Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Art of Collaboration



My producer Damien & I goofing around while collaborating on a new song.
Aside from my daily dose of caffeine in my hot cup of happiness whether it be Dunkins, Starbucks, Micky-D's or even the homemade Nespresso there are very few things that really make my heart skip a beat and get me moving. Sure life is full of surprises and exciting situations like finding $200 on the floor at the local Dollar Store (true story) or getting surprised when a friend you haven't seen in years shows up at your door.  Yeah, these are some pretty great moments, but they just aren't the same as what I am talking about.
What I am talking about is as an Artist.  See what a lot of people don't realize about being an artist regardless of your craft whether it's dancing, singing, writing, acting or painting - the road to success can be very daunting.  Life as an artist can be very challenging and a struggle.  But hey, this Greek blonde girl loves a good challenge!  Sure what we see on TV is the success and all the glitz and glory but the road to that level of success is one not for the faint of heart and one very few can ever traverse.  So as one of these artists who knows all too well what it means to have to fight for what you believe in, the everyday surprises and excitement sometimes just aren't enough to really make your heart skip that beat.
Here's what I mean: there are those obvious ones like getting to perform in front of an audience or signing a contract.  Having someone recognize you for the first time on the street or ask for your autograph.  But above it all there is one thing I find more rewarding than anything most would think to be that "heart-skipping" moment.
Now I know what you must be thinking, "How is that not the heart-skipping moment? I would give anything to be on a stage in front of people."  And yes I understand that.  Yes, nothing compares to standing on the hardwood floors of Madison Square Garden to sing your nations anthem or to have fans asking for an autograph and picture.  But still there is one thing that really rises above it all; the successful art of collaboration.
Yep, the successful art of collaboration.  I know it may not make sense at first but there is something so much more profound in the experience of being a part of a collaborative effort focused on your career.  It is so essential in order to have a strong network of support around any artist and their craft.  At the heart of that network is where everything happens.  Together we cram our brains, share our hearts and dream the dreams that we only wish we can make a reality.  It's in those moments where strokes of genius make the heart skip a beat.  These are the moments where we as a "team" collectively envision making something out of nothing and rely on one another to build on the dream and build each other up in order to make it happen.
Because of these moments we can sit back and watch our success of a concert tour, a CD release or a new music video come to fruition.  But it's all for not if you don't have the right people and team all excited and working toward the same goal.  It's in those moments where dreams become reality and my heart skips a beat.
Blessings, Love & Music,
Ava xo

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