Thankfulness

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"Ever since I was a tiny boy, I don't want no candy, I don't need no toy. I took a stick and an old coffee can… I bang on that thing 'til I got blisters on my hand!" — Todd Rundgren

In the 8th grade at my Christian school, my English teacher went around the room and asked each of us to stand up and say three sentences about what our life's goals were.  When my turn came, I stood up, smiled a big giant shit-eating grin, and loudly proclaimed,

"I'm either going to score a film with a big star in it, or play drums on a record for a platinum-selling artist. And then I'm going to write a book telling people how they can do it too. Then, [pointing to one of the sweetest girls you'd ever want to meet] I'm going to marry Karla Roth."

Fast forward 23 years after being sent to the principal's office for saying mouthy shit like that, three out of four of those things have happened. I've scored a bunch of movies with great casts and some names in a few of them, I've played drums with some of my childhood heroes and some of pop and rock's best-selling artists and producers, and I just finished a book for people who want to do what they love and never look back. Karla is married to a great guy who isn't in the entertainment industry. She came out on top in that deal, believe me.

When I think about everything that has brought me to this point, I realize quickly that "things" haven't really done much. It's been the people. Today, I'm not really thankful for every-t-h-i-n-g, but rather, every-o-n-e. I'll say it—my life is freaking incredible. It really is. I don't know a lot of people who are as happy on a day-to-day basis as I am. My family, friends, mentors, and colleagues are all champions. We are all very blessed to be happy, healthy, and in love with life. I feel like the luckiest man on earth, but that feeling has come about by the helping hands of those who've supported me and have always kicked my ass to just keep on keeping on.

There are thousands I could mention here, but here is a list of the A-Team that keeps me reaching high and never giving up.

My mom and dad, Karen and Don, have never not believed in me. I love them more and more every day. I used to think they were full of it when I was a know-it-all kid, but I know better now. They are the two smartest people I have ever known. I owe them everything.

I have a brain trust of mentors who have helped shaped me, correct me, and direct me in both my personal life and professional life. Quite often, the two overlap and it's all just one amazeballs learning experience at the feet of these amazing people. I specifically ask them to call my bluff at every turn and challenge my ideas, solutions, and goals. Gene, Bellis, Tarik, Larz, Lyndi, Damon, and Kief—each of you add to my life in ways immeasurable. I love you all and am grateful every day for your wisdom, insights and support.

My ass-kicking team at Deane Ogden Creative—Danny, Amy, Brinda, Jeana, Pajet, and Mark—is an all-star group of people without whom my ability to do what I do… What I LOVE… every day, simply wouldn't be possible. You guys bring out the best in many people that we work with, not just me. You all deserve more money. I did NOT just say that out loud. Okay I did. But since I don't have any more, it goes in the "throw-away comment" bin that Amy started. (Yes, I heard about that, you little shits!!)

The phenomenal SCOREcast team—Brian Ralston, it's a match made in heaven, brother. I have so much fun laughing, learning, and getting in trouble with you. You keep something energized in me that perpetuates my love for this industry and this community. I'm never taking a single moment for granted when we are fired up and doing our thing. Ryan Leach, Tobias Escher, Randy Knaub, James Semple, Johnny Knittle, Marie-Anne Fischer, Les Brockmann, Heather Fenoughty, Alain Mayrand, Lydia Ashton, Stephan Römer, Guy Rowland, Eric Santiestevan, Eanan Patterson, Daniel James, and all of our authors, past present and future… You make the greatest community in film music hum along at a pace that is staggering. This next year will be our biggest yet, and YOU got us there. Each of you has my utmost respect and gratitude.

SCOREcast, however, doesn't work without the SCOREcasters who make up the most vibrant creative community I've ever been a part of. To everyone who's ever listened through a podcast, read an article, left a comment, subscribed to a newsletter, or written an email, you are the reason any of us continue to do this. You ARE SCOREcast. Without you, it is nothing. I am overjoyed at how much you love what we do, support the advancement of film, TV and game music like you do, and challenge all of us to be better at delivering what matters most to the in-the-trenches, post professional. Thanks you for being such a faithful and committed part of this community.

The incredible people who support me on the road and in the studio—Brian and Peter at Tama Drums, Chris, Michael, and Rob at Sabian, Vater Percussion, John at Drum Workshop, and the Aquarian team—there are a ton of companies out there, but you guys tower above them all. Not only do you support my art and my life's work, but you do it in a way that makes me feel like I'm the only guy you've got. I can't say enough about how that feels for a kid from Corvallis, Oregon with a dream and a dime. I'm so privileged to work with all of you.

To all the ridiculously talented directors, artists, producers, and creative people whom I've had the pleasure of working with this past year... you trusting me with your art is the highest honor and privilege I can think of. I am so fortunate to have met you, worked with you, and ended up precious friends with you. Enzo, Tarik, Mykono, Mirwan, Matt, Selena, Michael, Ben, Brit, Jason, Pritch, Roger D., Jeremy, Roger P., Aldy, Edward, Oliver, Gavin, Pam and T, Bryan, Brett, Ritchie and Dave, and Joss… you make my dreams a total reality every time I sit down to work with you on whatever it is we are doing. You artistry inspires me and your love for the craft makes me want to be better at mine. I'm indebted to you for seeing a creative partner in me and for fighting to bring me onboard. I'm more than grateful.

Three years ago, I woke up one morning and realized I didn't have one single close friend who wasn't someone I work with. Not one. This year, I vowed to end that. I made a list of the people over the years that I'd lost touch with and wanted back in my life, then started hunting them down one by one. Today I can say that I'm surrounded by close friends who don't care about anything that's going on with me professionally—they just want to know that I'm alright and that I'm happy and having fun in my life. And if I'm not, then they want to know why and when they should show up at my door to kick my ass. I'm the same way with them, and these relationships have enriched me more than I can express with words. Rob Eisler, Jennifer Seelye, Reya Nesbit, Chama Bovee, Jason Jackson, Angelina Littrell, and… Karla Roth… you keep me grounded, sane, real, honest, excited, rested, and treasured. I love you guys so much.

Finally, there is someone else who has changed every part of me from the inside out in a relatively short amount of time. Hardly any of you have met her yet, but you will. She is the brightest light in my life, my biggest support, and my most precious ally, confidant, and companion. Happy thanksgiving, Boo. I give thanks for you every minute of every day.

In life, if we love ourselves, our families, and our work, we will rarely have anything to complain about. VERY rarely. I have nothing to complain about, but I have every-o-n-e to be thankful for. And I am. I am so thankful today for all of you. You truly are the spark in me that lights everything.

Here is to one KILLER 2012 for ALL of us and our families!

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Deane Ogden