If only, Music Mattered…
…Artists would make Art; they’d spend their time developing and executing this craft, to entertain and inspire. It’s no wonder we have less revolutionary music around: the musicians are all too busy at Business Bootcamp, trying to learn how to make a living.
…Everyone would make a living doing exactly what they’re good at, exactly what they love. Musicians would play the music they love; we have rock geniuses writing item numbers because it seems the easiest way to get paid.
…Payments would be on time. You wouldn’t need to hunt down that competition organizer for the prize money you won last year, which is now required to pay for the ridiculous registration fees at yet another contest that promises to change your music career forever. Sure, just ask last year’s winners.
…Asking an artist to pay, for a ‘platform to showcase their talent’, would be punishable by law. Does a director pay you to watch his movie? Does the plumber pay you to fix a leaking tap? Does McDonalds pay you to eat their food? Be wary of people who exploit your passion just because it’s slightly less tangible: and don’t ever feel guilty about getting paid to do something you adore.
…Music businessmen would actually adore music. Band Managements would respect the bands they claim to be fighting for. Approach this industry solely with a genuine care for music and the people who create it, not just to make a quick buck, because trying to rip a band off is like stealing a kid’s piggy-bank: the battle isn’t worth the spoils.
…It would be vital to every school curriculum. Kids understand abstract concepts easier than adults, imagine the number of prodigies we’d have. Far too many musicians these days are born from frustration, rather than inspiration.
…Radio Stations (and all other media really) would explore new music, enlighten audiences, and shape good-taste across a range of genres.
…Genres, would be simple and helpful. For now we have over-enthusiastic fans arguing about which band originally popularized Neo-Industrial Jazz Thrash; and bands that still think calling themselves ‘Confused Rock’ is legit.
…Fans would put their money where their mouth is. Buy the music you enjoy, and attend concerts of your favourite local bands; not just the established ones from another country.
…When leading artists from other countries do visit though, they’d get the respect they deserve: event managers wouldn’t cut corners, and frenzied mobs wouldn’t strut around on stage breaking gear; just so we’ve got that clear.
…New and naïve musicians wouldn’t be led to believe there’s a single product, or organization, that with enough investment can make all your dreams come true for you. As far as we know, there is no such thing. The only entity that comes close isn’t human: and even He doesn’t do your dirty work.
Dreams were never meant to be reasonable; so aim higher than you can handle, sing even if you think no one is listening, live the Rockstar life but don’t be dragged down by its clichés; rejoice at being part of an elite group of future luminaries, create beautiful things for the whole world but never forget to surprise yourself; and pray, that this New Year be known as the time when Music truly began to Matter.
Blessed New Year 2012 to musicians everywhere!
