Don't Hate The Players, Hate The Game
As the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. The same goes to making a living in music. Not everyone on the stage and providing entertainment is in it for the larger-than-life dream of selling out stadiums, having their face plastered on billboards, and throwing television sets from hotel room windows. Many, if not most, of the people making a good living in music are standing behind the front people. They use their instruments and voices to elevate the music to the next level and provide the polished sound that any accomplished superstar is required to have in order to top The Billboard 100 charts. We chatted with a few of some of the most active players in the Delaware music scene about what it takes to fill those vital roles.
TRINKA DORSEY
Photo Credit Nathalie Antonov
Name, pronouns, birthplace, where do you currently live?
Trinka, a.k.a. Tink, Coatesville, I currently live in Coatesville but I’m moving to Wilmington in September!
What instruments do you play?
Electric Bass is my primary instrument that I play when I sit in with people.
How did you get into music?
I’ve been around music my entire life! My mother is and has been the choir director and Musical Director for all of the choirs and bands of our church! So I was literally listening to music and hearing harmonies in her belly! I played trumpet when I was 6 and continued until I was 14. After high school I just focused on my education and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in biology. At a church revival my senior year of college I discovered the bass (my church never had a bass player) through an OG who played on a set for another church and it was love at first sight and I’ve still been in love 5 years later!
Any music education history? If so, do you feel it helped and in what way?
I have no formal training or music education history. I’ve picked everything up by ear and have learned to shorthand chart through the teaching of other OG’s along the way!
Best tool/technique for landing gigs?
The best way/tool I’ve discovered about landing gigs is to first and foremost, be a social ladybug! Go out to the open mics, the karaoke night, the music venues and just make connections in supporting other artists! It is truly a beautiful thing when you meet other artists and musicians who are passionate about music and are looking for musical niches just like you!
Second, learn all the songs you can; (radio, vinyl, whatever you can get your hands on) of all genres! Be a lover and appreciative of all music and what those different genres contribute to the music community as a whole. Be always learning, you never know what you might land and you want to be prepared for anything!
Advice for anyone looking to get into the musical field
Music is a free gift meant to be given to any and everyone who has an ear to listen and a heart to receive! Remain humble no matter how great you become and always do your best! Be a student at ALL times, and never compare yourself to anyone but yourself! Most importantly, be confident in who God made you to be and always show up as you!
MICHAEL MACARTNEY
(Photo Credit Dre Corbitt)
Name, pronouns, birthplace, where do you currently live?
Michael Macartney, he/him, from Lansdale Pennsylvania, currently living in Wilmington, DE
What instruments do you play?
Keyboard
How did you get into music?
My parents are both huge music fans with wildly varying taste. As a result, some of my earliest memories are of listening to the records they played on my dad's Bose 902's (he was very proud of them haha). I adopted their love of music.
Any music education history? If so, do you feel it helped and in what way?
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a school system that greatly valued music education. I played tuba all through grade school and it took me to college. I got my degree in music education and taught public school for 3 years. The mentors and students I had through all stages of that journey were invaluable to my growth as a musician and a person. Arts education is uniquely situated to expand both the mind and heart. It's an invaluable part of my life.
Best tool/technique for landing gigs?
Practice! Practice! Practice! It's allowed me to take advantage of opportunities. That will land you the first gig, to keep getting gigs show up on time/ prepared. Communicate in a timely manner and be organized.
Advice for anyone looking to get into the musical field
If you're new to a scene or just starting out, go to local shows and be social. I've gotten most of my gigs through friends/ other artists. Find a local jam session or open mic. Don't be afraid to get in over your head, you might find you can swim :)
AZIZA NAILAH
(Photo credit MOONLOOP PHOTOGRAPHY/ Justin Heyes)
Name, pronouns, birthplace, where do you currently live?
I am my name, “AZIZA”-precious “NAILAH”-one who succeeds! I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. I currently reside in Wilmington, De.
