Meet Ricky Sweum | Jazz saxophonist, educator, composer, recording artist, and music producer.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricky Sweum and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ricky, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
For me, there has been no better alignment to success than daily disciplined action toward my goals. I must have something I’m working toward, and then, I have to work toward it, small steps, by small steps. I believe the process is the most important aspect of success, not the accomplishment of a goal. The process is a daily mindful practice and routine that constitutes the “doing” of creativity. As an artist, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete a project, record a new album, write a song, produce a track, etc…, but, it’s the daily process of creating, regardless of the completion of the goal, that is what being an artist is for me. Living in the headspace of creating and working toward the craft of my art is what leads to success.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve performed music for audiences in every U.S. state and nine other countries for more than 20 years, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is, music is a universal language that bridges cultural differences. Embedded in this realization is that, music at its deepest level, is NOT about the music. Rather, music is a non tangible energetic force that brings people together in a shared transcendental experience. Music is about listening, being open, responding in meaningful ways, and saying yes to the experience being presented. Music is the means to create a vibe for others, and musicians must be in service to that vibe. The intent behind my music is to stimulate people’s creative passions. Everyone has creative potential, and everyone expresses creativity in unique ways. It’s my hope that hearing my music will inspire listener’s creative juices to live and express life in more unharnessed ways.
I’m first and foremost an improvising musician. Improvisation is about bringing life and relevance to the present moment; improvisers listen to those around them and ask the question, “What is needed in this moment?” Sometimes that means, doing nothing and simply observing, other times it means adding something that supports what’s currently happening, other times it means bringing contrast to what’s already established. An improviser is listening and responding based on what’s happening in THIS moment. I strive to live life as an improviser.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived and toured around the world, and one of the things I know I love most is being in, or close to mountains and wooded forests. Therefore, I feel fortunate to live in Colorado, and I do my best to spend time in nature on a regular basis. The Japanese have a practice called, Shinrin Yoku, which translates roughly to Forest Bathing in English. This is the practice of spending time with trees, walking underneath them, barefoot if possible, to refresh and energize in the forest’s vibrational frequencies. This method has proven to give mental and health benefits, and if for no other reason, it’s a beautiful way to unplug from our hectic societal lifestyle. Therefore, my recommendations for what to do in Colorado, would be to head towards the mountains, or go to your favorite city park and spend time touching the Earth with you hands and feet. Some of my favorites are hiking Barr Trail up Pikes Peak, camping at Barr Camp, and hiking the Stanley Canyon Trail.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank my mother for teaching me the practice of mindfulness from a very early age. She helped ingrain in me the skill of going within and finding connection and peace amidst the challenging times of my life. My mother showed me how to feel a sense of connection with all existence in our universe, and I’ll always be grateful to her for this.
Website: https://rickysweum.
Instagram: https://www.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.
Other: Spotify: https://open.
Facebook: https://www.
Image Credits
Josh Voyles and Jonathan Betz
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