We recently connected with Steve Mayone and have shared our conversation below.

Steve, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I began my journey with the guitar and songwriting at the age of 12. I remember clearly the moment of epiphany: I already had a few guitar lessons and was writing a song in my bedroom when I thought to myself “I could collect the songs I’m writing and put them on an album…”. Sounds mundane but it was like a lighting bolt going through me. From that moment on I was committed to playing, learning and eventually teaching music.

That was 45 years ago. I’ve come a long way but in some ways I’m still the same wide eyed boy in that bedroom. Music still fascinates me, songwriting still beguiles me, performing live before an audience still excited me. If one wants to learn a craft, there needs to be not just a curiosity but a desire to stick with it and a willingness to let it lead you into unfamiliar situations.

I had a lot of downtime during the pandemic and I made it a point to push myself with my practice. A word that kept coming up in my mind was “evolve”. As a person and musician I wanted to keep evolving and getting better. I’ve often compared playing an instrument to jogging: it’s not easy to start but you’ve gotta stretch, warm up and run. When the run is over you feel great and you’re glad you did it. Committing to an instrument and sticking with it is much the same.

My lack of confidence would be my greatest obstacle. Not believing enough in myself held me back. Instead of pursuing my songs and leading my own band I accompanied other songwriters and chose to play a supportive role. Now that I’ve fully committed to my own career I’m feeling much stronger. I only wish I felt this way years before.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a creative one must be creative in how one makes money. Songwriting is my passion but I’ve been able to make a living with live and studio work as well as teaching. What I’m most proud of (and busiest with) is composing commercial music (instrumental music) for tv shows and movies.

Everything in business is networking. It always comes down to people meeting people. I got into commercial music work by creating it first in my home studio then seeking out anyone that would listen. My first break came through cold-calling people in the music-film industry in LA. My wife and I were visiting and I had asked friends in New York if they knew anyone in the business. I got a few leads and luckily one of the people liked what they heard and hired me to help write musical Cues with him. He really taught me the ropes – how to create a Cue, Stem mixes etc. That eventually led to being hired by HAUS, a company that employs many composers. They ask us for music and they pitch it and get it placed in shows.

I pride myself in my ability to create music on demand. By listening and absorbing music, I can create a Cue in almost any style. It’s important to be flexible and willing to take on a challenge and do the best you can. As the expression goes “aptitude plus additive equals altitude”. The better you are at your craft and working with people, the further you’ll go.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal has been trying to achieve some modicum of success. And I do believe that by not achieving it I’m spurned on to keep reaching for it. The peak of the mountain would be winning (or being nominated for) a Grammy. I’m a true believer in positive thinking and dreaming big. Why not teach for the top? It’s possible I’ll be disappointed when I get there, but the journey has been fun.

Then again, I am already successful: I get to produce music in my home studio – I have a beautiful family – I’m fully submerged in music. I’m very thankful. I do believe creatives need to find a balance between thankfulness and ambition.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

During the pandemic and intensive practicing I realized that I was playing too many notes. During live performances and studio work I though that if I played a lot of notes the right notes would come through. My new approach is: play to my strengths. I’ve had to unlearn mental habits of wanting to play faster, and now I take my time and play slower. I don’t need to show off to impress listeners. I can keep it simple.

Contact Info:

• Website: mayonemusic.com
• Instagram: mayonemusic
• Facebook: Steve Mayone
• Youtube: Steve Mayone
• Other: bastardsoffinearts.com (Bastards of Fine Arts my band with fellow songwriter Matt Keating)