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Jamey -> RE: @ GuitarristaMadrid (Apr. 21 2010 10:03:30)
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quote:
Is there anyone on this forum who has lived life 1/1000th as fully as Trent Reznor?
[sigh]
Yes, some of us have, grew up and managed to survive it in order to move on (while many of my friends/acquaintances didn't make it). Simon (Escribando) can speak to this as well as anyone on this forum (myself included). I wasn't into the industrial scene (my mess was the punk and hardcore scenes through the early-mid 80's up to the early 90's). Trent's appearance of genius has more to do with the repackaging and re-presentation of Skinny Puppy material. The brooding delivery is what tends to catch those harboring anger/frustration within and they identify with either him or what he's written (or both). Self loathing doesn't produce much other than a spectacle for others if conducted in the public eye. Trent wasn't the first, in fact, it can arguably be said that Johnny Cash wrote that book long before Trent (luckily Rick Ruben had the good sense to get Cash in the end to cover "Hurt" resulting in a video that easily stands as the man's epitaph).
I'm guessing you're younger than I am and are obviously emphatic about your interests, what they mean to you, and how they comprise your sense of identity. That's fantastic, don't ever lose that nor allow yourself to be jaded out and away from that enthusiasm. But, also know that you aren't the only one to have "discovered" what you're currently devoted to (nor is the passion you've obtained new nor unique to you alone) and that in time, what you know and understand WILL necessarily expand further, that this will give you added insight into your own past conduct and adamantly held views. You will start to recognize some of the opinions of others as becoming more aligned with your own. In essence, you'll evolve and see the point of view of others a little more readily. This doesn't mean complacency nor conformity, just empathy, clarity and maturity (not talking 'old' here).
Reznor is in a different place now and is (apparently) sober, clear, and creative again (without the nihilism). When I met him, he was humble if not self-depreciating, still abrasive and non-conformist, but not arrogant. If you want to idolize him, or (more likely) adamantly revere him, perhaps it would be best if you tried to model your presentation of yourself to be more in tune with how he carried himself (at that point in the late 80's when I met him).
Conceit and arrogance don't work. They're often the person trying just as hard to convince themselves as others (essentially talking themselves up in an effort to stay emboldened and "fired up"). It's awesome that you're having the experiences that you are (being in Madrid with such a fine teacher), and I'd love to hear more about the experiences and what you've learned from them, but lording it over others with a tinge of derision and belittlement doesn't bode well. In the end, no one has to accept you, no one has to "take you as you are". They can all choose to ignore you completely, if not wall you out completely. That would be sad and not likely indicative of the kind of person you actually are. You have a lot to contribute. Perhaps try to do so without all of the aforementioned slights or condescension. I think people will grow to appreciate you for it. I know I would.
- Jamey
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