Wow!!! That’s really all I can say, is wow! The 29th Annual ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards last Wednesday was the best night I‘ve had in some time. It was held at the beautiful Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. It was a perfectly hectic and stressful yet beautiful day in L.A.
As an artist, I know the special feeling you get when someone (other than family) appreciates your music. After all the hard work and never ending hours of composing, writing, producing and recording, that once upon a time little idea that danced around in your head finally manifests into musical reality. And if an entity as highly respected as ASCAP decides they would like to recognize and honor your work with an award, you seize the moment and solidify a wonderful lifetime memory!
Although any dedicated artist will tell you that their song is never “really” ever finished, we inevitably pry our little fingers away from the instruments, computers or mixing consoles and move onto the next magical melody. It’s in our blood. We can’t help it – the music continues on. Sarah’s asking me all the time, “What is that song you’re always singing?” The answer’s always the same. “I don’t know, just something.” But what I do know is that the music in my head never stops!
I’ll admit, being recognized for my work is pretty awesome but the real reward is in the music itself! Music is so personal to me. It’s my way of expression of every sort. When you hear it, it’s like an invitation into my personal thoughts and private world.
I’ve digressed . . .back to the awards. Man, by the time they were over, I was exhausted! All the energy goes into the prepping for such an event. Suit or tux, hair cut or hair long, shoes polished, wash the car, gas the car, prep the dog, drop the dog off, workout, get enough biz cards, traffic are all just a few things that I’m able to remember that needed to be handled before the event that day. All the same, my prepping was nothing compared to Sarah’s! OMG! Hair, make-up, dress, these shoes, those shoes, new shoes, bag, accessories, work, workout, cleaners, packing, rushing, hotel reservations and believe me her list went on and on. By the time we checked into the hotel, we were done!
After a much needed decompression, there was just enough time to get dressed without an all-out panic. According to the Event Coordinator, I was supposed to be on the red carpet at 6 O’clock for pics and interviews. I gotta admit it, after all was said and done, I think we looked pretty darn good! Be sure to check out the pics.
They gave me this cool little medallion to wear around my neck at check-in. This indicated to the media that I was one of the winners for the evening. Lots of camera’s flashing, beautiful people everywhere and before I knew it, there was a mic and television camera in my face! “MC, MC! Tell us. How does one find the inspiration for the music needed in a particular scene?” I think that was the question. I’m trying to recall how I answered it but in all honesty, I’m not sure how I did. . . I’m still looking for the interview on ASCAP’s website. It’s huge. If you find it please let me know! 🙂
Oh well, like I said, receiving the award was very cool but I wanted to meet as many people as I could and make some new friends. Past recipients of the award forewarned me that there would be hundreds of people in attendance so when I saw thousands instead, I was in awe!
The award ceremony was not televised but if it had, that would’ve been sweet! Anyhow, it was just as lavish as any that I’ve seen on TV. There was a host announcing all the Film and TV categories. Once the winners were revealed, both category and winner’s names were shown on the huge screen before everyone. That’s when you would make your way up to the stage and receive your plaque. Pretty coooool! It was a wonderful event to be a part of. (I could easily get used to this!)
As the night wound down to a close, so did I but I regrouped like a trouper and did the after party thing. Nothing crazy just drinks at the bar and meeting more people. The night caused quite a bit of reflection on my part. Where my love for music stems from to family, influences, tribulations and triumphs, I recalled so many important lessons thus far in my life. And it was all worth it. I don’t expect the challenges or the occasional writers block to cease but the road ahead couldn’t look any brighter.
I have to thank everyone over at TrueMusic especially Kurt Farquhar for the opportunities they have afforded me. So I send a very special shout out to my TrueMusic family, “Love Y’all!”
Finally, where would I be without my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus? Thank God, I’ll never know. I hope you all keep me in your prayers; I’ll keep you in mine. Praise His holy name!
Drop me a note. Would love to hear from you!
Outee