So I was just ruminating on a certain issue and was wondering if there were any musicians/pragmatists out there that felt the same way I did.
Anyone else notice how depressing it is to be an aspiring musician? Let's be frank: most of us, probably -are by definition- aspiring musicians because we think we have something 'special'. Or in other words, we are driven to write music because we want to share our essence with the rest of the world, due to whatever genetic predisposition we may have that drives us to think this way. Maybe we are motivated by our favorite bands, etc.
And then...we realize something...
http://www.allages.com/2008/shows.html
This is a 'show/stage' near my residence. Just look at....-all- those bands out there. All of them who believe they also are 'the best'. Also believing they want to 'share their musical essences'. Also competing...with -you-.
The point is I'm starting to realize that...(correct me if I'm wrong, this is my point here): isn't it statistically improbable to become a successful musician (and much more likely that you'll be one of those homeless guys playing for nickels?). And what I mean is, statistically, if we were to talk about, say, the lottery, most educated folk would instantly disregard any chance of winning the lottery ("higher chance of getting struck by lightning, hah! It's just so unreasonable"). The sad thing is that it seems comparable to musical-success. What's the chance you are to land a label? To become famous? To hit 'awesome-status' like bands like Brand New or Muse?
Escapists, do you not agree? Musical success is, to an individual, as silly and improbable as something like winning the lottery. Of course we'll say encouraging things like "you'll never know unless you try" and "you just got to do all you can and hope for the best", but on a purely-rational and honest/succinct train of thought: aren't we just lying to make people feel better?
'Despite all the rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage'
Anyone else notice how depressing it is to be an aspiring musician? Let's be frank: most of us, probably -are by definition- aspiring musicians because we think we have something 'special'. Or in other words, we are driven to write music because we want to share our essence with the rest of the world, due to whatever genetic predisposition we may have that drives us to think this way. Maybe we are motivated by our favorite bands, etc.
And then...we realize something...
http://www.allages.com/2008/shows.html
This is a 'show/stage' near my residence. Just look at....-all- those bands out there. All of them who believe they also are 'the best'. Also believing they want to 'share their musical essences'. Also competing...with -you-.
The point is I'm starting to realize that...(correct me if I'm wrong, this is my point here): isn't it statistically improbable to become a successful musician (and much more likely that you'll be one of those homeless guys playing for nickels?). And what I mean is, statistically, if we were to talk about, say, the lottery, most educated folk would instantly disregard any chance of winning the lottery ("higher chance of getting struck by lightning, hah! It's just so unreasonable"). The sad thing is that it seems comparable to musical-success. What's the chance you are to land a label? To become famous? To hit 'awesome-status' like bands like Brand New or Muse?
Escapists, do you not agree? Musical success is, to an individual, as silly and improbable as something like winning the lottery. Of course we'll say encouraging things like "you'll never know unless you try" and "you just got to do all you can and hope for the best", but on a purely-rational and honest/succinct train of thought: aren't we just lying to make people feel better?
'Despite all the rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage'