Comments on: Why would anyone want to be a musician in this environment?

By: Spiv

Spiv — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:53:06 +0000

Hey! Spiv here, longtime Chicago rock and Roller. Write, record, tour, elation, depression, success, failure – you name it. I have been through the grinder.

I am STILL a musician at 41. Still making records, still doing some touring, gigging etc.

Why? I love it. It is my passion. I want my kids to rock.

I make a living at it – small as it may be, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

I grew up rocking pre-computers. So I have seen the glory of what technology brings to the table, as well as the downside and demise of the Wal-Marting of every facet of the music industry from the tools we use to the music that is pumped into the mainstream. So be it. The Godzillas of the music industry will always experience the inevitable rise and fall until the next new Godzilla takes form. For me, it’s always been an independent thing, an internal passion and I hope to have this passion till I die.

Being a rocker at 41 isn’t the easiest, however – seeing all the young bands everywhere, and feeling like the old man – but fuck it. My bands throw fire that can only be thrown when you have lived, breathed and slept rock and roll for a large part of your life.

All hail those who continue to carry the torch.

Rock on!
Spiv
http://www.kentlandrecords.com

By: Lynn Harrison

Lynn Harrison — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:11:10 +0000

I believe that music satisfies a hunger that is universal: for peace, for harmony and for order. It seems to me unsurprising that more people are making music (and creating art) today despite the economic challenges; in fact I think people make music BECAUSE of them. Music is powerful medicine for all that does not make sense in the world today…and engagement with music either as sender or receiver (or more likely now, both) is as human an experience as breathing. Whether we elect to connect it to our economic lives…that’s another choice entirely, and it may have no bearing on whether or not we make music, or whether our music makes a difference.

Thank you for your thought-provoking question and for the resources on your site!

Lynn

By: Josh Taddeo

Josh Taddeo — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:56:31 +0000

As musicians we are all creators. In this violent environment where the music business seems to be failing and the money seems to be all but disappearing, we should be the ones to see the opportunity. WE are the creators! Just create new business models and move forward. The music business is failing not because of the lack of music, but rather the lack of forward thinking in business. NOW is the time for musicians to take back the music business! Good luck everyone.

P.S. I am a new kid on the scene so the website is still being built!

By: » Blog Archive » Blogroll Update

» Blog Archive » Blogroll Update — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:01:34 +0000

[...] Kusek, Vice President at Berklee College of Music, asked the question, Why would anyone want to be a musician in this environment? Check out some of the answers he received via [...]

By: dkusek

dkusek — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:58:22 +0000

Thank you all for your comments and inspiration. I was just looking to see how other people felt about the current situation. Of course we need to make music and of course it is challenging at any time. I wanted to see the tenor of people’s replies as things are certainly more difficult today while at the same time the opportunities are more exciting than ever. More to come on the subject…

Dave

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:09:00 +0000

All of my life I have loved music and now I have the opportunity to play piano…something I never dreamed I could do! I have always sung and still would like to be on “an older version of American Idol”! There are quite a few over 40s/50′s who still can hit a few notes and thensome!

By: Dave Booda

Dave Booda — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:27:27 +0000

If it were easy, everyone would do it.

By: Arnell Carmichael

Arnell Carmichael — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:05:14 +0000

Creative thinking is everything you want it to be and everything you need to stay sane. Being a musician is showing your have skills of musical discipline to communicate your vibe. Jamming is one thing. Professionally being a musician is being a great super hero to a soul.

By: M.MALLOY

M.MALLOY — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:51:55 +0000

BECAUSE EVERYONE ONE OF US HAS A STORY TO TELL,
AND THIS IS THE WAY TO COMMUNICATE ON A UNIVERSAL LEVEL.
ITS LIKE THE LYRICS FROM THIS MILTON NASCIMENTO SONG,
“SOUL GOES BEYOND WHAT WE DARE TO PERCIEVE” VIBRATIONS ARE HEAVY.,

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:29:17 +0000

the bigger is the challenge, the bigger is the will to overcome it…