Page 65 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2025 Digital Edition

to learn everything about both music and history of blues. Don’t greats, but also find inspiration everywhere, don’t be afraid
get too obsessed with the ‘gear and gadgets,’ it’ll lighten your to think outside the box. Never let anyone confine you to one
wallets and distract you. The simpler the better. Play live!” category or genre because invention is the tradition. And most
Taj’s advice: “Practice, practice, practice!” Also, he importantly, keep playing – every show, every jam session
advises learning on a small, electric guitar, as it might be and every note you play makes you better.”
easier than an acoustic because the strings won’t be as hard “Don’t give up,” says Lucian. “Plan well to avoid
to press down when you first start. distractions. Passion is important, but it also has to be
Andrew shares, “My best advice is to never limit enjoyable. Start with the end in sight and just go for it! Head!
yourself to one style. I find inspiration in music from many Hands! Heart!”
genres, since meshing these together helps one create their You see, some of these teens knew that they would be
own unique sound, and individuality is the greatest selling performing music in the higher stratospheres of the genre.
point. Personality is 50% of the job. Being sociable and Then, there were some who had no idea that they could get so
polite to fans as well as venue owners is equally as important big, and still have no idea that there is more coming. Please
as one’s musicianship.” support them now – while you can still get in on “the ground
“Find your closest blues society and join them because floor” – by attending their shows, buying their music and
they will support you,” offers Meaza, who says she’s a listening to their streams. You can say you knew them when
member of about 10. “Find a mentor! Play with people who they were just starting to exude that blue hue of stardom.
are better than you! Keep in touch with people you meet and
support them.” Danny “Guitarwood” Garwood: linktr.ee/dannyguitarwood
“My advice,” says Kiersi, “is stay true to who you are. Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport: youngrell.com
Don’t let anyone put you in a box. Learning all music styles Kiersi Joli: linktr.ee/kiersijoli
helps me become a better musician.” Lucian McDermott: linktr.ee/sonorous.music
“When there’s a point where it becomes frustrating – Meaza Joy: linktr.ee/Meaza
especially when you first start – just keep practicing,” advises Rhys John Stygal: linktr.ee/rhys_guitar
Danny. “The frustration shows that you have passion and “Six String” Andrew Sullivan: linktr.ee/sixstringandrew
care about the instrument you want to play. Just keep Taj Farrant: linktr.ee/tajfarrant
practicing and never give up. And always, always, play from
the heart.” Nicknamed the “Queen of Steam” for her powerhouse vocals
“Stay true to your sound, and don’t be afraid to take and sassy, hi-energy shows, Michele Lundeen is an award-
risks,” says Young Rell. “Never let anyone change you, winning singer-songwriter, 12x San Diego Blues Music Award
always be yourself. The blues is about telling your story, Nominee, Blues In The Schools presenter, vocal instructor and
so don’t just replicate what’s been done before. Bring your owner of a one-woman graphics/print broker business.
own life and energy into it. Never stop learning. Listen to the www.michelelundeen.com

Rhys John Stygal. Photo by Chris Griffiths − Riff Photos Lucian McDermott. Photo by Sean Clohesy

Blues Festival Guide 2025 63