My friend was expressing frustration at me on my behalf asking “why aren’t you more popular? Try out for American Idol!” I’ve had friends give me advice after hearing me play to do things everyone else does to get attention, or get in line, they think.
It’s okay if you aren’t in the music business if you don’t understand the relentlessness it takes to earn a living doing music. Literally, musicians who live on their stuff, it’s not just the talent. It’s a lot of work. And it’s even some luck. I’m just not interested in all that. I don’t even have to get dressed to do what I want to do, pick up a guitar and write songs. I practice a lot, but I don’t do the “learn 30 songs in two days” thing anymore, haven’t in a long time. Not interested. I’m just interested in visiting.
If I’m playing a song for you, I’m doing exactly what I want to do. I don’t expect magic to happen if you get emotional about it, though it might make me emotional too. I don’t do the streamers. I don’t do the promo things a lot of musicians do. More power to them. But all I want to do is write and record songs. That happens fine if I don’t do anything but that, and this little site. It doesn’t depend on my return on investment, doesn’t depend on how many folks are listening or subscribed, it doesn’t depend on how many streams I get, it just depends on me. I like that.
Maybe a lot of musicians are cut out to be CEO’s. I am not. I’m not even a people person, particularly. But I do love music. And it keeps me busy. That’s fine if that’s all I ever get from it.
You might not realize it, but it’s kinda’ rude, this whole “you should call this guy or go play here,” thing. I know folks mean well, but simply clapping is better. More often than not, musicians that are new to us are not new musicians. When we treat them like rookies, it’s rude. Just so ya’ know. It’s an image you put on them and started talking to. Don’t worry. Happens all the time, no biggie. Just FYI.
When I’m playing a song for someone, I’m doing exactly what I aim to do. Let me enjoy it. Thanks.
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Enjoy “Life Ain’t Worth a Song” from October of 2023.