{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"26124091","dateCreated":"1266170113","smartDate":"Feb 14, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/calmfall10.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/26124091"},"dateDigested":1531983807,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Discussion Question #2","description":"2. \u201cEntrepreneur\u201d is not always a label that musicians embrace. At this point in the semester, how do you view this descriptor for yourself? How do you plan to reconcile the musical\/artistic sides of your developing career with the business and non-artistic elements? Use the readings, class discussions, and outside sources to support, illustrate, and synthesize your position.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"26124111","body":"Anyone want to try this question? How does (or doesn't) the term 'entrepreneur' work for you as part of your professional persona? If you embrace it, what will you do to develop this part of your career? If you resist this label, how do you plan to manage the non-artistic sides of your career?","dateCreated":"1266612477","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124113","body":"I posted on the other discussion, but I've got time to kill between classes, so why not?
\n
\nAs a musician, you are almost mandated into the title of "entrepreneur," unless you have a full team of associates working around the clock doing everything for you and your only responsibility is to show up on time and play your instrument. I can't say that I've fully embraced all of the assumed responsibilities associated with the title, but there are some that simply cannot be ignored.
\n
\nFor example: In my band, I am not taking on all aspects and duties of the entrepreneur. I leave the graphic design and booking aspects to some of the other members as they excel far greater than I do in said areas. However, their verbiage and vernacular, along with grammar and spelling, can be atrocious when sending\/responding to emails and\/or other public relation scenarios. Moreover, even though I'm mostly an introvert, I'm far more social than the other members, i.e. I go to far more parties and shows to meet new people\/contacts. Thusly, I have inferred the nom de guerre, in my band, of "P.R. Guy."
\n
\nHowever, as a guitarist, opposed to "band member," I've had to take on the majority of the entrepreneurial duties. While my main band is truly where my passion lies, it's not paying the bills. So I've had to take initiative to be more social and adapt to different social niches in order to promote myself as not only a talented musicians, but a "cool cat" as well. I've set up a gmail account solely for myself as a guitarist for hire, along with business cards (thanks to this class) that promote only myself. With these affairs, I've gotten work recording for hip hop\/techno MC's, joined three more bands, and gained students for lessons.
\n
\nThe great thing about promoting myself as a "guitarist for hire" is how I've integrated my main band in as well. The band name is on the resume, and when asked about my background I always bring it up. So without those entrepreneurial skills used to promote myself, my main project\/passion wouldn't have the amount of contacts\/fans that we have right now.
\n
\nWhile it would be nice to have little to no responsibilities when attempting to advance your career as a musicians, it's just not possible. You have to get out there and not only promote yourself, but keep in touch with people, book shows, et alia.
\n
\nTo me the word "entrepreneur" has the connotation of: creating something new, or expanding upon something old and making it fresh and exciting. Music has been around for centuries. It's near impossible to create something that hasn't been heard\/seen before. So when you're advertising your music\/band, I'd say about 20% of the audiences' reactions will be based on how "good" or "original" the music is. The other 80% will be based on how well you've applied your entrepreneurial skills.","dateCreated":"1266615370","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124115","body":"I agree with guitifiddle, but I would argue that while a sole individual\/ musician is an entrepreneur, an entire band, I would also consider an entrepreneur almost an entrepreneurial unit. I think a band, to be successful must function as a single-unit, a business in a sense, it logically follows that each person would take on the responsibilities most suited to their individual strengths to make the band or whole successful. I think this is a very interesting idea, and a very difficult balancing act. I think, in a way, it is more difficult to have a successful band as opposed to a solo career. It's easier to make decisions when it's only you that must deal with the consequences, that is not the case in a multi-person business.","dateCreated":"1266622015","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124119","body":"First of all, nice work, Andrew, in getting yourself out there as a 'guitarist for hire' and even managing to promote your band at the same time! You've really stepped outside your comfort zone and are seeing some solid positive results for that work. It also sounds like you guys are finding your non-musical niches. I'm intrigued by your last comment defining entrepreneur but questioning the ability for anyone to truly be new in music. Any responses to that well-stated position?
