2. What They Have: Youth What They Need: Experience

It's tough to sing deeply about your heart going through a grinder when the worst thing you've ever experienced is your dog dying right before your Sweet Sixteen party. And lest you think one can just smoke a bunch of weed or sleep in youth hostels while back-packing across eastern Europe to gain the complex experience necessary to pen truly heartfelt music, be forewarned, that kind of pain, joy and sacrifice cannot be self-inflicted on spring break or summer vacation.

It happens through careful observation and time-worn honesty with yourself and the world around you. It doesn't mean you should stop writing and playing, just that you might want to listen to that Lightnin Hopkins record again, but this time without the intellectual commentary and ironic detachment.

1. What They Have: Mustaches What They Need: Blisters

Years ago, my guitarist and I were waiting outside a venue for a gig when some guys from another band walked by discussing how they spent that day getting band photos done. One of them mentioned the fact that their stylist was of invaluable assistance.

My guitarist and I (plus like half a dozen other musicians near us) laughed for five minutes, then spent the rest of the night loudly proclaiming for all to hear how we wish we had a stylist. The bottom line is that it's fine if you want to look good, but if you spend more time carefully crafting your wardrobe and personal style than you do learning how to play your instrument, you are no different than Katy Perry or any other pop icon you love to hate.

Even Bryan Adams played his Strat until his fingers bled, or so the lyric goes. As my jazz musician friends would say, "Get yo' ass to the woodshed, son."