Many of us who have been performing or making music a while have gone through a phase of deciding whether or not to talk about anything other than music. Could be politics, could be a movie, could even be something as simple as what we don’t like. It’s not a particularly rewarding phase. Why? Because folks tell us to shut up and play.
If you’re of a mind that doesn’t like musicians to talk about how they feel on anything from the president to Oreo cookies, maybe don’t read what they say or watch them talk. Believe it or not, they still have a right to talk about anything. If you’re wanting to silence them, that’s censorship. Censor yourself. Don’t listen.
When you tell someone to shut up a piece of humanity dies. It breaks down. Feelings are hurt. Conflict can ensue. Instead, turn them off. No one is making you watch, read, or listen. “Allow” other people to enjoy them and change the channel.
A lot of this is about responsibility. That’s not in style right now. If something is on you don’t like, you’re actually the one responsible for switching it to something else. You don’t tell them to play a different song.
Be responsible, change the channel. Or, form your thoughts and opinions so other peoples’ don’t threaten yours so easily. Hell, I don’t know.
In my studio process, everyone is free. I want relaxed thinking and room to swing a cat. Self-conscious behavior can crush vibes. I like vibes. If you’re not into vibes, change the station.
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