\n
\nJenny, the idea of an 'entrepreneurial unit' is right on--and like you say, very tricky in a group! This may be one factor in the demise of lots of bands. Pluses and minuses of solo vs band. Of course, going solo, it all falls on you. Depending on how much you like to control things, that might be just fine!","dateCreated":"1266625496","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124129","body":"I think that it is very difficult to create something completely original. I think that rather than trying too hard to create something completely new, its more important to just be yourself and not try too hard to do what someone else has done. Just like not thinking too much about what people will think of your playing, if you don't worry too much about the music that you create then you'll be able to develop your own style, even if it might have some similarities to other music.","dateCreated":"1266713340","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124131","body":"That's a fine line that we walk as artists. Personally, i'm of the belief that it's basically impossible to be "completely original". I won't bore everyone with the philosophical particulars of this notion, but it basically boils down to this: you can't create something out of nothing; everything is influenced from something. All art is plagiarized; some people are just more creative about it than others.
\n
\nThat's where originality, as we know it, comes from; it'll all about taking these influences from which your personal perspective and very being are comprised and expressing them. It's not about having new ideas, it's about putting a new spin on them and making connections in a different way from what someone else might do.
\n
\n<\/tangential rambling>
\n
\nEntrepreneurship is definitely an important aspect of being a musician, especially in this era of computing machines and cellular telephones. Now that people have almost instant access to whatever they <i>want<\/i> to listen to, and they aren't stuck with whatever generalized drivel is put on the radio. People can now seek out <i>precisely<\/i> what they want, and as a result the marked has diversified immensely.
\n
\nTake for example Jonathan Coulton. I have never been in an audience of such a specific demographic as when as that show. For those of you not familiar with his works, he has become something of an icon of geekdom; he is to that culture what Woody Guthrie was to the poor working class in that era (someone posted a link to his site on that page of the wiki). And he has used his internet savvy to reach his specific audience with such success that he can at his shows make obscure jokes about Archimedes and DNA with justified confidence that 98% of those present will immediately pick up on it.
\n
\nTo me, this is a perfect example of the kind of entrepreneurship that's beginning to dominate the music scene; whether it's a folk-metal band or a geeky singer-songwriter, the market shares are being divided up by artists who tune in so very acutely to their specific kind of audience. Gone are the days of drawing throngs of casual listeners to see the biggest new thing that the recording companies picked up; taking their place are the promotion-savvy artists building up their handfuls of dedicated fans that carry on their career because that artist has been able to reach them and speak to them so effectively.
\n
\nI, for one, welcome this brave new world that has such people in it.","dateCreated":"1266738930","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124133","body":"Good points, Alex. It's true that we're all (for the most part) working with the same 12 notes, and from that get Mozart, Stravinsky, Woody Guthrie, Black Sabbath, etc. etc. It can also be true that innovators--those who truly go in new directions (at least as perceived by listeners)-- can sometimes have a tough time building an audience. At least that's frequently been true for artists historically. Is the highly focused niche-building that you describe, Alex, representing a significant new shift in how artists are working today? How is the technology that Jonathan Coulton employs changing art?","dateCreated":"1266789613","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124141","body":"My own entrepreneurial mindset is somewhat similar to that of guitfiddle's. I will readily embrace the promotional skills necessary to advance my own career, and in my situation, that would mean marketing myself to other musicians. Thus, the practical things we're doing in this class like getting business cards, creating an informative myspace page, and writing resumes are the sorts of things I am glad to be learning, as they will aid me in getting my name out there and presenting myself professionally. This type of entrepreneurship is vitally important. It is the business of running a band or marketing music that I have no interest in, which is why I said I'll be marketing myself to musicians looking to hire me, rather than being in the business of trying to convince the public to buy my cd, or talking some manager into letting me perform at such and such a venue.","dateCreated":"1266793735","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124143","body":"Jan
\n
\nAs far as genres go, the last original genre that was created was "rock and roll." Though that can even be argued that rock and roll is only the blues. Everything after that has just been add ons and genre hybrids. But that's maybe being too broad and philosophical about genres.
\n
\nEven new artists that come out today aren't really offering new genre's. They are relying more on overall image and lyrical content than the music itself.
