[23rd consult]

[dr_conscience]

Business. Industry.

The fact that these words are associated with music is a shame, isn't it?

Music was created to express thought, feeling, convey an experience, capture an emotion -- to communicate on a level deeper than words alone.

Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic that some artists are lucky enough to have the chance to make an actual living off of their work, but money shouldn't be the reason to do this. The reason you make music is because you have something you need to express, some deep, human urge to convey an abstract concept in an appealing, creative way. It's because you need to.

Things just ought to be less about the artist's image and more about the artist's art, don't you think? What they're wearing, how their hair's done, who they're seen with, and whatever other gossip you can dig up aside, the worth a musician should be measured in terms of their music.

Well. I'll be in the park for a while, if anyone feels inclined to drop by and improvise some collaboration.

Comments

[dr_conscience]

And again, I'm not. You're the one who's generalizing everything; it's not my fault if you've got such a narrow view of the world. I guess a statement meant to apply to the few issues can't possibly not encompass everything even remotely related, though, can it?

[didntscrewup.livejournal.com]

No, you only expressed your disdain for the whole music industry. Clearly not a generalisation.

[dr_conscience]

I expressed disappointment in the direction that the music industry has taken. That doesn't apply to every musical act that is part of the industry, but rather to the way business executives have handled what should be an industry about expression. If you're actually legitimately happy and legitimately expressing your message, then I have no reason to have any issue with you. I made that quite clear, and yet, here you are.

[didntscrewup.livejournal.com]

You expressed disappointment that the word industry was associated with music at all, and now you're backing up because you don't want to go off message. Love and peace doesn't mesh well with sweeping judgementalism. Bob Dylan did it, Ben and Jerry did it. If your product's worth selling, it's going to sell. If it's not, head to the park.

[dr_conscience]

Fine; I'm more than willing to admit that the particular statement was inaccurate, and I can apologize for that. The issue is the word itself, really. "Industry?" That's about mass production... mechanical, impersonal. It feels like there should be a better phrase for it if it's going to be associated with music, but for lack of another word, I don't have a choice but to use it. But, ultimately, the thing is, some of us aren't concerned with selling anything. I'm more than happy to be outside, with other people, face-to-face; sharing something on a more personal level.

[didntscrewup.livejournal.com]

Ask a kid who comes along to a stadium gig if they felt the energy from the stage. Industry just shifts records, the message is what you put on them. There's still room for face-to-face.