My song came alive last night!

[ElCamino]

My apologies if this is the wrong place to post this.

I've been playing with a group of folks for a few moons now as a part of a local school (think similar to School of Rock) where you take weekly lessons individually and also jam once a week as part of a band. The 5 of us in our “band” are all above the age—and below the level of proficiency—of believing we're ever going to be real rock stars, but it’s a lot of fun and we have aspirations of eventually playing in this local dive where the instructor does sound.

So, although I’ve written a handful of songs in the past during my cowboy-chord-playing acoustic days of yore—mostly stuff with lyrics like “ice-cream smiles and dreamy down-filled days” (OMG kill me now)—I hadn’t tried composing any rock. Until now.

Holy smokes! I broke it out at rehearsal last night and it came alive. As I’m playing and singing solo, one by one the others started dropping in—drummer, second guitarist, bass, my teacher on lead and harmonizing vocals. Way tighter than I could’ve imagined for the first time any of them had heard it. Almost brought tears to my eyes. Everybody was super complimentary afterward. (What're they gonna say, "That sucked"? But still ... .)

I’m still buzzing. We’re adding it to our set list and my teacher wants to work with me some on the arrangement. But what a difference from singing what used to amount to “Leaving on a Jet Plane” solo on acoustic. Time and a place for that, no doubt, but for a moment I was on a giant stage, thrusting the mic out toward a sea of 100,000 writhing rock fans singing MY lyrics back to ME.

Got an appointment for a tattoo this afternoon. My first. Getting the entire top half of my body inked with the name of our group: either Jackie Chiles Band or No Pants. Which do you guys like?

[Pualee]

Well, if the band falls apart, having "Jackie Chiles Band" tattooed on your chest will seem stupid and foolish.

However, "No Pants" is very logical... seriously, who wears pants on their upper body?

Congratulations on the fun with your song

[martingitdave]

Great story! That's what it's all about. Making music with and for people. Happy for you!

[ljguitar]

Hi ElC…

Fun and addicting isn't it!?

[ElCamino]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi ElC…

Fun and addicting isn't it!?

Was about to write, "You have NO idea." But I see a lot of your posts, and you do indeed know. It's this odd, cool, foreign-to-me emotional mix involving pride, stoke, anxiety and humbleness. Wish I had discovered it sooner---I'm 53---but grateful I've tasted it at all.

[rmp]

Personally... I'd give the tattoo idea some more thought

[Chin music]

Consider naming your band "Mom" if you're going forward with the tattoo thing.

[Earwitness]

Originally Posted by Chin music

Consider naming your band "Mom" if you're going forward with the tattoo thing.

I love this place