\n
\nLet's take Lady Gaga for instance. What about her music is actually original? She sings over the same pop style accopaniment that any other pop diva sings over, just different notes, rhythms, progressions etc... I believe that the majority of the reason she is so popular is her image and the controversy involved.
\n
\nI don't know if she actually beat Michael Jackson's record for most #1 singles on an album, but I know she was very close to beating it. And then when her singles weren't doing as hot as before, along comes a rumor that she is man, or she was a man at some point. Of course everybody is going to hear about that and go check her out. I'll even admit that I had no idea who she was until I heard that rumor. Then I actually purchased The Fame Monster.
\n
\nAs for hybrid music, that really doesn't count as being original. Let's take Yellowcard for instance. They were a garden variety pop punk band that added a violin. Does that make them more original because they added a violin? Not really. Violins have been used in music for centuries. Why is it original if they use one? I know it's not normally associated with the genre, but their music was still pop punk. It was just something different to look at and listen for.","dateCreated":"1266796342","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124149","body":"Reed, I would argue that in promoting your own career you are essentially a one-man business already and need to know a good deal beyond how to get people to hire you in order to make it all work. I'd suggest that it will ultimately be helpful to know something about the ways the larger music industry works in order to avoid (or try to, anyway) being ripped off in a myriad of ways. What's more, who's to say you will never write or co-write a song you will need to copyright (or not), promote (or not), and perhaps license (or not). While being a solid side-man is a totally viable career choice, when you are totally dependent on other people hiring you, you can find that work may disappear out from under you with little for you to say about it.","dateCreated":"1266815647","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124151","body":"Basically, i was referring to how public access to music has changed over the years, with the advent of first radio and now the internet. From the 1920s to about the 90s, radio was how people were introduced to music, and until recordings started becoming available, it was the only way they heard any if they couldn't play it themselves.
\n
\nThis seems to have led to a proliferation of music that is generally appealing to the largest amount of people. Maybe it didn't speak to each individual with particular accuracy, but it was agreeable enough to enough people that those songs could make a whole bunch of money.
\n
\nBut then the internet came along and suddenly people were presented with an unheard-of level of choice. It was no longer about finding which of the available options presented was closest to what the individual preferred, now it was about discovering precisely the kind of music you really want to hear.
\n
\nThe use of this technology has been a primary factor in facilitating this process, helping these kinds of niche artists find their particular audience, thereby making a living that would have been impossible just a couple decades ago.","dateCreated":"1266859500","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124157","body":"As a musician who is planning to be a freelancer, being an entrepreneur is essential to making a living. I\u2019m learning how to make my self a successful entrepreneur but it is taking time. For most of my musical life, I\u2019ve been playing without really considering how to make it work. Now that I\u2019m graduating it is incredibly important that I hit the ground running.
\nThe last couple of weeks have really changed the game for me for when I graduate. Up until February 25th I was unsure of what I was going to do after the big day. Then I got a call from a friend, Michael, asking me if I would move to New York when I graduate to join his band Robbers. I\u2019m a big fan of the band ever since another band I was in toured with them in the winter of \u201808. Now, out of nowhere I have a new plan and I have to now rethink my strategy for how I will make it work. It\u2019s a little intimidating.
\nMusicians have to be entrepreneurs in order to make money. We are our own businesses and products. Our service is affecting emotions. Now sell it!","dateCreated":"1267659702","smartDate":"Mar 3, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}}],"more":1}]},{"id":"26124163","dateCreated":"1266170113","smartDate":"Feb 14, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/calmfall10.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/26124163"},"dateDigested":1531983808,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Discussion Question #2","description":"2. \u201cEntrepreneur\u201d is not always a label that musicians embrace. At this point in the semester, how do you view this descriptor for yourself? How do you plan to reconcile the musical\/artistic sides of your developing career with the business and non-artistic elements? Use the readings, class discussions, and outside sources to support, illustrate, and synthesize your position.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"26124183","body":"Anyone want to try this question? How does (or doesn't) the term 'entrepreneur' work for you as part of your professional persona? If you embrace it, what will you do to develop this part of your career? If you resist this label, how do you plan to manage the non-artistic sides of your career?","dateCreated":"1266612477","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124185","body":"I posted on the other discussion, but I've got time to kill between classes, so why not?
