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Interview with Daniel Smith 
by Edward Weiss


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.
 

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 at http://www.pianosolostylist.com