music spirit

Last night I had dinner with one of the Tokyo DJs I most admire. And now I admire her even more. She truly has an artist's spirit.

This month will mark my 1st year anniversary of joining the DJ/producer/clubbing scene. When I started this, I had no idea what would happen. I always knew I had an artist's heart, and I have tried many different ways of expressing that musical spirit. But it really wasn't until I tried DJing that it has all seemed to come together.

Last night she asked me a difficult question which I still find so hard to answer. Of all the different ways to be part of the clubbing scene, which do I dream of most and what kind of lifestyle balance do I want?

I think I know what my dream is, but I also know from my life so far, that success is a balance between what we want and what we are good at. My successful career as a scientific software engineer has really been one chance/success after another. Luck, chance and realizing what is working and what is not. Riding a wave of success.

When I started this club scene journey, I just knew I wanted to be "in the scene", to perform and express myself, to make connections, make friends, and to see where it would go. I had big dreams for my first year, but I really had no idea I would not only hit them all, but actually go beyond.

Last night she told me that the reason she invited me to play at her event, despite my lack of experience and skill, was because of our conversations and my spirit. She said skill can be learned, but that musical instinct and spirit are just inside a person. Even with years of experience, that spirit often does not change. She said she could feel my musical spirit and that my skill will get better with more practice. And that is why she gave me the chance.

A truly wonderful way to mark my one year anniversary. Thank you Moca.