i disagree, simply because thats where all music artists started.antipunt said: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'
I reflected upon your post, and I guess all I can really say is "thanks for the thoughtfulness". I took it to heart, and I see what you mean. However, let me clarify how I feel about the situation. I'm not doing it for fame nor money. What I'm doing it for is 'meaning'. And though I would indeed love playing in a bar and being personally thanked, there is the issue of 'absurdity'. It's a kind of metaphysical/emotion that I've received when I played music in the past. Getting a gig is hard enough as it is. Most of the 'shows' I've gotten were places where I've played for audiences that were here for the 'free entertainment'. I've had really bad experiences with this; have you ever tried playing music and spreading it? Most of the time people are laughing or talking while you play. It's an absolutely gut wrenching/uncomfortable feeling having your precious music mocked in a public setting, let alone, playing your music singing your heart out for people that don't see/hear the things that you do. Despite what idealists may think, no one there wants you to succeed; they couldn't care less about your music. One word: absurdity. That's what I don't want. I don't want to play in the dark, screaming my lungs out in an empty room. I want those people to thank me afterwards in that bar (that you described). But have you ever tried getting even that modest-situation? It's freaking tough man. Most of the time, you have more people mocking you than thanking you. Nobody wants you to succeed...you have to lure them in. And that's incredibly difficult to do. On the Westwood streets more often I see homeless guys blasting their guitars...outside of -real- show halls (I went to a show with HelloGoodbye once (not necessarily my favorite band...but it was the situation I recalled), and I just keep reflecting over this one desperate old hobo). The hobo fits 'absurdity'. He plays in the dark hoping to get noticed, but he just doesn't have 'it', and looks ridiculous doing it. People make fun of him. In this situation, HelloGoodbye...they weren't absurd. They had fans. A following. They could do music for a living, and not sleep in a cardboard box.Eclectic Dreck said:And you can't have a day job?antipunt said:Eh...you know what? Honestly, I just don't want to cope with living in a cardboard box.but would not playing on the street with a hat out still be something? i mean you're getting your music out there, people are listening to it.
why should it have to be that you need to have the big record contract and be on the charts to be considered sucessful?
And that's living in a cardboard box.
This isn't a flame by any stretch, but that's basically a flimsy excuse. If you love the art of expressing yourself through music I think you need to find a way. Chances are good you won't make it to the big time as I already pointed out (and seems blindingly obvious to me). Money aside, would you sacrifice entertaining a crowd at a bar and being personally thanked just because it probably won't lead you to riches and fame? If you answer yes, then I have to say, you're playing for all the wrong reasons.
I hope that made sense.He says the choices were given
Now you must live them
Or just not live
But do you want that?
LOL...oh how I wish...vampirekid.13 said:its how it starts every time, but you have to be talented. i mean if 6 kids from LA that run around in masks and yell undead can get a record deal so can you...right?
After reading this I am thinking of putting a #3 on my list. Sacrifice. From what I read antipunt, you have a lot to say which is really good, but in order to get people to listen you have to cut back a bit. Get back into doing shows but cut down the number of originals you do, people like hearing covers because they can sing along and stuff. Once you feel the crowd is comfortable (this could take a few songs or a few gigs) throw in an original, introduce it and talk about it a bit, then go back into covers.antipunt said:SNIP
You have a lot of cool ideas, Zen. You sound like a real awesome bass-player as well, wish we could jam (love bassists/drummers).zen5887 said:As it turns out, its called the music industry for a reason and no matter how hard you try to avoid it, the business side of music will always be there. This isn't always bad, you can totally use it to your advantage.