When I was about 15 I started recording my own songs. At first I was recording Metallica covers and just guitar riffs with a friend but eventually the ability to record inspired me to create complete songs, lyrics and all.
My first song was called “No Way Out”. I remember how exciting it was to record additional parts on top of the parts I had already recorded. But besides that song and a few other riffs, it was mostly Metallica covers which filled tapes. I’m pretty sure the tapes don’t exist anymore. I remember being quite adamant about making sure they can never be heard. By anyone. Ever.
I eventually got a drum machine which enabled me to create complete backing tracks to my songs since the machine also had bass, keyboard and other sounds. Along with the guitar lessons I had started to take, which had really opened my doors musically, the songs were getting better. By the time I was 18 I had already recorded two full albums (the second one was with real instruments) both of which I sold to relatives and friends (knowing they wouldn’t have the heart to refuse buying it). Unfortunately these albums are still in existence.
During my time in the military I continued to write more songs and lyrics every time I had a chance. My playing and singing were also improving constantly along with the songwriting. I thought I was the best songwriter in the world. I was sure that I was a genius and certain that I would become rich and famous. I wanted to become a rock star like my heroes at the time who I read about in books and music magazines. To be honest, I never even questioned this dream, not for a second.
Before I got into the songwriting, I was just obsessed with playing electric guitar. Because of that I mostly listened to guitar based music. The more technically challenging, the more I liked it. But I always preferred the technique to be married to a good melody or song. Gradually, I was more influenced and inspired by emotion than technique. That’s when my heroes started to move away from the metal-shredding style e.g. Vai, Malmsteen, Petrucci, Gilbert, Satriani and more into the bluesier/popmusic stuff e.g. Hendrix, Clapton, Gilmour, Knopfler. I began to think of music as a whole and not just an excuse for a long guitar solo to impress people with.
I also began to think of myself not as a guitar player so much but as a musician. Actually, I felt I was first and foremost a songwriter.
To be continued…