I actually got into this "note-taking" habit over the past year and a half (since the end of 2008) in which I scribble quick song ideas for what often looks like the ramblings/frustrations of a mad man! In them, I tend to write what's on my mind including the emotions I go through, the frustrations in my life and what stages I'm at, and I tell it how it is... all very personal stuff. I go through many different phases, some really fuckin' stupid, but hey, you live and learn; life's just a piece of fruit! (as Feeder fans would know.) For those who take life too seriously: big LOL is all I can say.
What do I write about?
In my songs I tend mostly to write about: experiences/life, feelings/emotions, stories/fiction, dreams/imaginations, states of mind, poetic stuff, amongst other things. My main focuses of late concern all things dark and heavy; I've a lot of hurt within me--so much so that I feel I need to express it in music or otherwise continue living a shallow existence... just can't be faking it now--no no no, that would be a waste of potential else!
Who were my earliest inspirations?
It began with three bands: Feeder, Yellowcard, and Ash. I have all their albums (bar several early Yellowcard ones), and they helped me out a great deal as an unsure teenager, eventually leading me to acquire a taste for heavy metal. These bands were like the building blocks to giving me the confidence to believe in myself, and without them, probably would have continued down the unsure public services route that I was originally on. It's now my life ambition to release albums of my own, and these guys are my earliest reminders of how I want to be in a band and make special things happen myself.
Who are my main influences/inspirations?
Aside from the bands above: Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, and perhaps surprisingly: I'm also somewhat inspired by the music of video games! Particularly that of Final Fantasy (composer Nobuo Uematsu), with a bit of Zelda (composer Koji Kondo). Plus many more artistic movements that influence me but in lesser ways.
I feel grateful for having much of the music that's in my collection; I don't stick to enjoying just one particular style or genre. Why limit yourself to only the things you know best is what I say! I'm not exactly a rock/guitar "purist" and try to be as open minded about music as I can.
