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JOIN THE DISCORD VIEW THREADHere's mine:
"Listen to your parents and go to a music school, it will help you later because you will discover riffs and solos. Also, work on your social skills... You're a smart and good looking kid, you just need more confidence."
Had I known this... had I only known!
Cya in 10 - 15 years for the letter to my current self
Wow. That was inspiring. And it sounded Like a wild Ride and stuff to write Songs about. Thank you so much for sharing this!To my younger self,
I wish I could have gotten a letter like this when I needed it. The problem is, is that you wouldn't really listen anyway. But trust that all things happen for a reason, whether good or bad. I want you to know that this path you've chosen is not easy. It's a thousand times harder than you think. It's not the 80's anymore, so the thought of hanging out at the Sunset Strip to party, fuck a bunch of guys and gather up musicians isn't going to happen. You're going to go out there and see men have become a bunch of pussy-whipped guys who will try to use you as the 'other girl'. No matter how rare the good-looking one is, don't fall for it. Or go ahead and do it and learn a lesson, because there is one to be taught. Out in Los Angeles you're going to be glad you ran away from home because it's here you'll find yourself, but you won't find music. At least, not what you thought it would be. Sure you'll have your jams that last until 2am in Hollywood at someone's apartment until you pass out drunk on the floor, but that's not going to get you anywhere. You'll spend 15 extra years trying to figure out how to push against a system that just doesn't exist anymore. The sad reality, is that technology and the internet has replaced synchronicity and true musicianship in the music industry. Forget about calling up ads in the Hollywood backpage and asking to jam in person. No. These people are going to want to see you have a social media account, a few recorded samples, and to see if you are good looking and have good gear. That's right. Start losing weight now because you're not going to get in any door being a fat girl in metal. Or just wait until you get out to Los Angeles. Because you'll be poor, you'll have to walk everywhere, and you'll be tested to see how hungry you really are.
But don't lose it. Along the way you'll grow agitated with everyone out there and for the lies you get fed, you'll fight with your singer and even nearly go separate ways, but you'll come to realize that she's the only one who sees your vision. And she understands you. You'll start finding out that you lose your fire because every chance you take ends up a closed door in your face. But be patient, it wasn't the door you were meant to walk through.
You have to fund your music. You can't fight a broken relationship. Nor can you fix it. Sometimes. Unfortunately because you don't have a family supporting you, you have to work 10 times harder. It takes good money to make it these days, so find something that you love to earn money on. Oh, and you'll find out the adult industry doesn't last forever. You'll get tired of doing it and realize that it takes too much physical and mental energy to make $1,000. Stay with it until you can, but find something more stable and less exhausting. When you do, stop listening so much to what others say. Especially your parents. Everything should be focused on what benefits your music, not your family. The point is, you're growing. And you'll fall and it's okay. Embrace the bad times that are coming because this is how you learn and grow.
And for fuck's sake stop saying that one guitarist looks like Tommy Lee. He's going to end up saving your career in music, saving your sanity and being one of your dearest friends. Yes, that's right. That famous shredder all over magazines? You and Holly will feel like no one cares, and actually no one really does except for a crazy Brazilian girl you'll meet out there and a few future bosses. That shredder who you say "you don't really care for his singer's voice" is going to end up being in your contacts as someone you confide in. Listen to him. And stop judging people before you get to know them. He'll open up a door to hundreds of people that will grow to love you and support you. Let this be known that although the road is going to be longer than expected, you'll get a lot out of in in ways you didn't think possible.
All in all, stop living in the 80's. Times are different. Embrace social media. Get a laptop, and learn how to record and embrace all things that come. Don't lose your fire about networking and meeting people. Don't drop out of music college in Los Angeles or in Kansas City. You will stay true to your band and that's a good thing. Don't embrace fame for sincerity. And stop waiting for a band to actually form. You and Holly ARE the band. Now go practice. Learn the damn CAGED system and for God's sake look up videos on how to hold a pick properly. Your time will shine and it will be great.
Your 32 year-old self.
