Value In Music

          After high school we embark on this journey of trying to figure out who we are and what work we will choose that will define a majority of our adult life. For some it may be what you were in high school i.e. a jock or a musician… others may choose medicine because they are smart or love the topic… others may pursue financially stable careers while others will pursue something they love. However, I view being a musician as something more of a disease than a career choice. Most people I know are musicians because they HAVE to be not because they have chosen it. I’m actually quite convinced that being a musician is in the same family of disorders as OCD. (I do not mean to make light of ODC just merely drawing a comparison between a musicians need to create, practice, and perform… and someone that does something obsessively.)

            So for me… I’ve chosen the life of an artist. However I do reject the regular stigma that encapsulates an artist’s life… like the whole “I’m going to be broke my whole life”… and “I rather be poor making my art than selling out”…. Or whatever other cliché rationalization that people throw around to cement their failure in other people’s minds so when said artist does succeed everyone around him/her is pleasantly surprised.

            Enough of my rambling…. On to the little black book in CaLM called “Art/Fear”.

In chapter III the author David Bayles & Ted Orland discuss the fears we have about ourselves. Instead if diving into crazy hypothetical’s I’m just going to write about something that stuck with me that pertain to this topic.

            So many times as a musician I ask myself “Why am I doing this? Isn’t there something I could be doing that would make a difference in this world?” All too often I question myself extensively about what I’m doing. I see doctors working on cures to better humanity or soldier’s proudly serving their country and I feel as though my pursuits pail in comparison…. Almost as if my pursuit of art is a selfish indulgence that is laughable in the grand scheme of humanity.

            However I once read an article by a famous piano player that was discussing this same topic. He was a well known teacher working in New York. Everything was going well until he witnessed the events of September 11^th, 2001. I’m paraphrasing but he basically went on to say that he did not touch the piano for days as he looked back on his life and felt guilty of all the time he spent doing something perceived as meaningless based on recent events. He witnessed fire fighters giving their lives for the greater good and what was he doing…. Playing music.

            It wasn’t until he went out into the city a few days later he realized the importance of music. People had gathered together and were singing. It was then that he realized that when people reach down into their most basic human instincts and source of coping and communicating music is what they found. In the midst of complete destruction music brought humanity together…. When no words were left to comfort the grieving music comforted their hearts and minds…. Music is water to our souls.

            Whenever I question why I’m doing what I’m doing or feel that it doesn’t compare to someone in a more prestigious profess I just remember this story and it brings peace to my musical pursuits.

Chris          

Dessa's a Darling

This past week, well 10-4-2010 to be exact, Dessa Darling graced us with her presence in Creating a Life in Music. She is the resident artist here at McNally Smith College of Music and an integral part of Doomtree.

            Aside from Dessa’s animated personality you can tell she has a true passion for music. It’s a tried and true cliché in the music industry to claim you would rather be broke making art than well off working a conventional job. However, Dessa was one of the few artists that I truly believed when she claimed loyalty to this much followed doctrine in the art community. Disclaimer: I’m by no means saying that many if not all artist sincerely feel that way about art. I am however merely trying to decipher the difference between passion and commitment and the easy cop out for not being a responsible part of society. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how I really feel ;-)

            Dessa was a wealth of information for an indie artist like myself. She was a straight shooter that gave us a realistic look at what self promotion takes/looks like. Here are a few of the notes I found to be of particular importance to me.

           

·         Have a well written bio.

o       This would include a personal/intimate bio as well as a profession bio. If you have a well/professionally written bio it is much easier for writers and editors to use your own words in their writing which helps you get publicity because it is easier for writers and editors to meet deadlines.

·         Have a press list.

o       This is basically a list of contacts for writers and editors of any local or regional publications.

·         Have Black & White as well as Color Photos.

o       When submitting a press release or press kit for publication you should submit both photos so the editors have options. Unless you know if your page will be run in color or black and white. Also you should avoid wearing red against dark backgrounds and vise versa because when run in black and white you appear to be a body less human with arms. This inconvenience in and of itself can be enough to not get you published if the editors have no more photo options.

·         Book your gig then submit press release.

o       Publications only care about press releases if you already have a show or CD release booked. Apparently a lot of artists try submitting information in the reverse order.

Check Dessa out on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQL3BrRqM8

Chris