The art of music and imaginary bands | Davis Enterprise

?What makes you qualified to be a music critic?? You might be wondering. My ex would tell you I?m extremely critical. But really, it?s a fair question. I don?t play an instrument, I?ve never been in a band or worked in the music industry.

My bachelor?s degree is in art education, with drawing as my forte. My visual art background has helped in music writing. I understand the creative process first-hand. I also know that quality art takes discipline and work. More importantly, I learned that to properly critique you must describe, analyze, interpret and judge.

I?ve always loved writing. My third-grade teacher encouraged me to write and not trip over my Achilles heel ? spelling (thank you, spell check!)

Even as a kid, I was enthralled with reviews. I couldn?t get enough. As far back as fifth grade, I daydreamed imaginary bands and created reviews.

Landing The Davis Enterprise gig was not easy. I didn?t get it the first time I applied. Derrick Bang graciously encouraged me to try again. So I did. But I still didn?t get the job! Derrick said I was the runner-up. I felt defeated.

Luckily, third time?s a charm. I started in 2005.

I?ve learned more from my mistakes than anything else. My very first article was of one of my favorite bands, Interpol. I was terrified and excited to interview drummer, Sam Fogarino. But the publicist made a last-minute switch to band leader Daniel Kessler. I was a nervous wreck. My well-researched, Fogarino-specific questions became irrelevant. I don?t know how I pulled through. I probably sounded like a pre-pubescent fan boy.

I completed the article and sent it in. My heart sank when I got an urgent e-mail from Derrick. I had mistakenly written in Q and A style and Derrick had to piece it all together in story form himself. I quickly learned that a) Derrick was a taskmaster and b) the job wasn?t just free albums and concert tickets, it was work.

It?s really a labor of love. I already listen to and read up on countless bands of all types of music. As a critic, and now a blogger, I get to share my thoughts with you. It beats the imaginary bandmates of my childhood.

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Source: http://www.davisenterprise.com/entertainment/music/the-art-of-music-and-imaginary-bands/

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