Daniel Smith owns and runs the Pianosolostylist website. He
describes his music this way: "My music is best described
as a contemporary piano solo style of music, with an ambient
and relaxing melodic sound of thought provoking intricacies."
His CD "Rainforest" is now available for purchase. More info
below.
Edward: How Did You Get Started Playing New Age
Piano?
Daniel: I started playing piano at
the age of 7. I seemed to have a natural desire to play at a
young age and the tendency was to play by ear. I memorized most
of my music. I enjoyed most of the pop music styles. Since I
could play alot by ear, TV shows and songs I had already heard made
it easier. 14 years later I was first introduced to the new age
style beginning with the Yanni In My Time album which mostly piano
based. That led to looking into more of similar styles that was
out there and building a music network with people who knew of
similar styles.
Edward: What Inspires and Informs Your
Music?
Daniel: There are a variety of
inspirations. Some are created from similar artists music that
I like while others are musical interpretation of an emotion, desire
or event that is going on in my life. When I hear or play
music, it usually relates to a story that is going on in my
mind. Sometimes a short or single emotion can turn into an
entire song. You have to imagine if you are watching a movie
how the song track goes with the changing scenes, camera angles and
events.
Edward: What Is Your Method for Composing a
Piano Piece?
Daniel: Sometimes I just sit
down and play after going hiking in the woods. Sometimes it
may be after a dramatic event or at a quiet time when there is
nothing but me and my thoughts. Much of the music has evolved
from similar artists styles and when I play a chord or sequence I
like I will play the same thing as much as 20 or 30 times.
When I get something I like I keep building on to it and refine
it. Most songs when I'm creating them starts out by playing
the them or the heart of the song. The beginning and ending
are created later.
The best piece of advice is that you have to get out of
yourself. When I first began composing I played what I thought
sounded good but in actuality was what felt good to play at the time
and was usually out of beat or too fast and was complete emotion
driven. You need to learn to listen to the music as if you
just picked up an album at Barne's and Noble and didn't know who it
was and make a judgement based on not considering that it is you.
The other important factor that will make you good is
listening to people. Most of the time you in early composition
years you can't see the forest through the trees so you rely on
outside ears. Get a producer or group of people who have good
taste in the music you are developing and absorb their advice as to
what needs to change or be better. Telling you your song needs
improvement is about the reception of the music, not the
person.
Get out of the pride zone and remember that the goal is to make
good music even if it means getting rid of songs that may mean alot
to you. If you want to play music that is moving to yourself
that's fine, but if the goal is make music that people will like,
listen to people who listen to music.
Edward: Do You Get Blocked Creatively, and
If So, How Do You Get Past It?
Daniel: Yes,
everyone get's blocked creatively. Find out your sources of
creativity and go find them. If it's nature, get out and go
hiking. If it's an emotion, get around people where your're
going to have fun. If it's a style of music go browsing at the
music store or the library, not necesarily your computer. You
have to get you're mind out of the norm and most people have the
norm at their computer.
Edward: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring
New Age Pianists?
Daniel: Follow your
passions. Don't put your focus on "I'm going to be the next best
Enya or George Winston". These artists didn't set out to be as
big as they are, they became it because they followed their
passions. Don't put your focus on money. Run your
business smart but realize that you will have to give your music
away in some form or another. Put your goal to touch or move
peoples lives. If the music is good people will want it and
regardless someone will always steal or borrow something of value or
if it's good. If your music isn't any good they won't buy or
copy it.
