Easy to Argue, Difficult to Create
It’s easy to argue, but difficult to create.
Streaming platforms will ruin creativity? The Internet is making music success more difficult? The long tail is proving to be false?
Maybe, maybe not. But worrying about those busy arguing take time away from creating; and creation of art is more productive than worrying about the fray.
(Also, those in the headlines always seem to have a new tech project, new book, or new something awaiting to be announced on the heels of making loud noise, don’t they?)
Is That Tom Cruise at My Open Mic? (a short, 1 scene play)
Scene: Ann Arbor, Michigan at Mash, a basement bar.
I’m packing up gear from the open mic night. A patron walks up to me.
Drunk College Guy: Do you work here?
Me: Well, not really. I’m the host of the open mic night.
DCG: Can I use your microphone?
Me: Sorry, open mic finished at 11. Do you play music?
DCG: No, my friend and I want to reenact the scene from Top Gun where–
Me: Nope.
Musicians and artists, ever feel like your art or music is your baby? If so, it’s no surprise that we might often feel some “baby blues” once our project or music is completed, released, and finished.
I’ve been feeling a little down in October, ever since I finished my tour.
I should be feeling happy to have a slower paced winter. 2013 has been a busy year for Nat and I, and it is reliving to drive 3-20 miles to a gig this winter vs. 300-600 miles like the fall tour!
But I’m feeling those baby blues. My big projects of 2013 are finished. I’m adjusting back into a “normal” routine.
If you feel those baby blues after your art is done, don’t feel alone. A little sadness might mean it was a great trip, it’s time to start planning the next project, and it’s time to enjoy the slower pace!
Did you read Lefsetz’s article about the shocking stats found when analyzing iTunes sales, including the large number of artists who only sell one song total?
The long tail myth is failing to come true when applied to music economics. It also appears that the income inequality gap of the country becomes even wider in the music world.
As an indie artist, it’s easy to feel disappointed if we measure music success in sales; but art is not truly measured by numbers.
Remember, Vincent van Gogh supposedly only sold one painting during his career, yet his art changed the world.
