Everything you say Ms. Spender is what I need to hear. I am a procrastinator and the other things you mentioned. The fact that you did this video and acknowledge all of these things publicly like this shows how awesome you truly are. All of the suggestions are awesome. They are all very useful. Thank you.
This is gonna be a huge year for me. The sale of my house will be finalized in a few days and then I'm moving to Nashville to pursue a music career at the age of 55. I've released two independent albums in recent years. If I don't go now, I'll never go. Good luck to you all, whatever your pursuit may be.
Loving this! ♥️ All the luck to you! I’ll be doing the same at 45. Not moving to Nashville, but to pursue a music career for real. Never had the belief in myself. Now I don’t have the time not to.
I've went to your channel and listened to a couple of your songs, including "Never Alone". It seems to picture exactly the challenges you're embracing right now. Hope you succeed! Your music is awesome! Wish you the best, from Brazil!
Thank you so much, Mary, for the presence you choose to be in this world. Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey. Should you ever come through Houston, TX it would be an absolute joy to get to see you perform live & in person.
Just an FYI for anyone whose reaction to "surround yourself with good people" was "but why would good people be around me?", that's called depression, and you should make an appointment to see your doctor - as a first step - about that.
Some time ago I was exchanging messages with someone who was going through a rough time. They posted that they felt that day nothing was going right. I responded "Just because we aren't winning today it doesn't mean we are losing. We get to have another go tomorrow." My resolution this year: take better notice of the sdvice I give others.
I'm happy I bumped into you about a month ago. You are so so so good at what you do. Sharing your experiences like this, the way you deliver them, makes for easy to consume learning. You're so good. We're lucky to have you. 🙏
Today, my band colleague and keyboarder told me that I was the first person to ever bring tears to his eyes while listening to his own song. Normally, I write a text, send it to him, and he makes the music. The last time we did this, I realized that the music he had written was not right for the text I had sent him. So, I decided to redo the text. I recorded the new text and melody and sent it to him. It took two days for him to answer. I thought he was upset that I had sung a different melody from the one he had made. He wasn't. He loved it. And, as an added bonus, his software (I don't know which) said I was in tune almost all the time. I'm 66 years old. Live your dream. It's the only one worth living.
@Mary Spender! I have to say, this the most BRILLIANT way I've seen a music RUclipsr create content whilst promoting their music. So smooth the way you interwove parts of your songs, clearly labeled them for us to later look up, and not afraid to use your song as "background" music. Just such a simple, yet creative, way to do it. I LOVED this format, and I hope you'll do it more often so that your music gets the exposure you're looking for! P.S. is "Casanova" not on Spotify?
@MarySpender . Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone in my thoughts, actions, goals, creative ambitions. That there’s others like me (deep thoughts INFJ architect, poet, painter, creator) Thank you from the great state of Kentucky (USA) :-)
This is the type of video a real friend can do for somebody who really loves. You are a grounded woman and clear on your perspective of reality. Thanks, Mary, I needed to hear this!
Mary, you are always a joy to catch up with. This was just what I needed. After a lifetime as a pro (keys) musician I found myself caught in the loop of making a living doing other things due to the music business being so flaky. Now I’m getting back to it after a few years away. My first album has still been doing well in Europe (after 14 years!) and I’m working on another but your posts have been a re-energising force to me continually! I love what you do and love your music. Keep on.
I am a major procrastinator, who gets overwhelmed and then thrives on that pressure to finish in a frenzy by the Deadline. It reminds me of that quote, "If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough...!" We are often our own worst enemy.
On learning new things: now retired, but something astonished me during my last 18 years of working life in the only regular salary I ever had. Our team of 40 & 50-somethings were instinctively self-learners and collaborative so we stimulated each other to develop new ways of working with the out-of-date tech at work. The 20s 30s, and even some 40s colleagues had almost no discernible instinct, willingness, interest in thinking differently, developing workarounds, thinking at all. You can be creative in Local Authority data mining of social care and other hot potato data, always thinking how to do it better, serve the vulnerable people of an inner city borough, or be under 45 and function like a zombie, even with information that affects vulnerable people's lives
Thank you Mary! I've been wanting my band to get out there and gig more. I recently added two demo videos to RUclips and revised my website. I'm hoping 2025 gets me closer to my dream. I hope it's a great year for you too.
Mary, thank you for being that good friend (imaginary or real) that popped by for a quick check in. You reinforced a thought I had earlier about making the creative thing and to just do it. As well as relating to the overwhelm and mongo to do list. To be honest, I watch your talking videos more and haven’t tapped into your music really. This format is a great way to explore both. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
I appreciate your perspective on this. I’m not really a musician, but my fear of criticism and rejection have kept me from accomplishing so many of my personal goals.
Here's something that Will Help. Yes! it Will. We All Face Both of these Re - Actions. Everyone In Any form Of Creativity. Or Going Out Side of The Box. Keep this in Mind. When it does happen. Remember Always Remember. Those Re - actions come From people in a Low, Vibration. Criticizing, Rejecting Them Selves. And Or, Feeling? Insecure Or, Jelous. 99% Of the Time. Also. Practice, Practice, Practice, Validating Your Self. Then the Opposite Will Eventually Fade Away. 🙂. And let your Therapist, Go. 😮
In 1988, I was 18 years old, and that January I made a New Year's Resolution that I was able to solidly stick to ever since; to literally NOT make any more New Year's resolutions. I love everything about you. I truly wish you safety and happiness not just this year but always.
Fantastic advice! I am proud of myself that i have been keeping up on my goal to do SOME writing every day! I have many of the same problems with trying to juggle too many things and then procrastinating, best of luck to you in the new year!
Totally agree about doing it for yourself. I've been bashing away for years, I have very few listeners but still find it hugely fulfilling to upload new songs which I will be doing very soon!
love this installment. I came here for the sage wisdom ....and left loving a beautiful song, amazing voice, PLUS getting the great advice and reminders and wisdom!! Thank you and have a great , creative new year!!
One of my goals for this year is to "stop watching creative endeavors fade away due to a lack of commitment." Your words hit me hard and the title was spot on as I needed to hear what you said. Thank you.
The last new year's resolution I made was to make no more new years resolutions. So far, it's the only one I ever kept. Set goals, sure, but make them simple. One step at a time. The artist with big ideas often has no idea where the road is. And measure the road, mark every mile as a celebration.
so true! I am an older singer.... have studied for years, and now just pounding the pavement for gigs..... I can't go back to my youth but won't just pack it in because I am older.... and truly believe there is an audience out there that wants to hear the songs I sing, just need to find my tribe and my niche! wishing you all the very best with your career young heart. We know that talent = many many hours of practice putting in the work and being ready when opportunity knocks, perseverance is key!
Dear Mary, I watched this video and I have to say something rather strange for my standards of communication and something quite suprising even for myself. I love you. Platonically, of course, and not in type of man/woman relation. I love your sensitivity, the way your soul live the life, the way of experiencing symbolism and the way you narrate about it. I'm very, very touched by fact, that in that fast-paced, emotionally cruel and cold world of wars, human exploitation and mainstream that keeps mincing it's history again and again... I found your channel, where you talk about Art by uppercase "A" with such tenderness. Nobody has made my heart feel so comfortable for very, very long time (for the record: except my wife!). Thank you for being as you are.
Thank you…. I enjoy your music but your commentary helps me continue to enjoy my playing. Especially when you start the year in a rut. Resolutions have survived quitters Friday. Cheers and continue to have a great year.
Thanks for this Mary. The only thing I’d add is grace. As in “Give yourself grace”. Push - but not so hard that you collapse from the effort. …and never tell yourself something so unkind you’d never say it to a friend. I’m autistic. I was my own worst critic until I learned that about myself. Now, I give myself grace when I’m overwhelmed or anxious or frustrated or tired instead of pushing harder. As a result, I have the energy to push harder when I need to, and the wisdom to back off when necessary. All in my own time - not that of others.😊
Thanks Mary , the Middle of January a good time to check in on old friends and family. As dark and dreary.. I'm reading 📚 a bit more than scrolling . 📱 . Just got a Dowina 12 string.. byrds Mr Tamberine man , gonna keep me going to spring... thanks for the video❤
Being an artist, or any kind of creator is so much different and difficult than I ever thought it would be. First thing you have to do is create all the time and that is something that has to be built up. No point even thinking beyond that.
Great advice, Mary. I have a file folder filled with PFO letters. In the music biz those are known as major label Please F*ck Off letters. I'm now 48 years into my music career, and no one whose signatures grace the bottoms of those letters are record label execs anymore (they're either retired or dead). I invested in the long game. I outlived them all. And continue making the music I always have. With a global audience. Not bad for an independent.