What instruments do you play? (the main one(s) you use to sit in with people)
I sing. I use my voice as an instrument! Whether it’s with a band, an instrumental or Acapella, I sing!
How did you get into music?
Music is my therapy. I’ve always loved to sing. Music has always found its way to me. So as I’ve grown more connected, I’ve taken music more seriously. I get to be creative with others and watch how people react to my art. It’s humbling and rewarding at the same time!
Any music education history? If so, do you feel it helped and in what way?
I’ve never had the pleasure of going to music school. Some days I wish I had musical training of some sort. The people I’ve met over time, have shown me how important and how powerful it is to be able to read and write music. It’s a whole language on its own. Although professional training would be ideal, I have not had any. The blessing to me is, I’ve learned to sing by ear.
Best tool/technique for landing gigs?
I believe the best way to land a gig is networking. Meeting new people and being open to change, is the best way to make yourself marketable. It all works in your favor! People get to know you and feel like you’re accessible. It’s all a part of the journey and the growth in your music.
Advice for anyone looking to get into the musical field
My advice is to have fun! Enjoy music to the fullest. Enjoy how it allows you to connect with people! Enjoy how it allows you to be yourself, despite anyone's perception of you.
JEFFREY ATTAKORAH
(Photo credit Nathalie Antonov)
Name, pronouns, birthplace, where do you currently live?
Jeffrey Attakorah; He/Him born in Kumasi, Ghana currently living in New Castle, Delaware.
What instruments do you play?
Guitar and currently studying drums and bass.
How did you get into music?
About a year or so after arriving in the US, most of my time was spent watching TV shows, especially on the Disney channel. I took a major liking to lots of their music shows especially the show called ‘Jonas’ which featured the Jonas Brothers. I wanted to play the tunes they sing and play along. The next year when I started high school, at Glasgow High, I had a chance to pick music electives. I chose guitar and that is where the real journey started. I say real because before then, I had dabbled briefly in school marching bands back in Ghana, but it came to a short end after cutting my hand drumming.
Any music education history? If so, do you feel it helped, and in what way?
During my years at Glasgow high school, I had teachers like Mr. Celfo, and Mr. Rogalski, who helped me learn the basics through Guitar class and Jazz Band respectively. That, along with YouTube guitar teachers like Marty Schwartz really helped me get my footing in the art of music by learning tunes and songs.
Then I started playing at churches, and that within itself is a schooling in itself.
The little music education that stuck with me turned out to be useful, it’s been the cornerstone and basis of lots of the music I play and write today. From the way I play to my understanding, to think on the spot musically is mostly due to that early education I held on to. My journey for the last 5 or so years has been going back to better my music knowledge, from theory, to sound, and engineering, so I have a better understanding, communication, and more efficient expression in music, building upon the little education I knew before through exploration.
Best tool/technique for landing gigs?
Supporting the scene by going out to see people, other bands, and other shows even when you are not on the bill. In the early year of my band, The Blues Reincarnation Project, we started with lots of open mic nights that had lots of other bands – Shout out to Gable – we usually got booked with fellow bands from those open mic nights or people that liked our sound who came to watch also booked us for their events.
Collaboration with fellow artists is one of the best parts of being a musician. Sometimes subbing in will be last minute, they may not have the pay or funds, but that favor and collaboration will come around and bring good and fresh new ears, and eyes, to you and your work.
Advice for anyone looking to get into the musical field
Do it for yourself, stay true to yourself, and have fun! At the end of the day, music is something you must enjoy doing. Despite the pressure to do it for the views, likes, big audiences, and money, doing it for yourself is what will bring you the most fulfillment. For me, it is about sharing experiences and stories through music, that is where I can be authentically myself, sharing my experiences and stories. The other piece is having fun, playing the music that you enjoy, that is how I started and that is what will keep you going even during the hard times. In turn, this will make your music journey lighter.
