One of the artists who made it to the top 3 finalists is Chuck Tocco. I had the honor of being able to work with Chuck in January as his producer/engineer/studio musician. Chuck is a super talented guy with a great heart. Not only is he a great guy, but the dude has a SOLID record if I do say so myself.
One of the reasons I liked working with Chuck so much was just his humility. It also didn't hurt that he brought in Starbucks every morning for all of the producers. Chuck definitely had a clear cut idea and direction that he wanted his music to go on. But Chuck also knew that he couldn't get there on his own, and he needed a producer/engineer/studio musician to help him get there. He was always more that willing to listen to thoughts that I had on how we could take a song to the next level or how we could make it better. His humility also made it even easier for me to hear him out on ideas that I might not have feel in love with the first time.
I really believe that because BOTH of us were willing to set aside any pride we might have had, we came out with a great record. For some, this may seem very obvious, but I don't think it is for everyone. I think we could all afford to remember how far a little humility and understanding goes. It went pretty far for Chuck, he will be performing tonight to be our Artist of the Year, when a good chunk of change, and a chance for his LIFE to be changed.
Regardless of whether Chuck wins tonight, or Darin Rex, or Jupiter Wind, all of those guys are there because they were willing to listen and willing to try something that stretched them to a place where they never they could be. It should be a pretty exciting night, can't wait to get out there!