\n
\nAs a musician, you are almost mandated into the title of "entrepreneur," unless you have a full team of associates working around the clock doing everything for you and your only responsibility is to show up on time and play your instrument. I can't say that I've fully embraced all of the assumed responsibilities associated with the title, but there are some that simply cannot be ignored.
\n
\nFor example: In my band, I am not taking on all aspects and duties of the entrepreneur. I leave the graphic design and booking aspects to some of the other members as they excel far greater than I do in said areas. However, their verbiage and vernacular, along with grammar and spelling, can be atrocious when sending\/responding to emails and\/or other public relation scenarios. Moreover, even though I'm mostly an introvert, I'm far more social than the other members, i.e. I go to far more parties and shows to meet new people\/contacts. Thusly, I have inferred the nom de guerre, in my band, of "P.R. Guy."
\n
\nHowever, as a guitarist, opposed to "band member," I've had to take on the majority of the entrepreneurial duties. While my main band is truly where my passion lies, it's not paying the bills. So I've had to take initiative to be more social and adapt to different social niches in order to promote myself as not only a talented musicians, but a "cool cat" as well. I've set up a gmail account solely for myself as a guitarist for hire, along with business cards (thanks to this class) that promote only myself. With these affairs, I've gotten work recording for hip hop\/techno MC's, joined three more bands, and gained students for lessons.
\n
\nThe great thing about promoting myself as a "guitarist for hire" is how I've integrated my main band in as well. The band name is on the resume, and when asked about my background I always bring it up. So without those entrepreneurial skills used to promote myself, my main project\/passion wouldn't have the amount of contacts\/fans that we have right now.
\n
\nWhile it would be nice to have little to no responsibilities when attempting to advance your career as a musicians, it's just not possible. You have to get out there and not only promote yourself, but keep in touch with people, book shows, et alia.
\n
\nTo me the word "entrepreneur" has the connotation of: creating something new, or expanding upon something old and making it fresh and exciting. Music has been around for centuries. It's near impossible to create something that hasn't been heard\/seen before. So when you're advertising your music\/band, I'd say about 20% of the audiences' reactions will be based on how "good" or "original" the music is. The other 80% will be based on how well you've applied your entrepreneurial skills.","dateCreated":"1266615370","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124187","body":"I agree with guitifiddle, but I would argue that while a sole individual\/ musician is an entrepreneur, an entire band, I would also consider an entrepreneur almost an entrepreneurial unit. I think a band, to be successful must function as a single-unit, a business in a sense, it logically follows that each person would take on the responsibilities most suited to their individual strengths to make the band or whole successful. I think this is a very interesting idea, and a very difficult balancing act. I think, in a way, it is more difficult to have a successful band as opposed to a solo career. It's easier to make decisions when it's only you that must deal with the consequences, that is not the case in a multi-person business.","dateCreated":"1266622015","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124191","body":"First of all, nice work, Andrew, in getting yourself out there as a 'guitarist for hire' and even managing to promote your band at the same time! You've really stepped outside your comfort zone and are seeing some solid positive results for that work. It also sounds like you guys are finding your non-musical niches. I'm intrigued by your last comment defining entrepreneur but questioning the ability for anyone to truly be new in music. Any responses to that well-stated position?
\n
\nJenny, the idea of an 'entrepreneurial unit' is right on--and like you say, very tricky in a group! This may be one factor in the demise of lots of bands. Pluses and minuses of solo vs band. Of course, going solo, it all falls on you. Depending on how much you like to control things, that might be just fine!","dateCreated":"1266625496","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124199","body":"I think that it is very difficult to create something completely original. I think that rather than trying too hard to create something completely new, its more important to just be yourself and not try too hard to do what someone else has done. Just like not thinking too much about what people will think of your playing, if you don't worry too much about the music that you create then you'll be able to develop your own style, even if it might have some similarities to other music.","dateCreated":"1266713340","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124201","body":"That's a fine line that we walk as artists. Personally, i'm of the belief that it's basically impossible to be "completely original". I won't bore everyone with the philosophical particulars of this notion, but it basically boils down to this: you can't create something out of nothing; everything is influenced from something. All art is plagiarized; some people are just more creative about it than others.
