Well, lets see, I could tell you about my recent 1st place win in the Unisong International Songwriting contest in the Reggae category ( see www.unisong.com for posted results ). Or, I could mention all the other International songwriting contests I have won like Billboard, Song Of The Year etc. But no, I'm not going to go there. I won't even talk about my 40+ years in the music industry and the over 500 songs in 12 genres I have written and produced. No. I'll pass on that too . After all, it all seems a bit egotistical when I talk about all that stuff. I don't want to come off as an egotist so I won't mention things like that or even name drop the various people and groups I have worked with over the years. Yeah, thats the ticket, I don't want to come off as an egotist!
Instead, let me talk a bit about my artistic take on things. See I believe that everybody is a star in someone elses eyes. Even if its only their mother. But more importantly, none of us are really better than others. Were all out here writing, singing, performing, arranging and producing because we love what we do. Well, at least I know thats how it is for me. I mean, I have lived over half a century and I am still not a household name. But I won't ever stop writing and producing music. Its my passion and I love this s@#t Yeah, thats the ticket. I do it for the love!
However, I do enjoy hearing other artists creations. I love the uniqueness of each style and I applaud artist achievements whenever I come in contact with it. Thats why I am all over the board when it comes to genre. Some people are stuck in one thing like Jazz or Hip-Hop or rock. But me? In the immortal words from the Armastad, "Give Me Free". I want to write, produce and sing the music that is in my heart waiting to jump into your ears. That music is a collection of styles and genres that come forth from my soul. Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Metal, Pop, Gospel, Soul, Hip-Hop and many more. I have been fortunate and lucky enough to have won awards and contests in 8 genre's of music. When it comes to songwriting I want to be seen as the jack of all trades. Ever heard of a Country Western musical play? Hehehe, I am working on one. Yeah, thats the ticket, I need to be free to write and produce what I please. "Give Me Free"
Why? Because its all art to me. It all has its own uniqueness that begs to be deciphered, disected and then revolutionized. Yeah, thats the ticket. I am here to revolutionize music. Viva La Revolution! Power to the artists who dare to go where others claim they don't belong. Death to those who seek to keep me in R&B/Jazz/Hip-Hop/Soul just because I am Black. Yeah, thats the ticket! I support the "Death Penalty" for those who dare to control me and categorize me. I am me and me is who I am....... I mean? uh, well, yeah, thats the ticket. I may be old and forgetful but I uh.....know.....hmmm, yeah, I know who.. I... am. Phew! I think, but........moving right along.
Someone once asked me what was the difference in an artist and a musician. My answer was that they are both the same with the exception of one thing. Most musicians get off on playing. They don't care much about the creation of the music, they just want to get out there and play. Artists tend to get off on creating new styles of play and new dimensions to their art. Some musicians are also artists and most artists are also musicians. Yeah, thats the ticket, Some artists are musicians and some musicians are players in the arts. Artists who play in the arts are musicians called playas. Yeah, thats the ticket. The playas in tha game got skillz cause they play da game fo real. But the hardest thang for me is to keep my ghetto card hidden so those playas in the game (reading this) won't know they get'n played cause I'm.......try'n ta sound knowledgable in a educated way but my game plan is showing when I revert to my South Central L.A. slang thang. Yeah, thats the uh......the ticket........I came to play and to do the damn thang............geesh! best bio I ever wrote. Y'all know you wanna laugh. C'mon, crack that smile...................Be Blessed, Stoneman
