There’s a lot of musicians and music fans I’ve come across who give me indications they think about music differently than I do. It doesn’t mean we can’t get along. I would just like an opportunity to say how I think since I bought this joint and can say whatever I want.
Many fellow artists are small businesses. Some even develop a “brand.” Some go further and lean into concepts like consistency and being humble, or even being grateful, (*don’t get me started). I’ve even known artists who spent a majority of their days doing things they hate while doing art for a living.
What is “success” even like, anyway?
I know a guitarist in a signed band. They were number one in Alternative US charts recently, might still be. Haven’t checked. His life, while interesting, is a whole lot of work. All the time. Moving, go-go-go. That’s great for him. He’s young. He’s worked hard to be there. He’s talented AF, I’ve filmed him, changed his strings. Great guy. But I’m twice his age. The things I want might be different than what he’s after. So why the “hustle?”
Different strokes….
Am I saying you’re wrong to try to earn something with your music? Absolutely not. I am saying I’m not like that. I want to learn something with music. I don’t expect anything financially. I do it for fun. It’s often the antithesis of “brand” or “consistency” because I’m open to it changing all the time. It’s not a hustle because I just have to sit and think for certain problems. There’s no business aspect to it, when I like it. In fact, I’d say a main reason I do it is to get away from business.
There’s no wrong way to think or do music. I am simply saying it’s possible to get enjoyment from being able to play it or write it. No lie. Do it every day. Sometimes that’s worth more than money. Sometimes it’s so much fun, you want to share it with friends.
You’re not wrong, doing it however you want. But you are wrong when you tell me or other indies how to act. It’s a lot like church at that point. I hate church.
Return to home.
*About an “Attitude of Gratitude.”
Folks have told me to “be grateful” before. I hope you don’t do that. I will not be grateful. I am not grateful. I don’t know who to be grateful to. I couldn’t tell you what I’m grateful for. If I am grateful for anything, it’s certainly none of their business.
When someone says “be grateful” they’re saying shut up, basically. To me, “shut up” is the opposite of an artistic and learning environment. I want to be learning and creating. “Be grateful” shuts that down.
I am not grateful, I am not humble. I am being honest. When I got honest in my life, this other BS went out the window. If folks don’t like me being honest, I can’t help them.
