Comments for Benjie Messer

Comment on At Best, Derivative by syd peterson

syd peterson — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:07:00 +0000

It’s like all of a sudden you’ve got all these cool projects going on. You should email Andy: people like it when you follow their advice. Plus he might have some advice about scoring and the music biz you didn’t know you needed…

Comment on Sextet Concert Last Month by syd peterson

syd peterson — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:54:00 +0000

Dude, just because you won that amateur porn contest is no reason to stop posting to your blog…

Comment on Silly entertainment by 40 Forever

40 Forever — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:46:00 +0000

Have you read A Wrinkle in Time?

Comment on Old Inspirations by Randy

Randy — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:07:00 +0000

Hey Benjie, how are you? I randomly stumbled across your site. I still play with Tim and Greg frequently here in Portland. I see Joel every once in a while, he is married and lives in Eugene. Say hi to Dan for me.
-Randy Rollofson

Comment on Old Inspirations by Madeleine

Madeleine — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:10:00 +0000

Benjie! I love finding old connections, especially when they are still musicians….and really cool when they’re in your area. Awesome!

Comment on Old Inspirations by Benjie Messer

Benjie Messer — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:10:00 +0000

Yes- Dan Stotz!

Holy shit- he lives here! See link above-

Comment on Old Inspirations by syd peterson

syd peterson — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:26:00 +0000

Dan Stotz

Comment on Musical Identity Crisis by Benjie Messer

Benjie Messer — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:07:00 +0000

Thanks for all the advice! This week’s been more relaxed

Comment on Musical Identity Crisis by what we feel most has no name

what we feel most has no name — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:51:00 +0000

mm, well i recently read an article that talked about subtracting things in one’s life to make the life fuller. perhaps using this strategy to help you figure this out? sometimes the best choice is to make no choice at all (which is hard).

it seems you have some focus–you want to be more musical, you want to be more in charge–a leader. so, try being a leader. you can devote yourself to one thing now, and other things later. you are young after all. and maybe being a leader won’t be what you thought it would be…and you could try something else. just because you put one instrument or dream on the back shelf, doesn’t mean you are deserting it or giving it up forever.

as my Buddhist books keep telling me–it’s ok to be in an uncomfortable place. in fact, that’s how we get to other places. so, embrace this groundlessness…see where it takes you. (hope this doesn’t sound too hokey!)

Comment on Musical Identity Crisis by syd peterson

syd peterson — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:52:00 +0000

“Does this mean I’m never going to be the singer/songwriter I imagined being? Why can’t I make a decision about this part of my life?

Sometimes, no matter how hard we’re working to figure something out, the solution or path only becomes clear after a long period of time passes. Usually this period of time is longer than what seems necessary. There are so many variables that make up something magical and complex, like “inspiration”; all the moving parts have to line up in just the right way for clarity to occur.

I think you’ve got to keep struggling and exploring, but not because it will necessarily hasten your progress. You’ve got to because it will help define who you are.

“Being in charge of something takes more time and energy than just being a sideman. And I want time to relax and cook and be social, after all.”

You want so many things, musically. And, at the same time, you want to be this mellow guy with free time. I don’t think realistic to be a both mellow guy with oodles of free time and also a musician who pursues several different instruments and projects. Do you know any musicians like that?

My opinion: let go of trying to have extra time and devote yourself to this Musical Identity Crisis. Both the blog and the real thing itself. I think you’ll feel more resolved, if not more relaxed…