Wow 🥰. I'm struggling with Long Covid sinds the beginning of 2020 and everything you say and describe are the way as I should live ..... but not living - old habits. Thank you very much for this video. I will look at your video a couple of times and take notes in my "Improve myself" book.
Being around your own kind (musicians) is so incredibly important for morale and skill improvement. Being alone is critically important to find your inner voice and create. Many of us find ourselves out of balance in these regards. Sign of the times.
No resolutions for me this year... I made a bingo card: a 5x5 grid of.24 items (center spot is free) that I want to do this year, all realistically achievable. :)
Happy 2025 Mary and thank you for the inspiration. Love your videos and I hope 2025 is your most successful yet. Cheers from Huntington Beach, California
Thank you for this lovely video! Great advice, sexy tease of new music…starting the new year off right! Right here. ❤ ps: enjoying the physical media version of you😊
Whether you know it or not, you have a natural ability to encourage us that you don’t even know. Grounded optimism with experiential wisdom. Without being on a pedestal .
No resolutions (never achieved) - have a strategy (a place you want to get to) then use tactics to get you there. Some songwriters write a concept piece for a set of work (album that tells a story) then the songs become the components of that piece - the parts that make the whole. For example Telecon by Gary Numan was originally based on a science fiction story he was writing and Strickland Banks is an opera. I am going try this out to see how far I will get.
Nice to see the Vigiers are back. Take great care of these: there will never be new ones again: Patrice Vigier has decided to retire and the workshop closed its doors in April or May 2024. But I only knew about the blue GV and the white Excalibur. These kiddos are also monsters when it come to crunch and distortion, you know... Had custom PUs made for my Excalibur Supra and for the Original. These are hybrid ones. The Supra SSS keeps the neck's Di Marzio FS-1 and the Bridge's Halftrack but the set was augmented with a replica of the Fender CS Abigail Ybarra (Hendrix) set, the DiMarzios were also hand rewound, there is a magnetic barrage so no magnetic spillover, the single coils sound like real single coils, then, a Freeway 10 positions selector is used, a push-pull to have the middle PU available in reverse phase, a kill switch and a duplo pot to get the double tone like on my former Strat. The Excalibur Original got the same treatment but has the Gilmour's The Wall set added with single coil sized Super Distortion in bridge posn and a SH-4 in neck position. By doing so, each of them does the job of three guitars and the Freeway selector is as easy to use as regular blade selectors, it's a 2x5 where each position has an up/down
While I agree with needing to action all the components of the creative process Mary, more greens is not the answer (they’re poison). More different meats are better, more satisfying & nutritional! 😂 Keep up the great work Chica!
The ONLY resolution I keep working at on a daily basis is to be a better person. Most times I know I'm on track....but life being the circus it can be tends to let me know real fast that I can do better. So I take note and move on. Everything else will happen whether I'm there or not. Always LQQK forward to you sitting and chatting with your Fan Base Mary....it is not lost on us. MOO From Across The Pond In COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋
You have got to make that song casanova available as soon as possible. That was entirely too good and gonna be stuck in my head for a long time until I can listen to it all day and night!!
I would add an addendum to the first point of surrounding yourself with good people, which is that you should ditch those people who you would never hear from again if you didn’t write to them first. i.e. Those relationships where you make all the effort. I’ve come to realise that (unless there’s a good reason for it) they are not worth the time. “Choose people who choose you”
Love the outlook and the song is great Mary! Looking forward to your continued success in 2025! Remember success is defined as any gain, no matter how small of change. It all matters!
Good evening Mary I just thought I would let you know that I have bought a yamaha p45 keyboard I thought I might try and give it a try and learn something new, and it's because of you watching your videos over these many years so thanks for the inspiration....cheers Phil from Newark
Unbeknownst, and certainly unpredictedly (is that a word?), you are crafting a library of quality mental health exercises for people. Your practices are great, and I learn from them even at my nearing-retirement age. “What are you going to next?”, I keep getting asked. I think I’m not going to answer (or know!) until I have had a good dose of quiet “boredom time”. :-)))) Can’t wait to see what the creative time steers me towards.
