Make them scatter. It’s fine. They’re weaker that way.
I used to have 17 K followers on Twitter “back in the day” before Elon. I was busy all the time with online collaborations. If you like this kinda’ life, it can be yours if you don’t talk about politics.
As soon as I started being the same person outside I was on the inside, talking politics and taking sides, folks vanished. I got “shut up and play” in various forms. Some who even talked to me daily, gone. They couldn’t stand to talk to me anymore.
From listeners to other musicians..
Musicians tease each other about politics and a phrase, “Shut up and play.” That’s what we hear in our heads when we talk about stuff besides music and music marketing. Never mind the talking marketing is more offensive than the talking politics is.
It helps the regime when folks say “shut up about politics.” It helps the regime when folks don’t talk to folks against the regime. If that’s what people want, that’s fine. But it doesn’t mean I have to want that. I like freedom and fearless thought. That’s fine too.
Hard times call for difficult decisions.
I still stay busy musically, but it’s a lot different than it was. I’m okay with that. No regrets. I just want folks to know, yes, unfortunately people head for the hills when you talk about politics. Here’s the kicker, tho; you’re right to talk.
If those listening don’t want to hear about politics, I don’t know what to tell them. We’re living in historic times and politics are in there. If you don’t want artists’ takes on the times, I’m not sure what you’re into art for.
It is censorship.
If you want to censor artists, that’s not their fault. That’s you being a jack ass. If you tell them, “shut up and play,” keep in mind that’s them being responsible.
Art makes the world a better place. Honesty helps relationships. If you don’t like art and honesty, you have a human problem, not an art one.
The other musicians….
Having said all this, a lot of artists make it easy for you to say something like “shut up and play.” I’ve been scolded and made fun of and given advice about what to say by other artists.
Some artists think they know me and send me long personal messages I can’t relate to. Like they’re trying to be on my side, but they’re clueless as to what my side is. lol. Doesn’t make any sense.
Artists advise me to “lay off politics” if I want to be “successful.” They may not know I’m already successful, obviously.🙄. My schedule is packed with music stuff. It’s full-time around here. What more could ya’ want?
The USA has been invaded by a fascist regime and guess what? We’re going to talk about that. Sorry to burst bubbles. Leave if you must. Antifascists here.
Good time for making art!
I feel like it’s a great time to be an artist. There’s real purpose in it. Anything that helps folks think or feel is very much needed from all hands on deck. I think a lot of folks in a lot of genres feel this way. I’m playing on everything from Hip Hop to show tunes. Again, no regrets.
If they say, “shut up,” in any form or fashion. Even if they’re nice about it. Tell them, “no,” nicely if ya’ want.
It’s time everyone uses what they have in service to common people. Common people are being subjugated and fleeced. Life expectancy has gone down. This isn’t fun and games. It’s serious work.
If you’re out there speaking your mind and taking heat for it, I love you. Thanks for your service.
If you don’t know what that’s like, it’s a good time to pick up new experiences.
Return to home.
Protest songs and my Jack Casady signature bass.
I have a Jack Casady bass. I find him to be one of those lesser known yet more inspiring musicians. One reason is this song. My pop played it for me when I was a kid and I’ve never lost the sense of liking it. It’s Jefferson Airplane, Volunteers. The whole record is fantastic. I knew it was time to get to work as a kid when this album started playing. I didn’t mind it so much. The Jack Casady Epiphone SemiHollow is a marvelous bass, in case you are in the market.