Damn. Yours is way more in depth and meaningful than mine... But then again, you are 12 years older than me haha.To my younger self,
I wish I could have gotten a letter like this when I needed it. The problem is, is that you wouldn't really listen anyway. But trust that all things happen for a reason, whether good or bad. I want you to know that this path you've chosen is not easy. It's a thousand times harder than you think. It's not the 80's anymore, so the thought of hanging out at the Sunset Strip to party, fuck a bunch of guys and gather up musicians isn't going to happen. You're going to go out there and see men have become a bunch of pussy-whipped guys who will try to use you as the 'other girl'. No matter how rare the good-looking one is, don't fall for it. Or go ahead and do it and learn a lesson, because there is one to be taught. Out in Los Angeles you're going to be glad you ran away from home because it's here you'll find yourself, but you won't find music. At least, not what you thought it would be. Sure you'll have your jams that last until 2am in Hollywood at someone's apartment until you pass out drunk on the floor, but that's not going to get you anywhere. You'll spend 15 extra years trying to figure out how to push against a system that just doesn't exist anymore. The sad reality, is that technology and the internet has replaced synchronicity and true musicianship in the music industry. Forget about calling up ads in the Hollywood backpage and asking to jam in person. No. These people are going to want to see you have a social media account, a few recorded samples, and to see if you are good looking and have good gear. That's right. Start losing weight now because you're not going to get in any door being a fat girl in metal. Or just wait until you get out to Los Angeles. Because you'll be poor, you'll have to walk everywhere, and you'll be tested to see how hungry you really are.
But don't lose it. Along the way you'll grow agitated with everyone out there and for the lies you get fed, you'll fight with your singer and even nearly go separate ways, but you'll come to realize that she's the only one who sees your vision. And she understands you. You'll start finding out that you lose your fire because every chance you take ends up a closed door in your face. But be patient, it wasn't the door you were meant to walk through.
You have to fund your music. You can't fight a broken relationship. Nor can you fix it. Sometimes. Unfortunately because you don't have a family supporting you, you have to work 10 times harder. It takes good money to make it these days, so find something that you love to earn money on. Oh, and you'll find out the adult industry doesn't last forever. You'll get tired of doing it and realize that it takes too much physical and mental energy to make $1,000. Stay with it until you can, but find something more stable and less exhausting. When you do, stop listening so much to what others say. Especially your parents. Everything should be focused on what benefits your music, not your family. The point is, you're growing. And you'll fall and it's okay. Embrace the bad times that are coming because this is how you learn and grow.
And for fuck's sake stop saying that one guitarist looks like Tommy Lee. He's going to end up saving your career in music, saving your sanity and being one of your dearest friends. Yes, that's right. That famous shredder all over magazines? You and Holly will feel like no one cares, and actually no one really does except for a crazy Brazilian girl you'll meet out there and a few future bosses. That shredder who you say "you don't really care for his singer's voice" is going to end up being in your contacts as someone you confide in. Listen to him. And stop judging people before you get to know them. He'll open up a door to hundreds of people that will grow to love you and support you. Let this be known that although the road is going to be longer than expected, you'll get a lot out of in in ways you didn't think possible.
All in all, stop living in the 80's. Times are different. Embrace social media. Get a laptop, and learn how to record and embrace all things that come. Don't lose your fire about networking and meeting people. Don't drop out of music college in Los Angeles or in Kansas City. You will stay true to your band and that's a good thing. Don't embrace fame for sincerity. And stop waiting for a band to actually form. You and Holly ARE the band. Now go practice. Learn the damn CAGED system and for God's sake look up videos on how to hold a pick properly. Your time will shine and it will be great.
Your 32 year-old self.
You're a smart and good looking kid, you just need more confidence
Same here! I'm a little busy atm. I wanna do this right, so I will write it in a few days.This is gonna take some time, and we're heading up to Sedona for a short getaway in the morning. This may be early next week for me.
I'd love to do this but im only 16, gotta wait till i'm a boomer synner.
Will DoWell, then, the idea here is to try and learn from the regrets of us old fucks and not make the same mistakes.
Es I am so incredibly happy that you chimed in with this. Quite literally I had tears in my eyes reading yours. Especially because I'm younger than you and you're old enough to be my dad. I've learned so much reading this letter to your former self. This was truly indescribable buddy. I love how guttural and straight from the heart this was. I am so damn proud of everything you've turned out to be and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for sharing such a personal thing with us.Hey fuckhead, listen up. Yeah, you. This is future you. Yeah, you made it. GOOD JOB!