How to run 26 miles - albeit not competitively? Start 28 weeks earlier. Run one mile on Sunday. Run one mile 3 of the other six days. Next week run two miles on Sunday, and one mile 3 of the days . 3 miles next Sunday, 4 miles next Sunday, etc. each Sunday is *only* at a 12 minute mile pace. The 26 miles is far more about *boredom* than endurance at this pace. Starting 28 weeks earlier lets you run 26 miles at least once before the event. (Los Angeles used to have a "Leggers" program to train exactly to this way. You won't be competitive, but you can hit your goal.
Around @7:50 about rejection and it being *NECESSARY*: I rem a few years back (10+), a demo was found of Madonna. Some of the very first things she did. And they went and talked to the first guy that heard it, and he told her "No-- this isn't very good." And the interview they WANTED was to make him look bad. "haha.. you're the guy that rejected MADONNA!!" Instead, he re-listened to the tape and said "yep, I made the right call-- this isn't very good. What many people don't understand is that what makes a person like Madonna great is that when I told her 'no', she didn't just sulk away in a corner. She went AND GOT BETTER! That's what WINNERS do." And he pointed out things on that demo, he was very objective about it "listen to this, and how it's NOTHING like her final version-- she changed it for the better." Not that I'm the world's biggest Madonna fan or anything. But you don't have to be to admit she's one of the biggest pop stars on the entire planet. Now think of how many times people told her "no-- you suck." But she kept going, kept pushing herself to get better.
@TheNudeBrewer The Beatles were knocked back so many times, being told guitar groups ‘are on the way out’. Through the perseverance of Brian Epstein and the band themselves, they became the greatest group the world will ever see or hear and in the process, influencing every person to ever pick up an instrument or a microphone.
great video, great advice. I know I have to shake off the ennui that’s gripped me for more than 4 years since I ended up moving to Kalamazoo, MI from the Seattle, WA area. but I’m still spinning my wheels and getting less actually done. the old black dog of depression has its teeth in me. I need to remember how lucky I am and do less procrastination and more poking at my plans, piece at a time.
Thank you Mary for a wonderful video about setting goals and about your journey. Much appreciated. Have a wonderful 2025 one of your 1000 true fans Michael.
I don't do New Years resolutions. If I want to make a change I do when it suits me. I don't see why a artificial day makes any sense. Being bored is great, I wish I had more time for being bored.
I really want to change my life too. For the better. Hopefully in the direction of music. Help! Your vocals here are awesome. Love the control and dynamics.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
🥁 *The Best Way To Support Me* www.patreon.com/maryspender
✍ *My Newsletter - Let's Stay In Touch* www.maryspender.com/newsletter
Everything you say Ms. Spender is what I need to hear. I am a procrastinator and the other things you mentioned. The fact that you did this video and acknowledge all of these things publicly like this shows how awesome you truly are. All of the suggestions are awesome. They are all very useful. Thank you.
This is gonna be a huge year for me. The sale of my house will be finalized in a few days and then I'm moving to Nashville to pursue a music career at the age of 55. I've released two independent albums in recent years. If I don't go now, I'll never go. Good luck to you all, whatever your pursuit may be.
Awesome man. Good luck to you too, you got this.
Loving this! ♥️ All the luck to you!
I’ll be doing the same at 45. Not moving to Nashville, but to pursue a music career for real. Never had the belief in myself. Now I don’t have the time not to.
I've went to your channel and listened to a couple of your songs, including "Never Alone". It seems to picture exactly the challenges you're embracing right now. Hope you succeed! Your music is awesome! Wish you the best, from Brazil!
@marendur Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
@@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020 Thank you!!
Thank you so much, Mary, for the presence you choose to be in this world. Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey. Should you ever come through Houston, TX it would be an absolute joy to get to see you perform live & in person.
Thank you so much!
Just an FYI for anyone whose reaction to "surround yourself with good people" was "but why would good people be around me?", that's called depression, and you should make an appointment to see your doctor - as a first step - about that.
Some time ago I was exchanging messages with someone who was going through a rough time. They posted that they felt that day nothing was going right. I responded "Just because we aren't winning today it doesn't mean we are losing. We get to have another go tomorrow." My resolution this year: take better notice of the sdvice I give others.
