It’d be nice to have a barometer like record sales to infer how well I’m doing but honestly, that’s not a true representation of what people think.
So, if you feel inclined, let me know what you honestly think about my music. There are lots of secrets that I can share about my music, lots of layers that can be peeled away but none of that really matters unless you can listen to it!
Also, don’t forget that I’m playing with Bushwalla and Gravity at Lestat’s on Friday night. Check out this poster I made after the jump!
I’ve come a long way since I first started playing music in 2007 and I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am. I’ve met some amazing people in my short time playing and have had the opportunity to perform with artists that I respect and admired long before I thought that this would be my path! I’ve played in places that I’ve only dreamed of and it continues to amaze me how lucky I am.
With all that being said, I’m beginning to realize how much help I really need. I’ve been doing this on my own and it’s getting to the point where I could use help. In the past, I said that I would never ask for help but obviously, I don’t keep to that too well.
What I really need is for people to just pass my music along to the people you think would enjoy it. I don’t care if that means copying my CDs and sending the mp3s out and I don’t see a dime off of any of it. Maybe that means requesting my songs on the radio or bringing some friends out to a show. It might just be as easy as sending me a note on Facebook or YouTube. I just want to find people like yourselves that appreciate what I do!
Again, thank you so much for everything you’ve given me and I hope that I can continue giving back through music.
Kenny
PS. If you want to help out even more, send me an email at info@kennyeng.com and we’ll work something out!
I really enjoy dancing.
Not dancing like grinding up on girls in a club or even choreographed exhibitions… I like dancing… make that flailing around like a total goofball. There’s something liberating in it. I’ve been so concerned with my image for such a long time that I feel like I’ve denied myself of a lot of fun times. I think I suppressed the part of me that gets to be lost in the bliss of being alive. So now, I’m tapping into my more primeval nature so I can get re-addicted to life.
Dancing was always off-limits. I didn’t dance much when I was a teenager (although, some of the martial arts I did is more related that you would think). When I went to the Prom in high school, I spent maybe 30 minutes dancing and the rest of the time trying to avoid it. I think I went to maybe one or two events since that there was a clear expectation that dancing would be a part of the festivities since.
But as I care less and less about what people think about me, I find myself dancing more. I find myself more attracted to songs that make me feel fun. I still think that “I Gotta Feeling” is the worst song of 2009 but Lady GaGa doesn’t irk me as much as she did a year ago. I like to dance in my car and with people I’m close to a lot (especially when I know I’m not being judged for doing it). Dancing to me is like singing to most people. You aren’t afraid to do it when you’re comfortable and you have no idea why it makes you feel so happy… it just does.
To make an unnecessarily long story short, life is short. It’s time to stop caring how people are judging you and go have fun. A lot of fun. I think I’m going to dance more. I can’t promise that it will be good or it won’t be awkward, but I will promise that I’m having fun.
Happy New Year everyone!
Yes, it’s already 11 days into the year but I’m going to keep saying “Happy New Year” until I stop accidentally writing 2009 on everything.
I’ve already had a busy year with “Live from Lestat’s” CD release, a few BIG shows later on in the year and the big media push for the last few weeks (not to mention a very successful show in San Francisco at the Hotel Utah at the beginning of the year). Oh, did I mention that I’m finally assembling a backing band? We’ll probably start performing in late February. Keep those ears open!
As always, my whole perspective on my music career is shifting and I’m on the verge of what may be my most important self-discovery to date. I think I’ve finally found a way to reconcile my love of music, my desire to succeed as a performing singer/songwriter and my disdain for promotion and the music industry. It’s really no big secret or grand, inventive scheme. But it is a revelation to me.
I know what you’re thinking… at least I think I do. It could be, “tell us this new idea” or “who cares”. Either way, I think I’ll hold onto this thought for a bit longer. Besides, when was the last time people were thrilled to hear a marketing plan for someone else?
What I will share is that in order for this to work, I’ll need your support. You don’t have to send your friends mass text messages about shows or RT anything that I say. In fact, you don’t have to do anything! I just need to be sent good vibes! Come hang out once in a while at a show. Or drop me a line on any of the social media sites I’m on. If you feel inclined to share my music, that would make my day! Just help me feel like what I’m doing is appreciated and I’ll keep returning the favor.
On a different note, “Live from Lestat’s” is going to be here this Friday! I’m really excited to show you where I’ve gone in the last year and a half.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Kenny Eng (BETA)
Note: Notice how there are no styles of music or musicians that achieve the 1600 score.
Also note: This is based on the new 2400 point scale.
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