Jamie

Today I rode the same elevator with Nobou Uematsu. As many know, he is a big influence and role model for me and my music. To say I was excited was an understatement. I shook his hand and thanked him for coming. He was speaking at my school Flashpoint Academy in Chicago. When it came time for questions I asked him what his creative process was and to my happy surprise it was very similar to mine. He said “Most composers see a blurry vision of the complete piece in their heads, then just place the puzzle pieces together”. I completely agree with that statement as that is how I work too. Yanni said something like that it’s kind of like a painter who looks at a blank canvas and knows he wants a tree there or flower here, etc. It’s really great to have your creative process (or madness) validated by others of such great stature. I was very thankful for Uematsu-san and Arnie Roth and some members of Square-Enix to attend and speak with us.

I will be attending the Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy concert this Saturday the 12th where Uematsu-san himself will be performing One-Winged Angel with the “Chicago Mages”. Which all I know of that group is one of the STYX guitarists will be performing in the group. I was a little upset at my duplication company that it has taken them so long to get me my CDs. That elevator was a perfect opportunity to hand someone great my music. Hopefully though with the information of Uematsu-san’s company and Arnie Roth, perhaps I can send it to them with a letter hoping they remember me from the elevator. All in all it was quite an honor and experience and I am looking forward to this Saturday!