I'm happy I bumped into you about a month ago. You are so so so good at what you do. Sharing your experiences like this, the way you deliver them, makes for easy to consume learning. You're so good. We're lucky to have you. 🙏
Today, my band colleague and keyboarder told me that I was the first person to ever bring tears to his eyes while listening to his own song. Normally, I write a text, send it to him, and he makes the music. The last time we did this, I realized that the music he had written was not right for the text I had sent him. So, I decided to redo the text. I recorded the new text and melody and sent it to him. It took two days for him to answer. I thought he was upset that I had sung a different melody from the one he had made. He wasn't. He loved it. And, as an added bonus, his software (I don't know which) said I was in tune almost all the time. I'm 66 years old. Live your dream. It's the only one worth living.
@Mary Spender! I have to say, this the most BRILLIANT way I've seen a music RUclipsr create content whilst promoting their music. So smooth the way you interwove parts of your songs, clearly labeled them for us to later look up, and not afraid to use your song as "background" music. Just such a simple, yet creative, way to do it. I LOVED this format, and I hope you'll do it more often so that your music gets the exposure you're looking for!
P.S. is "Casanova" not on Spotify?
There are thousands of musician channels on YT, many are good.
But I always watch yours, Mary 🙏🏼
@MarySpender . Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone in my thoughts, actions, goals, creative ambitions. That there’s others like me (deep thoughts INFJ architect, poet, painter, creator) Thank you from the great state of Kentucky (USA) :-)
This is the type of video a real friend can do for somebody who really loves. You are a grounded woman and clear on your perspective of reality. Thanks, Mary, I needed to hear this!
Watta format! Parts of your song interleaved with the spoken content. Original.
Mary, you are always a joy to catch up with. This was just what I needed. After a lifetime as a pro (keys) musician I found myself caught in the loop of making a living doing other things due to the music business being so flaky. Now I’m getting back to it after a few years away. My first album has still been doing well in Europe (after 14 years!) and I’m working on another but your posts have been a re-energising force to me continually! I love what you do and love your music. Keep on.
I am a major procrastinator, who gets overwhelmed and then thrives on that pressure to finish in a frenzy by the Deadline. It reminds me of that quote, "If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough...!" We are often our own worst enemy.
On learning new things: now retired, but something astonished me during my last 18 years of working life in the only regular salary I ever had. Our team of 40 & 50-somethings were instinctively self-learners and collaborative so we stimulated each other to develop new ways of working with the out-of-date tech at work. The 20s 30s, and even some 40s colleagues had almost no discernible instinct, willingness, interest in thinking differently, developing workarounds, thinking at all. You can be creative in Local Authority data mining of social care and other hot potato data, always thinking how to do it better, serve the vulnerable people of an inner city borough, or be under 45 and function like a zombie, even with information that affects vulnerable people's lives
I may be one of the smaller content producers here, but people like you have inspired me to keep it going, no matter how small my audience!
Thanks Mary! All well said.
Thank you Mary! I've been wanting my band to get out there and gig more. I recently added two demo videos to RUclips and revised my website. I'm hoping 2025 gets me closer to my dream. I hope it's a great year for you too.
Nicely done. Thank you! May the Lord Bless you in this New Year!
Mary, thank you for being that good friend (imaginary or real) that popped by for a quick check in. You reinforced a thought I had earlier about making the creative thing and to just do it. As well as relating to the overwhelm and mongo to do list.
To be honest, I watch your talking videos more and haven’t tapped into your music really. This format is a great way to explore both. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
I appreciate your perspective on this. I’m not really a musician, but my fear of criticism and rejection have kept me from accomplishing so many of my personal goals.
Here's something that Will
Help. Yes! it Will. We All Face
Both of these Re - Actions. Everyone
In Any form Of Creativity. Or
Going Out Side of The Box.
Keep this in Mind. When it does happen. Remember
Always Remember. Those Re - actions come
From people in a Low, Vibration. Criticizing,
Rejecting Them Selves. And Or, Feeling?
Insecure Or, Jelous. 99% Of the Time.
Also. Practice, Practice, Practice,
Validating Your Self. Then the
Opposite Will Eventually Fade Away. 🙂.
And let your Therapist, Go. 😮
Thank you so much. This hits me right in the bullseye and it's very comforting and encouraging.
this...This...THIS is why i continue to follow Mary Spender. Keep up the awesome work, Dearie, you are an inspiration to me !!!
