Meet Allen Hinds

We were lucky to catch up with Allen Hinds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allen , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
well I think “role playing” is good and fine at the beginning.. when we were kids we used our parent’s fireplace shovels as microphones, because the handle looked like a microphone to us…. so nothing wrong at the beginning.. as well as back in the 90s ..we were all chasing the latest trends, and we figured if Larry carlton or robben ford and something, a guitar or an effect , that if we had one as well we might be that much closer to being successful.. I think everyone does this to an extent.. at some point you either transcribe and borrow from so many it melts into your own sound… the famous saying is take from one? its plagiarism, take from many ? research..,,when I was learning, before you tube and virtual lessons..I have a turntable I would select the 161/2 speed .. would slow things down. almost an octave..and since you were still using your ear..many notes landlines would be learned wrong, or differently than the original.. so hence doing it your own way and developing your own sound

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My songs are melodic and have harmonica interest… not “smooth Jazz” not “traditional” jazz… almost instrumental pop, with a twist.. maybe the twist being my approach to soloing and tone.. Ive been old my playing is recognizable immediately after 2 notes… thats a big compliment

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
at some point I learned jazz harmony.. although i would never call my self a “jazz” guitarist I nevertheless have the knowledge and harmony can be heard in my music but not in a typical “jazz guitar” format..I have a love for sophisticated pop.. and fusion, Joni mitchel to Weather report.. and I believe that is evident in my compositions

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
i have a habit of letting my mind imagine and get me into trouble… some noted friends through my life have helped me not let myself interfere… My first mentor was Jack Fitzpatrick , back in Alabama.. always positive, logical.. humble.. JImmy Johnson the great bassist has regularly stopped me in my tracks and straightened me out when I would start doubting myself too much.. a strong friend, true friend network is important ..at least to me

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Image Credits
pic by Johnny Buzzario

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