Chronicles Continued...

So, ladies and gentlemen, I am back. Quite a lot has happened in my bass life in these last three months. I thought that the last time I went on a journey of musical self-discovery I had found all the answers to what I needed, but alas, it was not such. I realized that growth and learning is a never-ending process, and just as one enjoys every stage of their child's life, so shall I enjoy every stage of my growth and learning experience.

If I could describe the growth process that took place in the last three months, I would publish three novels and a PhD thesis. But here is an extremely summarized version (even though it doesn't look like it):

• I had an experience that I still don't quite understand whether was positive or negative. Either way, I am grateful because it left a positive impact in my life. My musical soulmate and I visited a studio that was the best studio I have ever visited in my life. I met some highly creative people that inspired me, yet at the same time intimidated me. Long story short, before I go on a philosophical analysis, the studio session did not go as well as we had hoped, and we left without a recording. Let's just say, the feeling of failure, especially when you know where you're supposed to be, is not particularly the best feeling in the world. Ignorance really is bliss.

• Since my friend pointed out that I should learn how to play drums to get over my "thing" for drummers, I ended up umm, falling for, umm, a nice guy who happens to be a drummer. So I am now in a committed relationship with said drummer. In my defense, his game was pretty tight. It was also quite fresh, especially after being hit on by guys like:

It also so happens that at the time we started dating, I did not have a permanent drummer to rehearse with, and he needed a bassist. So, bam. One thing I have taken from this relationship is the art of commitment. Yes, commitment is an art. In the past, if I disliked something, I found it easier to just run away. The band that I currently play for most frequently happens to be his band. Because I felt that we do not have the same visions, I wanted to quit after 2 days. However, because I have now learnt that some things are bigger than my feelings, I stayed. Because I have been playing with the same drummer for some time, love aside, I feel that my sense of rhythm has become much better. Also, because I'm in a generally more positive mood, I find that I'm able to play and write better.

• I am in love with the brain of the guitarist who plays in Mr Man's band. Sometimes I get the impression that he doesn't quite like me, and that can be a bit uncomfortable because, you know, you have to be in good terms with people you play with in order to create good music. That aside, I am so in love with his brain, that if  Mr Man had not existed, I would probably have developed a crush on him. *Black American Accent* ooooooohhh Scandalooooouus!*snaps finger* He is a Med. student and has some certain depth about him. His intense passion and out-of-the-box thinking reminded me why I loved music to begin with, and playing with him has taught me the joy of being unconventional in your playing. It has given me a certain type of freedom.

• Meeting people who've met a female bassist for the first time is still quite, umm, entertaining. I meet people who get thoroughly excited at my basslines. Even though I know it's not much, I have to say this gives me quite a boost of confidence and makes my playing better. On the other hand, there's a bunch that give me the urge to toss my bass guitar at them. And maybe a brick. And a chair. Some encounters I've had:
• "Pretend you're playing" *snaps photos*
• "You don't even have to play, just holding it is enough"
• *random chap walks in during rehearsal break as I'm still holding my bass* "Gasp! Is it working??"
• "Are you good?" (because I'm going to say I suck to someone I've just met?? Child, please.)
• He(it's almost always a "he"): Will you perform this Saturday? Me: Yeah, I'll play for most of the artists. He: Are you that good?  Me: *slaps forehead* 
• *expecting me to teach him in 5 minutes* "show me how to play bass". Me: You need some basic theory He: No, just teach me now (Since I'm a female, it must be nothing? *Korean voice* Aigooooo.)
• "It's easy. I'll learn how to play it instead of the other instruments. Thanks, You've inspired me." Coming from a non-instrumentalist. Kindly note, I play other instruments, so I reckon I'd know what's "easy"?

I could go on and on with such comments, where the person may not have malicious intention, but come off as quite condescending. But here's to more bass growth and an enjoyable journey! :)