In 1988, I was 18 years old, and that January I made a New Year's Resolution that I was able to solidly stick to ever since; to literally NOT make any more New Year's resolutions.
I love everything about you. I truly wish you safety and happiness not just this year but always.
Thank you Mary for your insights and encouraging video.
Well said & thank you for sharing .
No words 🤔 just you Mary 🙏 just you 💘💜🫶🏻🇵🇹🙋💌
Fantastic advice! I am proud of myself that i have been keeping up on my goal to do SOME writing every day! I have many of the same problems with trying to juggle too many things and then procrastinating, best of luck to you in the new year!
Totally agree about doing it for yourself. I've been bashing away for years, I have very few listeners but still find it hugely fulfilling to upload new songs which I will be doing very soon!
Clearly Mary you walk the talk 👏👏👏
Gigging tonight. Putting it out there. Thanks Mary. You're an inspiration. Great ideas.
Hope the gig goes great! 🤩
love this installment. I came here for the sage wisdom ....and left loving a beautiful song, amazing voice, PLUS getting the great advice and reminders and wisdom!! Thank you and have a great , creative new year!!
At 70 yrs old, I am still learning new tricks, never stop playing with your musical toys Mary.
One of my goals for this year is to "stop watching creative endeavors fade away due to a lack of commitment." Your words hit me hard and the title was spot on as I needed to hear what you said. Thank you.
The last new year's resolution I made was to make no more new years resolutions. So far, it's the only one I ever kept.
Set goals, sure, but make them simple. One step at a time. The artist with big ideas often has no idea where the road is. And measure the road, mark every mile as a celebration.
so true! I am an older singer.... have studied for years, and now just pounding the pavement for gigs..... I can't go back to my youth but won't just pack it in because I am older.... and truly believe there is an audience out there that wants to hear the songs I sing, just need to find my tribe and my niche! wishing you all the very best with your career young heart. We know that talent = many many hours of practice putting in the work and being ready when opportunity knocks, perseverance is key!
Dear Mary, I watched this video and I have to say something rather strange for my standards of communication and something quite suprising even for myself.
I love you. Platonically, of course, and not in type of man/woman relation.
I love your sensitivity, the way your soul live the life, the way of experiencing symbolism and the way you narrate about it. I'm very, very touched by fact, that in that fast-paced, emotionally cruel and cold world of wars, human exploitation and mainstream that keeps mincing it's history again and again... I found your channel, where you talk about Art by uppercase "A" with such tenderness. Nobody has made my heart feel so comfortable for very, very long time (for the record: except my wife!).
Thank you for being as you are.
Thank you…. I enjoy your music but your commentary helps me continue to enjoy my playing. Especially when you start the year in a rut. Resolutions have survived quitters Friday. Cheers and continue to have a great year.
Youre right.
I did need to hear it.
And I needed to hear it today.
Thank you Mary. Genuinely. Thank you.
Thanks for this Mary. The only thing I’d add is grace.
As in “Give yourself grace”. Push - but not so hard that you collapse from the effort.
…and never tell yourself something so unkind you’d never say it to a friend. I’m autistic. I was my own worst critic until I learned that about myself. Now, I give myself grace when I’m overwhelmed or anxious or frustrated or tired instead of pushing harder.
As a result, I have the energy to push harder when I need to, and the wisdom to back off when necessary.
All in my own time - not that of others.😊
A simple but heartfelt thank you.
Great advice !!! Especially that you should be YOU... it's never too late...
Yes you are right 🙂 happy new year
A great idea, music and new year resolutions all together, hats off to you Mary, just wonderful! 🙌
Mary, you are awesome. Thank you for this video.
Thanks Mary , the Middle of January a good time to check in on old friends and family. As dark and dreary.. I'm reading 📚 a bit more than scrolling . 📱 . Just got a Dowina 12 string.. byrds Mr Tamberine man , gonna keep me going to spring... thanks for the video❤
Being an artist, or any kind of creator is so much different and difficult than I ever thought it would be. First thing you have to do is create all the time and that is something that has to be built up. No point even thinking beyond that.
You're right, I needed to hear that.
Bravo! Well said. Elegant and eloquent - So, “Mary Spender.”
Mary Thank you for this video!
