Hello everyone! I figured it was time for another installment of Rick’s Random Ramblings.

I’d like to talk about collaborations this time. As many of you know, Ethan and I have been working on music and studying theory together for some time now. I must say that it is pure joy to work with Ethan. He is so hungry for knowledge and so ready to learn. I have been amazed at how well he understands music theory already.

And the learning has gone both ways. Ethan has managed to teach me a few things along the way as well. So this is truly a two-way street.

As I said in another blog, Ethan and I have started writing songs together. This has taken my playing and writing to an entirely new level. I have written many songs alone, and have written some music with former band mates over time. But I have never been as proud as I am these days. To be co-writing such brilliant music with such a brilliant young songwriter is indeed an honour.

One of our songs is up on You Tube right now. It is called “The Whistle Man”. If you haven’t had a chance to, I suggest you go to http://www.youtube.com/ethan2rock and check it out. Ethan came up with a classic hook line for this song and we built on it from there. I am extremely proud of the work that Ethan put into this song. At the risk of sounding conceited, I must admit that I am also proud of my own role in this wonderful song. And the video footage is spectacular as well. BTW, great job to the editing crew! Well done!

I have been asked if it is easy to work on collaborative music. I’d like to say that yes it is easy. But in honesty, there can be trying moments during the process. Sometimes a new idea will come along and it takes a bit of getting used to. But in the end, that’s all part of the process isn’t it. In music, as in “real” life, very little reward comes of things that are too easy.
So yes, it does take a bit of work, dedication and commitment. Is it worth it? Absolutely YES!

There are few things in a musician’s life that compare to the feeling of knowing that you have turned out a product that people are enjoying. At some point, you realize that all the hard work you put in, all those long nights in the studio, all those hours discussing points in the song…all of that is paying off. And I am not necessarily talking about a financial payoff.

Finally, I have been asked by quite a few people if I intend on doing any more collab’s with Ethan, or if “The Whistle Man” was a one-off deal. I think the answer to that question should be obvious. Yes, I have every intention of continuing working with Ethan, both in songwriting, collaboration and in our study and exploration of music theory.
The music and studies take up a lot of our time together. But above all else is the fact that Ethan and his entire family are very close friends of mine, and it will always be like that no matter what.

Thanks for reading this installment of “Rick’s Random Ramblings”! Don’t forget to check out Ethan’s website for all kinds of really cool stuff! Visit http://www.Ethan2Rock.co.nz And please stop by his channel on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Ethan2Rock and be sure to visit his channels on http://www.Vimeo.com/ethan2rock ; http://www.Worldsings.com ; http://www.booyippee.com/ethan2rock

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See you next time! Goodnight everybody!
Rickbell7 – http://www.youtube.com/user/rickbell7
…in association with Loose Wheel Productions