As I reflect and look back to where you are and where I am, I am truly amazed at how well you did. Since tasked with this "assignment" of writing to you, I've taken time for some real reflection. Know what I found? You're pretty goddamn smart and intuitive, and as far as major life decisions go, you wind up with a near-perfect track record. Now, that could also just be a reflection of our positivity-based approach to life, the universe, and everything, but any way you slice it, you came up roses. Again, GOOD JOB!
So, right about now, you're in high school. It's not as awful as you'll remember it, for a long time. The PEOPLE are not as awful as you'll remember them for a long time. You're the outcast. The one that gets made fun of. Ignored. Cast aside and bullied. It sucks. That shit is going to stick with you for a long time, but here's the thing. You know all the stuff you're reading about, with the future of computers and stuff? It actually happens. It's real. All of it, and more. That dream you had, the other day, of all the music you could ever want being on your Walkman that fits in your pocket? Shit, man, things work out so much better than you hoped on that front. But back to the point - things like class reunions (that you vowed you would NEVER EVER have a reason to go to) become sort of passe. There's a way people connect via computer (yes, even the dumb ass jocks) that will lead you to realize that most of the people you thought hated you are just as scared, confused, and lonely as you are. Some of them are better at hiding it, which isn't necessarily a good thing, but a lot of them have great memories of you and shared experiences you don't even realize. It gets better.
There will be times when you feel at the lowest of the low. Times that should be high points, and yet you wind up curled up in a dark corner, alone, crying yourself to sleep. Those times, not gonna lie, really fuckin blow. But the thing is, those times - each and every goddamn one of them - led you to make a decision that was absolutely vital for your future happiness, and looking back on them, you are SO GODDAMN HAPPY the wishes you made in those moments didn't come true. Always hold on to the hope, and always trust in yourself. You do good, and a lot of people turn to you for help and advice. Never forget the things that hurt you. Be empathetic. Care. GIVE A SHIT about people. Calm down. Trust yourself.
While we're at it. Don't drown your sorrows in food. Ice cream. Jesus, man, ice cream. It doesn't run out. I promise. You don't need to scarf it all down now, "just in case" the world runs out of ice cream. Put down the spoon and pick up a guitar. The older you get, the harder it is to do a LOT of things, and losing weight is definitely one of them. Seriously, stop it. Close the freezer. Now.
Music. That's kind of the impetus for all of this, in a roundabout way. So, let's start off like this. Those guys who can't possibly know what they're doing when they play THAT FAST? They do. I know you're taking the fast road to speed and it will bring you some local glory for a while, and that's a lot of fun, so I would never try to take that away from us, but in a few years (maybe when you're about 20?) when you've go that glory going, take the time to get back to the woodshed properly. Learn the major and minor scales (and how the modes work), at least, and work on things like alternate picking and stuff. These things don't come quickly, but that doesn't make them abstract. You can spend years on this stuff and it really will pay off. If you don't, it's a fight you'll have with yourself for decades. I'm still having it, and like I said above, the older you get, the harder it gets.
You can sing. You're not Dickinson, but you've got a voice and decent pitch. Stop being afraid or embarrassed. You could get REALLY GOOD if you tried, and you know what? You should. As I look from where I stand, the first genuinely GOOD singer you worked with happened when you were FORTY EIGHT FUCKING YEARS OLD. Good singers are hard to come by, but you need to accept that the greatest band in the world is never getting anywhere without a singer to bring it home to the non-musicians. Since good singers are so scarce, BECOME ONE instead. Make me a better person.
Put the ice cream down.
Scrape together a thousand bucks somehow. ANYhow. Buy Apple stock. Yes, the failing, second-rate computer company. Hold onto it until your 40s. That one thing alone will make you a multi-millionaire. Yes, really.
Be nicer to the people that love, like, or admire you. Arrogance is ugly. Realize sooner than I did that there's nothing wrong with being different - that different is what makes the world an exciting and vibrant place.
I love you, man.
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