“You are next!”
by Stênio Ferreira
As I heard these words and looked at the stage, my anxiety peaked. My friends were in the middle of their song, but I had gotten the call to start getting ready to go up the stage. I went to the side as instructed, and started tuning my guitar in preparation. Hitting the E string made me remember how far I had come since the decision, one month before, to join Altered Stage.
Growing up in the 90’s was tough. If you weren’t playing Super Mario, listening to Spice Girls or watching actual music videos on MTV – you were doing it wrong. And mix tapes…do you even have any idea how long a mix tape took to make?!?
The 90’s were also colorful and awesome. Especially, when it came to music.
I consider myself lucky to have been exposed to different music genres in high school. From Metallica and Nirvana, Beastie Boys and The Smashing Pumpkins, TLC and Dr. Dre, to Celine Dion and Lara Fabian.
Most young musicians were introduced to their musician friends by means of a junior high music program. We all had our influences that shaped our musical tastes before we stepped through the band room doors. Before and after rehearsals, on marching band competition trips, I’d have some time to discuss “Beatles or Stones?” with my friends with an appreciation for the rock and roll rhythm section. A couple conversations turned into plans to jam after school, learn some cover tunes, and start writing our own material. A band was brought forth into the world, and it was called King’s English.
Where am I?
A profound question; a question that is sometimes asked by musicians when playing a song unfamiliar to them. We’ve all been there… you’re playing a song with another musician who “knows” the tune. You have full confidence in yourself when you practice along with the recording, but now that crutch has been taken away… what to do? Let’s break this situation down!
Editor note: A big thank you to our beloved member/mascot/fixture, Tom Jackson. Here’s his story about how he quit his job to take a sabbatical from work to focus on music. We love seeing you here every day, Tom. You truly are family.