Getting things straight in your head is a major achievement because there's so much clutter out there. You've got to push aside the static to really hear the music.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'd say that it's important for music to be there that gives you a challenge, that rearranges things in your head.
Throughout the years I have tried to hone my skills to gain mastery over the music in my head.
When you're working with music that is invariably better than you are, it's difficult to become swell-headed.
Whether it's soundtracking a moment in my life or just motivating me to hit the gym, I constantly have music playing. Even if it's just in my head.
A lot of our music came out of a lot of weird psychology and weird emotions. When you play the whole body of work, you get tossed all over the place. It's not easy listening. It's not even comfortable to listen to.
Many, many years ago, I was one of the few conductors who talked to the audience and now a lot of classical conductors have figured it out... otherwise, you just get the back of someone's head playing music you could hear on a CD. It's not enough anymore.
I'm very easily distracted unless I have music on. Listening to music while I brainstorm makes me think of scenes that would fit the mood of the music I'm playing.
Because I'm pushing my body so hard already, the last thing I want to do is have music that's really too strong, in my head.
I know so few people who actually give music their undivided attention, so I've been trying to just park myself on the couch between the speakers and listen.
You always have in the back of your mind that would be cool if you get recognized. But you can't concentrate on any of those things. You've got to just keep playing and doing your music and the rest is just a bonus.