A Reflection of AFGM in 2013: Future Horizons

So looking back on 2013 I had many ups and downs in terms of my website and social media.  As you can see from my list, my interviews were lacking a bit (only taking on Toronto's Red Handed Denial) and definitely was overlooked.  However, this also gave me the opportunity to jump into a few other hobbies such as photography and keeping up with the daily jargon of news ("Music News and New Music") you see almost weekly.

I have to say though that considering I am a solo writer/photographer/editor/collaborator and part-time musician, this is a truly fulfilling job I have here, despite my lack of pay.  But as any of you are reading this, I trust and hope it sparks some motivation to pursue hobbies in the arts...whatever that may be.  As as usual, AFGM is always looking for some loud mouth people who got some knowledge of music and looking to take the spotlight on their favourite album(s)/artist(s).  So what are you waiting for?!

That being said, I don't make New Years resolutions.  Why?  Because I feel that a resolution is made by will power, not by a date on a calendar.  If you do not have the motivation to change whatever it is you want to change in that instance, then chances are you are not prepared to take on the challenge.  That's just my opinion though.  I guess in a sense I faulted on a resolution last year as well.  My goal was to limit my paid concert attendance.  Why?  Life has got priorities folks.  We got bills to pay, work to be done, and fun to be had.  Not that I mean to stray away from live entertainment but since I have a good few hundred concerts under my belt (and god knows how much $ spent) it was about time to pump the brakes and try to utilize AFGM for concert attendance and coverage.  This isn't being cheap, this is changing the dynamics of my love for music.  However, the music got the best of me as I still racked up a large amount of shows this year as well.

I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their free time going to concerts and either write about the experience of capture the moment through a lens?  I experience my favourite bands in a whole new light (all puns intended) and they win over new fans.  Win-win in my books!  While I may not be spending my hard earned coin at the box office, I still (morally) have to support the artists by either purchasing merchandise or trying to win over new fans for them.  I am fortunate enough that I got the gift of gab and strike emotional nerves when discussing with others about their music indulgences.

So why is any of this information relevant?  Well, I feel that in order to progress in life you must have new ideas and goals.  This year, AFGM has a new writer on roster for regular articles (aka Craig's Corner), we have some great interviews being lined up that will sure to catch your attention, new musicians/artists under the microscope for concert reviews, catching some new genres and artists through the lens, some new photographers, and many other ideas I have stemming in my brain.

So in conclusion, I hope something on this article (or this blog) ignites something in your to either pick up an instrument, spin a new CD, attend a concert, or even start a music entrepreneurship.  My vision for AFGM has not changed over the years.  We welcome anyone who has some creative writing skills, photography, video, or just a love for music who want to find an outlet for their passion.

Ohhhh, and one side note folks.  I still enjoying loading up gear myself and heading to a jam space and collaborating with other like minded musicians.  So anyone ever looking to do some vocal work or just having fun rocking out to your favourite bands, hit me up.  I'm always down for a good jam session.  Cheers!