Great advice, Mary. I have a file folder filled with PFO letters. In the music biz those are known as major label Please F*ck Off letters. I'm now 48 years into my music career, and no one whose signatures grace the bottoms of those letters are record label execs anymore (they're either retired or dead). I invested in the long game. I outlived them all. And continue making the music I always have. With a global audience. Not bad for an independent.
Wow 🥰.
I'm struggling with Long Covid sinds the beginning of 2020 and everything you say and describe are the way as I should live ..... but not living - old habits.
Thank you very much for this video. I will look at your video a couple of times and take notes in my "Improve myself" book.
Thank you Mary! First video I watched today - three times now! Sage words. Just what I needed to hear - synchronicity! ❤
The first "real" musician!!!!!!!!!! thank you!!!
Thank you. I think I actually did need to hear this :)
Thank you Mary, I needed that.
Being around your own kind (musicians) is so incredibly important for morale and skill improvement. Being alone is critically important to find your inner voice and create.
Many of us find ourselves out of balance in these regards. Sign of the times.
i always stick to my mary spender resolutions: watch everything hear everything.
No resolutions for me this year... I made a bingo card: a 5x5 grid of.24 items (center spot is free) that I want to do this year, all realistically achievable. :)
I agree with you Mary on play and what your explaining as underachieving which has happened to me.
Happy 2025 Mary and thank you for the inspiration. Love your videos and I hope 2025 is your most successful yet. Cheers from Huntington Beach, California
Thank you for this lovely video!
Great advice, sexy tease of new music…starting the new year off right! Right here. ❤
ps: enjoying the physical media version of you😊
Thank you for all of your post 🙏
Great video and awesome advice. I love all this. Thank you sooo much. ❤❤
Amazing inspiring, thanks
Excellent! Thank you Mary!🙏🎶✌️❤️
Thanks Mary, This is really inspirational. Also, the song was pretty sweet😊
Whether you know it or not, you have a natural ability to encourage us that you don’t even know. Grounded optimism with experiential wisdom. Without being on a pedestal
.
No resolutions (never achieved) - have a strategy (a place you want to get to) then use tactics to get you there. Some songwriters write a concept piece for a set of work (album that tells a story) then the songs become the components of that piece - the parts that make the whole. For example Telecon by Gary Numan was originally based on a science fiction story he was writing and Strickland Banks is an opera. I am going try this out to see how far I will get.
Nice to see the Vigiers are back. Take great care of these: there will never be new ones again: Patrice Vigier has decided to retire and the workshop closed its doors in April or May 2024.
But I only knew about the blue GV and the white Excalibur. These kiddos are also monsters when it come to crunch and distortion, you know...
Had custom PUs made for my Excalibur Supra and for the Original. These are hybrid ones. The Supra SSS keeps the neck's Di Marzio FS-1 and the Bridge's Halftrack but the set was augmented with a replica of the Fender CS Abigail Ybarra (Hendrix) set, the DiMarzios were also hand rewound, there is a magnetic barrage so no magnetic spillover, the single coils sound like real single coils, then, a Freeway 10 positions selector is used, a push-pull to have the middle PU available in reverse phase, a kill switch and a duplo pot to get the double tone like on my former Strat. The Excalibur Original got the same treatment but has the Gilmour's The Wall set added with single coil sized Super Distortion in bridge posn and a SH-4 in neck position.
By doing so, each of them does the job of three guitars and the Freeway selector is as easy to use as regular blade selectors, it's a 2x5 where each position has an up/down
While I agree with needing to action all the components of the creative process Mary, more greens is not the answer (they’re poison). More different meats are better, more satisfying & nutritional! 😂 Keep up the great work Chica!
The ONLY resolution I keep working at on a daily basis is to be a better person. Most times I know I'm on track....but life being the circus it can be tends to let me know real fast that I can do better. So I take note and move on. Everything else will happen whether I'm there or not. Always LQQK forward to you sitting and chatting with your Fan Base Mary....it is not lost on us. MOO From Across The Pond In COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋
You have got to make that song casanova available as soon as possible. That was entirely too good and gonna be stuck in my head for a long time until I can listen to it all day and night!!
Most people are less than supportive of artists because they don't truly understand them. Go Mary GO! :)
Great advice, especially Do it (For) Yourself, no need to wait for a new year to take action. Thank you
I would add an addendum to the first point of surrounding yourself with good people, which is that you should ditch those people who you would never hear from again if you didn’t write to them first. i.e. Those relationships where you make all the effort. I’ve come to realise that (unless there’s a good reason for it) they are not worth the time. “Choose people who choose you”
Love the outlook and the song is great Mary! Looking forward to your continued success in 2025! Remember success is defined as any gain, no matter how small of change. It all matters!
