Thoughts on Original Material by Phil

Over my many years of being involved with music I have pondered how difficult it is for any group of musicians to wrap their heads around someones original composition.  Most people have grown up listening and memorizing songs played on the radio, which they are constantly exposed to multiple times a day.  This subconscious rote learning makes it difficult for the average singer songwriter to be able to convince fellow musicians that their original song has merit and should be worked on at rehearsal, which for most, is precious time that they do not have a lot of.  Whether it is a composition on piano, guitar, or just an acappella musing, it is not a complete, orchestrated, work that we have all been conditioned to hear and as such might fall flat to those listening for the first time.  The truly frustrating part is that the writer of the song hears all of those missing parts in their minds and for them it is a complete offering.  So how does one overcome such a large obstacle and bare their soul to others?  Although not an easy or surefire solution, I suggest you find like minded individuals who share your views on original material, not your views on life, where a mix works much better for the give and take needed to create a "good" song.  You will find that a large majority of musicians out there prefer to play "familiar" songs which we all call "covers."  Although many of these musicians are extremely talented, if you are a songwriter you will end up being frustrated by throwing your lot in with them as you won't get the opportunity to develop your songs.  "Chemistry" an oft used term which, as you get older grow to understand and appreciate more,  realizing it is probably the most important attribute for creativity, but not easily found.  "Buy in" or as I like to call it "Creative give and take" where you contribute ideas, little tweaks, or suggestions to enhance the particular piece of material you are working on.  When you find musicians who possess these qualities you have found a home where your musical experience will be much more fulfilling allowing your creative juices to flow unabated.  I have found that home in "NEVAH"