I was inspired to start writing music in the 90's. I released my first album in 2005. I have 3 CD's and 1 EP. I am a life-long learner. I have had a few gigs but mostly I write music because I enjoy it. For more on my bio go to keleshamartin.com
Personally, music is my primary means of creative expression. My secondary means of expression has always been dancing but not the kind of dancing you do at parties. In my interaction with family and friends music is the output of their influence on my life.
Short Term-I have one dream musically, to make a video that incorporates music, dance and arts and crafts. Long Term-I would like to collaborate on the Alto Flute on a Jazz piece on Drooble and be on someone’s single or album.
I would want music appreciation to return to the way it was in past generations. Back in the day, good music was judged by how it made you feel. in addition, I would like to hear more blending of styles occasionally- like Sergio Mendes, for example- teaming up with some rappers with clean lyrics. My lyrics reflect this blurring of lines between styles, to some extent. A good example of mine is "Take Some Time". So I hope my music is helping to connect styles that combine to promote a positive vibe.
I can not limit it to one song. Sorry!
The Beatles, The Carpenters,Joe Sample, Michael Jackson, Bread, Lalah Hathaway, Donnie Hathaway, Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66,Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, James Ingram, Earl Klugh, George Benson and Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau,Four Play,Chuck Mangioine, Burt Bacharach and Dave Grusin.
Personally,a person or a moment, that touched my life or changed my life...forever! It could be as simple as reconnecting with a friend or realizing that although life is tough, love and friendship is the silver lining.
I want my music to help the listener be in a a positive space if they are not there already! The tone of my music is always changing with every song I write. I am gravitating toward resolving to a Major scale that have a more upbeat feeling. The message of most of my music is that of reflection on my appreciation for family, friends. My lyrics seek to connect with humanity through positive themes.
I feel thankful! I love for listeners to see the expression on my face as I perform. I watched a recent video and it communicated appreciation, as if I were saying, "Thanks for your support"! When I play the flute I have learned to keep my eyes open. It is as much about the connection with the audience as having a perfect performance!
Make music because you love to! That is what I do. If you keep getting better keep making music until you are ready to pass the torch to someone whose life you touched! If you can not find someone to pass the torch to yet you probably still have another song or two in you! As long as listeners get that "Isn't this wonderful feeling?" when they don't even know you-Keep writing!
I think Drooble has the right idea since most of us continue making music because we want to get better over time! I think they give artist and musicians a wider audience. I am glad I heard about Drooble after perfecting my craft to the best of my ability not in the beginning of my songwriting career. I can appreciate it more! I like the fact that Drooble helps you examine yourself and possibly ask yourself at what point would I be ready to review another artist on Drooble? When I feel qualified to review a fellow Drooble artists, I will. I am glad Drooble requires that you accumulate a certain amount of Karma before reviewing other artists.
For me understanding and using Drum Programming has been most frustrating. I have EZ Drummer and Superior Drummer. I will do a work around and outsource when necessary.
Yes. I have gone to see my mentor - Shad Harris perform in Stockton and in other cities.
They should understand url's, metadata, and promotion techniques, to name a few. If you know you have what it takes, keep doing it! I see Drooble as a larger audience for me. It helps to be willing to learn things that may not be easy but, skills that will empower you to be more creative, like learning drum programming at some level. Also, I took one Mixing Class. I did some pre-mixing. That counts for something!
Ronita Johnson- who is featured on two on my albums- Sisters and Love Notes. She is not only my sister but she is the one who first inspired me to be a songwriter. She sang with Clydene Jackson growing up. Clydene now sings with Nils. Second, I would like to mention Kellie Rivers who sung "Show Your Love" on my last album called "Love Notes. All three vocalist have beautiful voices. Kellie is the first artist I pitched my song to in 2015. She is known for singing "Shatterered" and many others. I feel blessed to have gotten to sing with both of these vocalists. I would like to think singing with my sister Ronita has brought us closer!