Great! Thank you!
This is some capital-R, capital-T, Real Talk.
Also, the music track interspersed is fantastic. Especially the chorus.
Yep. 110 per cent. Respect.
All you have to do is shine and a thousand angels lift my spirit up to the sky.
Good evening Mary I just thought I would let you know that I have bought a yamaha p45 keyboard I thought I might try and give it a try and learn something new, and it's because of you watching your videos over these many years so thanks for the inspiration....cheers Phil from Newark
Grabbed my new Orangewood 🌞🌞
Unbeknownst, and certainly unpredictedly (is that a word?), you are crafting a library of quality mental health exercises for people. Your practices are great, and I learn from them even at my nearing-retirement age. “What are you going to next?”, I keep getting asked. I think I’m not going to answer (or know!) until I have had a good dose of quiet “boredom time”. :-)))) Can’t wait to see what the creative time steers me towards.
Love this..
How to run 26 miles - albeit not competitively? Start 28 weeks earlier. Run one mile on Sunday. Run one mile 3 of the other six days. Next week run two miles on Sunday, and one mile 3 of the days . 3 miles next Sunday, 4 miles next Sunday, etc. each Sunday is *only* at a 12 minute mile pace.
The 26 miles is far more about *boredom* than endurance at this pace.
Starting 28 weeks earlier lets you run 26 miles at least once before the event.
(Los Angeles used to have a "Leggers" program to train exactly to this way. You won't be competitive, but you can hit your goal.
Around @7:50 about rejection and it being *NECESSARY*:
I rem a few years back (10+), a demo was found of Madonna. Some of the very first things she did. And they went and talked to the first guy that heard it, and he told her "No-- this isn't very good." And the interview they WANTED was to make him look bad. "haha.. you're the guy that rejected MADONNA!!"
Instead, he re-listened to the tape and said "yep, I made the right call-- this isn't very good. What many people don't understand is that what makes a person like Madonna great is that when I told her 'no', she didn't just sulk away in a corner. She went AND GOT BETTER! That's what WINNERS do." And he pointed out things on that demo, he was very objective about it "listen to this, and how it's NOTHING like her final version-- she changed it for the better."
Not that I'm the world's biggest Madonna fan or anything. But you don't have to be to admit she's one of the biggest pop stars on the entire planet. Now think of how many times people told her "no-- you suck." But she kept going, kept pushing herself to get better.
@TheNudeBrewer The Beatles were knocked back so many times, being told guitar groups ‘are on the way out’. Through the perseverance of Brian Epstein and the band themselves, they became the greatest group the world will ever see or hear and in the process, influencing every person to ever pick up an instrument or a microphone.
Good words. Perfect for me. Thank you.
So wise❤️✨
great video, great advice. I know I have to shake off the ennui that’s gripped me for more than 4 years since I ended up moving to Kalamazoo, MI from the Seattle, WA area. but I’m still spinning my wheels and getting less actually done.
the old black dog of depression has its teeth in me.
I need to remember how lucky I am and do less procrastination and more poking at my plans, piece at a time.
That made me laugh. 16th and resolutions gone already. I am going to get around to them Feb 1st for sure. 🙂
Thank you Mary for a wonderful video about setting goals and about your journey. Much appreciated. Have a wonderful 2025 one of your 1000 true fans Michael.
Yes . . . find your tribe ✨ And Keep painting the wall you want to live in ❤🎶🎤🎸🎨
"eat your greens" I love it. I'm literally making a salad right now.
As far as I know, there is still only one way to get to play Carnegie Hall, “practice, practice, practice.”
Awesome Video Mary ✌️and ❤
Beautiful song
I don't do New Years resolutions. If I want to make a change I do when it suits me. I don't see why a artificial day makes any sense. Being bored is great, I wish I had more time for being bored.
Wow! What a nice intro! Images and sound! But please tell the thumb editor that duck faces are kind of outdated. lol. Keep on! we love you
I really want to change my life too.
For the better.
Hopefully in the direction of music.
Help!
Your vocals here are awesome. Love the control and dynamics.