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And about the original post - I think Lassiter hit the nail on the head. Wouldn't things in the studio be better if everyone followed those rules?

Phil

Phil O wrote:BTW, Mike Halloran.

Dude, I have nothing but respect for you. I really do. So don't take this the wrong way, but that picture of you is bad. It's really, really bad. My avatar looks more like me than that picture looks like you. You should have that picture cleaned and burned, then shoot the photographer. Just saying.

Phil

That's my new passport photo. Gawdawful would be kind. The new regs don't let you smile.

I should have used software and done it myself. If I'm still around in 10 years...

I've got this big fake smile on my Driver's license. I figure, if I get stopped by a cop, maybe the goofy picture is good for an ice breaker.

Oh yeah. You should still shoot the photographer.

In all my passport and license pictures I look like either Beaver Cleaver or Charles Manson. Mike's looks pretty good in comparison.

mikehalloran wrote:

Phil O wrote:BTW, Mike Halloran.

Dude, I have nothing but respect for you. I really do. So don't take this the wrong way, but that picture of you is bad. It's really, really bad. My avatar looks more like me than that picture looks like you. You should have that picture cleaned and burned, then shoot the photographer. Just saying.

Phil

That's my new passport photo. Gawdawful would be kind. The new regs don't let you smile.

Did you mean "Gandalful."

YOU SHALL NOT PASSPORT!

HCMarkus wrote: Did you mean "Gandalful."

YOU SHALL NOT PASSPORT!

Now that's funny! Very clever.

MIDI Life Crisis wrote:

HCMarkus wrote: Did you mean "Gandalful."

YOU SHALL NOT PASSPORT!

Now that's funny! Very clever.

Coming from the guy that coined the still-makes-me-smile "MLC" moniker, high praise. Thank you!

HCMarkus wrote: Coming from the guy that coined the still-makes-me-smile "MLC" moniker, high praise. Thank you!

It actually stands for Moe, Larry, and Curly...

MIDI Life Crisis wrote:

HCMarkus wrote: Coming from the guy that coined the still-makes-me-smile "MLC" moniker, high praise. Thank you!

It actually stands for Moe, Larry, and Curly...

I stand corrected. One helluva band you've got there.

We only get the best gigs! LOL

LOL, that's classic

I've broken and am breaking many of those rules. (Fortunately, I still get calls for gigs.)

There are some important guidelines (going beyond those that pertain to music specifically) that pertain to being a human and having some emotional intelligence. Or, if like me, you lack emotional intelligence, you try to listen when you get criticism.

1. Try to be kind & respectful, even when your buttons get pushed.

2. Don't assume the worst in people. Find common ground if you can, if you can't, then ask questions. It's ok to make distance from people who treat you badly. They may not be aware that they are "punching downward".

3. Be a life-long learner, not just about your craft, but about a wide range of interests and especially about yourself. It's ok to rely on your experiences, but keep making new ones and learn from them.

4. Use your time on this planet as splendedly as you can. You get one life (IMHO), so make the most of it. Don't do it for the awards. Fun is the reward.

5. Forgive yourself and others for messing up. Start fresh when you can.

6. Be kind to animals.

Wow, I could barely make it through that list, the guy is so full of attitude. I also disagree with several (but not all) of his observations/advice. It's too bad because I was BLOWN AWAY by his playing when my company was running sound for the Prince tour and I got to hear some of the excerpts and even a video shoot. I hate it when my heroes turn out to be jerks.

As for professionalism, it is QUITE RARE in my experience, so I REALLY appreciate it when I encounter it, but I'm a very patient person and I have a day job so I can AFFORD to be nice to people and loyal etc. I also know how to make people feel relaxed and inspired in the studio and to help them grow without being condescending, mean, or arrogant. Some people CAN learn.

Having said that, there is NOTHING that angers me more than no-shows, as I have a super-busy schedule and often make deep personal sacrifices in order to be available for others. I find that guitarists are the worst in this regard; constant "flight risks" due to fragile egos and self-sabotaging tendencies. They also are the most likely to get into "song ownership" battles -- in the midst of a session. I try to be a good baby-sitter, but do better with ACTUAL kids vs. immature adults.

When I have done sessions for others (it's been a few years, thankfully -- I much more enjoy running sessions than attending them), it's been all-business, what can I do for you, no unnecessary banter, and especially no playing except when actually recording. It's a matter of respect and being aware that studio time isn't free. One can call that "professionalism" but it's also sheer pragmatism.

When I am running a session, I consider my most important role to be the one who maintains focus and perspective as well as makes the musicians feel relaxed, comfortable, inspired, excited, and challenged to go beyond whatever preconceptions they brought with them.

The area where I would most like to improve is in negotiating conflict within a band -- if this is even possible as a "third party" then becomes the mutual target in many cases. This is why George Martin walked out during The White Album sessions; he realized there was nothing he could do to "fix" the band fissures. I have yet to encounter a band that can hold it together to see a common vision to its full fruition. Self-sabotage is the main reason people don't make it, in my opinion.

mhschmieder wrote:Wow, I could barely make it through that list, the guy is so full of attitude. I also disagree with several (but not all) of his observations/advice.

So are you just going to leave us hanging or tell us what you disagree with? The suspense!

The entire perspective of the list is self-absorbed and self-centered, so I would just start with a clean slate that projects the right attitude and perspective, in compiling a list.

As I said, I am lucky that I am financially able to avoid working with people like that. I have no interest in being famous, so am happy that each of my situations is by mutual choice.