Shaxy Music: May 2010

Posted by Shax / at 15:27 / / 2 comments

This is another long one. You might want to put the kettle on.

Today, Shakka is 21 blasted years of age.

I'm gonna look at the mirror and say the same thing, .......... pause ...... and giggle like an ol' Caribbean man, thinkin:

"RHYTE! I kyan now aaahh-da a Red Stripe at h'enny club in Americah."

Has anyone heard Nas' 2nd Childhood?

It might only be a "BULLET BULLET" moment for those who remember when his 5-mic Stillmatic came out. I relate to it and talk about it more, coz I recently encountered "that time" in my life. And everyone who has hit a certain age, knows what I mean when I talk about "that time" in someone's life.

For those who are at UNI, for those who are now at work everyday, or just doin something in general, there was that one day when you finally collected all those "rain-check's" to speak to a friend you haven't seen since Secondary (........... (sigh) or High School).

Then that conversation comes up:

"Oi. Remember Keisha? What happened to her?"

(I DO NOT KNOW ANY KEISHA - Entirely made up for this example - No indirect digs intended!)

And then you both encounter "that time".

"That time" is the time where you think about all the people you used to know, who are now merely acquaintances, and who you compare your "progress" in life to. You don't want to, but you subconsciously do. And you talk about whether or not they've grown up. Some kinda "have and haven't", still holding on to something from the past.

We all do in some ways, but some find it HARD to let go.

"He never grew up / 31 and can't give his youth up, He's in his 2nd childhood"

(Nas, 2nd Childhood, Stillmatic)

Over this year, and the past couple o years, I've been kinda forced to grow up. I've been lucky enough to have people around me to nag, shout, and heckle me about how I "seem like I wanna move forward, but don't take action".

And after 3 years of doin a Computer Science degree, and still being mentally, physically and DIGESTIVELY DEPRIVED of a music studio, I know I have to work hard now in order to do what I love most - Music.

(just googled Digestively, and CILLIT BANG: the word is there)

Here's what I said durin' my interview last August @ Bang Radio:

So here it is:

Wanna do music full time? Make sure people hear you.

Wanna make sure people hear you? Get yourself out there EFFECTIVELY.

And yuh wha get yourself out there effectively? Grow the F**K up.

And I know, this isn't a philosophy for EVERYONE. It just seemed to make sense over the last couple of years to me personally:

If I ask a promoter to gimme a gig, a month before the gig, believe I'm not gettin' a show. And continue being Mr. Nice Guy to everyone, and most will take advantage (some without realising, the poor sods). And whether you're late for a haircut, or just plan your time poorly, the early bird really does catch the worm.

To me, it's all part of growin' up. What do you guys think?

But aside from this LONE RANGER, Clint Eastwood, Batman, ............. Finding Nemo moment, I think there's exciting about it all.

Before, I would just make ONE song, show it to my friends, and be satisfied with it for like 6 months.

Now, with the help of many others, I'm organizing rehearsals, editin' video's, performing, featuring on other musicians songs, networking, all with some time left over to watch The Junior Apprentice (don't knock it until you've watched it).

And it's flippin' heavy - Digestively Satisfying. I get excited when I finish a song, and STILL have the hunger to write another.

And so, after tooting my own horn, I'll end by giving a shout-out to a few who made it possible for me to push these songs out of the bedroom and to help me grow up. At 21, I think it's time to start counting blessings and to acknowledge who's been part of the family.

(Immediate Family and loved ones NOT INCLUDED in this list - You know who you are and how much you guys mean to me!!):

- The Man upstairs.

Don't know how he does it, but I just get messages from him and tests on a regular basis, and it keeps me focused. I am truly blessed and hope to continue to be so in the future.

- Incisive

- For those who don't know:

Step 1: Google.com

Step 2: Type 'Incisive myspace'

Step 3: Click on Incisive© - The first link that comes up.

Step 4: Slap yourself for not knowing otherwise.

He was the 2nd set of fresh, wise ears when I had none. A highly talented lyricist and songwriter, who helped me in so many musical areas that it would be LONG to list. (Sod it. Here's a few. *sigh*)

- Mixed the entire Foolishness Vol.1 EP (apart from Pourqoui. kinda proud o that one)

- Was the first person to collaborate with, PERIOD.

- Has been to every one of my gigs - either supporting, or just to watch.

- Was never one to mince his words. He knows what we're trying to become and how much love for the music there is. So we need to "Keep It Movin" and "Grow the f**k up."

Hold tight 'Cisive.

- Kadija Kamara -

Did a few backing gigs for her, and am thankful to have written a few songs with her - "Fine By You" - soon come. Learned a lot from this woman, and got my face seen and heard @ many a Kadi-gig.

Nike

aka Nike Starr:

http://www.twitter.com/nik_e

http://www.myspace.com/2130filmclub

http://www.myspace.com/nike1833

- From iLuvLive, to Groove Gumbo with Eric Roberson. She has been helping, supporting, promoting, and criticizing the music, teaching me about many aspects of the Industry, and has been a very good friend throughout. And she KNOWS about good tunes. See you at carnival Nik.

- TE1 / A.C.Layne

- This is BEYOND We'Yoo. We have so much unfinished business from the past 2 summers, it's crazy. Alike Nikky, he's been supportive in many aspects, and continues to give positive words of encouragement when he can. (Kinda easy now with Twitter. If he didn't, i'd be upset .......... buss his head or somethin'. LOL)