Friday, February 27, 2009

Always get to me.

Sorry for the repetition that will follow this, but I am so amused by this fact. By now, you probably have realized that part of my job entails working in an elevator. I spend about two hours consistently riding from floor to floor. In between rides, I find this wonderful source of inspiration. Each time the door closes lyrics fly out of me like I wish they always would. I write songs that are different than before. A group of people will come in; I share some experience with them, although rather short; they leave; I write. I feel like in that short time I am tapped into a story; a story that I must portray musically. Song titles including ‘I Try,’ ‘Completed,’ and ‘Breaking Point’ are just of the few in the making. I am going to go with the fact that I work in a music venue where creativity is in the surplus that causes me to write so much.

As amusing as this is, the more amusing part is me singing when I’m in the elevator alone. I work on a phrase and sing the melody I imagine. I do this over and over, all night, as though I was in my own personal recording studio. I do this fearlessly, knowing that the elevator door can open at any moment, revealing my own private performance. I want so badly to have the experience of the performers I see every night, that my time in the elevator, though strange, is so fulfilling. I’ve decided that when I make it big, I will call my first CD ‘Elevator Music.”

Tomorrow I have an audition with Disney, yet again. If there was a way I could say that in Japanese, I would feel more appropriate. Tomorrow’s audition is for a job in Tokyo. How unique of an experience would that be? I will keep you updated

The rest of the weekend will be fine. I have some errands for tomorrow morning, an audition at night. Saturday (4th weekly pancake breakfast) is callback day for my roommate’s film and work later. Sunday is open. If the weather permits it, I hope to visit a beach. I would not mind heading back to Santa Monica like I did when I first got here and watch the sunset.

The other day, my roommate asked if the HOLLYWOOD sign still gets to me. I initially replied with a simple no. However, upon contemplating this question further, I realized how false that was. I quickly corrected my answer and expressed how that sign will always get to me. It is a symbol of my hopes and dreams. It represents the world I want to work in, the world I want for myself. I’ve decided that 10 years down the road, when I am an established artist…the HOLLYWOOD sign will, indeed, still get to me.

I am tired after getting out of work at 1:00AM this morning. I love to write, but I need to sleep. I hope you all continue to have something get to you, in a breathtaking way. So long, take care.

Nick James

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, good luck w/ the Disney audition! Sending lots of positive energy your way!!!!
Enjoy your weekend- a Sunday sunset sounds perfect!

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your audition. That would be such an amazing experience!

Annette Levy said...

I've never tried singing by myself in an elevator before. Sounds like great fun. Awesome title for a future album cover! Good luck in Tokyo!

Julie H said...

Tokyo would be awesome!

Melissa said...

Good luck!! Happy ray beaming your way from me to you!Thanks for the comment, I don't really want to figure out so much what it means as I wish I could just get back to it...and to sleep, I'm dead on my feet!

anyways have a super friday!
MELISSA

Nick James said...

Thank you everyone! I feel the positive energy and it makes me feel confident! I am sending it all right back at ya! TGIF!

Terri T said...

good luck...Disney?? Big time!!! Let me let you in on a secret- I sing in public areas too- but not well. I try to stay as quiet as possible but sometimes when I'm stuck in my office I belt out a song just to realize that my boss is standing outside my door. embarrassing? yes. worth it? DEFINITELY!

Anonymous said...

Nick, good luck with your audition - I hope that the interviewer sees you the way we all do - bright, articulate, fun-loving, hard-working, determined!
Oh, and I would like one of the initial copies of Elevator Music!
Big hugs,
audrey

Nick James said...

Terri- I am sure your boss loves how fun you are--and I am going to take a stab and say you arent all that bad.

Audrey- first copy is yours! well...after my mom gets one! She is the lady in my life. haha.
Thank you for the kind words--its nice being respected by such respectable folks!

Anonymous said...

"As amusing as this is, the more amusing part is me singing when I’m in the elevator alone."--what a riot!
I believe that the late Isaac Hayes put it best. "Do your thing". Bravo sir.

"It is a symbol of my hopes and dreams. It represents the world I want to work in, the world I want for myself. I’ve decided that 10 years down the road, when I am an established artist…the HOLLYWOOD sign will, indeed, still get to me."--Ah! Keep moving Nick! You have allies who are willing to aid you, just keep moving on your path.

Queen Mama Mia said...

The best of luck on your audition with Disney. Your writing is fantastic, keep up the good work.

"Creative seeds are sown in the oddest of places!" quote from a Disney rep at the Oscars when accepting the award for Wal-E.

Such as an elevator!

Queen Mama Mia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The lady in Red said...

Dear Nick, good luck!
Best wishes,
Rosana

Nick James said...

Clay- You are a riot. I keep on beceause of my allies. Thanks!

AE- Great and appropriate quote. I remember liking it when I heard it said orginally. Take care- Miss you!

Lady in Red- Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

Sarah Siwicki said...

Good luck with your audition Nick :)
Tokyo would be an amazing place to see...it's on my list for sure . And when you release that album I'll be in line for it !!
Have a good weekend :D

honkeie said...

I get the coolest ideas when I am driving and have nothing to record them with. I used to keep a recording device but found I hated hearing my own voice!