For those of you that might be new to me, you've more than likely heard me on any number of commercial's or movie scores. The fact of the matter is that a gig's a gig, and work is a positive thing. I'm sure all musicians reading this would concur. None the less, it's often times hard to pursue the individual side of your art when you are locked into things like security and upkeep of your lifestyle. So this is the issue that I raise and will hopefully get across to anyone reading.
Solo art is a hybrid of all the things that define the personality of the artist.
It should not be concerned with impressing other musicians, as this is pointless. It must be a mirror of the artist, always true, honest and vulnerable. As a producer I am asked to make things sound a certain way, it is also the reality of session work. In the scope of an artist's maturity, I think this is a very positive aspect. When you get the chance do your own thing, you are even more motivated by the love of art and the need for an individual voice.