Illness helps musician get back to basics

I’ve been sick for over a week. Sore throat, coughing, fever — sleep has been my best friend for a while now. Unfortunately, this has taken me out of circulation, dulling my senses and ultimately affecting every aspect of my life … including this column.

It’s just a common cold, but it’s been enough to slow me down from my ordinarily busy schedule. It’s given me time to sit and consider where I’m at as a musician. Not as a businessman, not as a music journalist, not as a venue owner, not as a music instructor, not as a publisher, but simply as a musician. You see, that’s what I really want in life — to make music.

It’s not that “making a scene” isn’t a necessary part of that, but the business of music can be very consuming, especially when you where as many hats as I do.

In the beginning of my musical endeavors here in Alaska, I knew I would have to approach my aspirations with a can-do attitude. When the world hands you lemons, make lemonade and all that. I could list a hundred clichés, but I think you get it.

Making opportunities where there are few is a difficult task. I’ve tried to be innovative, doing more than just being a musician. It’s definitely paid off and I’m proud of my work, but my wife told me recently that I should to start focusing on my music again. I didn’t want to argue with that; I agreed wholeheartedly. That’s just what I needed to hear. I’d just forgotten.

Granted, I won’t stop doing what I’ve done for the last few years. I’m just going to do less than normal. Business is good, momentum is built for the Make-a-Scene! Initiative, which benefits so many musicians and other artists. I’m very satisfied with the direction of the company, so it’s time to get back to what motivated me to work towards all of these other things for the past few years.

I’ll still be doing the things I do, like writing this column, publishing Make-a-Scene! Magazine, teaching lessons (although not as many), but for now I’m going to do my best to focus on my own music. I’m writing songs again, revamping older tunes, planning my new album project and spending time with my children. These are the things that motivate me to be a productive person, that create a balanced, healthy life. Without these things as an active force in my life, I would eventually lose sight of what it’s really all about. And that possibility makes me ill.

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.