Rabalder wrote:^
Why do you say that? Please explain!
zee verkawound wrote:1) Music as a "living", BAD IDEA!!! In fact, a STUPID idea that we have ALL had, and one that some continue to torture themselves with. There is not an industry outside the entertainment business that is more unreliable and inconsistent. That is, if you want to keep it "REAL"
Firstly, criticizing the idea is nuts. Ideas, and trying to bring them into existence are what keeps people going. Just because someone else never made it does not mean I can't. We may not exactly end up where we originally set out to go, but having the courage to step out and begin a journey is often the point. On top of this, being able to grow with your progress, learn and re clarify your original goal is central to bringing ideas to life. Things tend to become more focused as time goes by, mainly because you understand things better. I find the most rigid and stubborn people to be the most unhappy and hard done by people I know.
In terms of quantifying the industry, its purely subjective and situational. There is a shit load of other industries that are unreliable, inconsistent and ruled by old boy networks.
zee verkawound wrote:2) The better you are "skill wise" musically, and the more creatively unique you are as an artist, are both directly proportionate to the lack of success you will have musically. Why? Because mad skills and ingenious creativity DO NOT sell anything except tickets to the local music store's latest clinic. I have known MANY solo virtuosos that have alternate gigs outside music. They simply can't make it on their "artist's income" and they have ZERO benefits as virtuosos.
Its kind of a silly comment. Think about it from a craftsman's perspective. Just because you got mad skills in some area does not mean you are exempt from having to do the shit work. The above example is more of a case of being conceited than anything. "Not being paid what I think I am worth" is something I hear every now and then from people who think a little to highly of themselves.
zee verkawound wrote:3) Music is like any other business in that you have to meet public demands if you hope to make a consistent living. Guess what? The public's attention span is about as fickle and reliable as a midwestern weatherman. That's why most SOLID professional musicians play COVERS which is about as artistically genuine as bozo singing the national anthem at the next Dogers game.
You are right about public demands but not about the fickleness. If you work for yourself and you do not understand that your LIFE is a business then you will fail sooner or later. by your own fault. And again... you are not thinking about the journeyman musicians who work for other people playing the same chords and scales, day after day. Its the basics, fundamentals, core things. Its usually oversized ego's that claim they are above playing yet another refried bean of a song.
zee verkawound wrote:5) Most importantly: Music is art and those who appreciate it truly, appreciate it as such. It's when music is looked upon as mere "entertainment" that it's degraded to a professional context. Do you REALLY want to be professional musician, producer or DJ? If you do, it takes a lot of discipline to play material that you REALLY don;t want to have to play. It's a job, right? Why not be what we are ALL deep down inside, just a simple artist with his own vision like everyone else.
This is the biggest load of bollocks... musicians who think their talent is almost demi-god. Holy fcuk. Which planet are you from? In most developed countries the majority of people have to work for a living. For many people its about choices, or lack of them. Flipping burgers or playing cover tunes... mmm? I think I will flip burgers because I will remain pure, sanctified and undefiled by not lowering myself by using my "gift" like a mere mortal to pay some bills.
I think I am a similar age to you, I am guessing. I am 45. I have been involved in music full time since turning 41. I mainly teach music, but I have been doing the occasional demo and little bits of consulting. I am working on a small live thing which I will unveil when its ready. I will put out an album one day. I tinker in my studio which is a work in progress. I support a family and pay a mortgage. I am sure glad I never listened to the advice I was given that I would never make a living with music. No, its not a bed of roses financially. I am working with my wife to build her business as well... but jubus man, most couples I know need both parties to work. Yes I want to make more money and create a bigger/better following/reputation to trade in... who doesn't. But as it stands... I am happy I stepped out and made it happen.
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