\n
\nThat's where originality, as we know it, comes from; it'll all about taking these influences from which your personal perspective and very being are comprised and expressing them. It's not about having new ideas, it's about putting a new spin on them and making connections in a different way from what someone else might do.
\n
\n<\/tangential rambling>
\n
\nEntrepreneurship is definitely an important aspect of being a musician, especially in this era of computing machines and cellular telephones. Now that people have almost instant access to whatever they <i>want<\/i> to listen to, and they aren't stuck with whatever generalized drivel is put on the radio. People can now seek out <i>precisely<\/i> what they want, and as a result the marked has diversified immensely.
\n
\nTake for example Jonathan Coulton. I have never been in an audience of such a specific demographic as when as that show. For those of you not familiar with his works, he has become something of an icon of geekdom; he is to that culture what Woody Guthrie was to the poor working class in that era (someone posted a link to his site on that page of the wiki). And he has used his internet savvy to reach his specific audience with such success that he can at his shows make obscure jokes about Archimedes and DNA with justified confidence that 98% of those present will immediately pick up on it.
\n
\nTo me, this is a perfect example of the kind of entrepreneurship that's beginning to dominate the music scene; whether it's a folk-metal band or a geeky singer-songwriter, the market shares are being divided up by artists who tune in so very acutely to their specific kind of audience. Gone are the days of drawing throngs of casual listeners to see the biggest new thing that the recording companies picked up; taking their place are the promotion-savvy artists building up their handfuls of dedicated fans that carry on their career because that artist has been able to reach them and speak to them so effectively.
\n
\nI, for one, welcome this brave new world that has such people in it.","dateCreated":"1266738930","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124203","body":"Good points, Alex. It's true that we're all (for the most part) working with the same 12 notes, and from that get Mozart, Stravinsky, Woody Guthrie, Black Sabbath, etc. etc. It can also be true that innovators--those who truly go in new directions (at least as perceived by listeners)-- can sometimes have a tough time building an audience. At least that's frequently been true for artists historically. Is the highly focused niche-building that you describe, Alex, representing a significant new shift in how artists are working today? How is the technology that Jonathan Coulton employs changing art?","dateCreated":"1266789613","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124211","body":"My own entrepreneurial mindset is somewhat similar to that of guitfiddle's. I will readily embrace the promotional skills necessary to advance my own career, and in my situation, that would mean marketing myself to other musicians. Thus, the practical things we're doing in this class like getting business cards, creating an informative myspace page, and writing resumes are the sorts of things I am glad to be learning, as they will aid me in getting my name out there and presenting myself professionally. This type of entrepreneurship is vitally important. It is the business of running a band or marketing music that I have no interest in, which is why I said I'll be marketing myself to musicians looking to hire me, rather than being in the business of trying to convince the public to buy my cd, or talking some manager into letting me perform at such and such a venue.","dateCreated":"1266793735","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124213","body":"Jan
\n
\nAs far as genres go, the last original genre that was created was "rock and roll." Though that can even be argued that rock and roll is only the blues. Everything after that has just been add ons and genre hybrids. But that's maybe being too broad and philosophical about genres.
\n
\nEven new artists that come out today aren't really offering new genre's. They are relying more on overall image and lyrical content than the music itself.
\n
\nLet's take Lady Gaga for instance. What about her music is actually original? She sings over the same pop style accopaniment that any other pop diva sings over, just different notes, rhythms, progressions etc... I believe that the majority of the reason she is so popular is her image and the controversy involved.
\n
\nI don't know if she actually beat Michael Jackson's record for most #1 singles on an album, but I know she was very close to beating it. And then when her singles weren't doing as hot as before, along comes a rumor that she is man, or she was a man at some point. Of course everybody is going to hear about that and go check her out. I'll even admit that I had no idea who she was until I heard that rumor. Then I actually purchased The Fame Monster.
\n
\nAs for hybrid music, that really doesn't count as being original. Let's take Yellowcard for instance. They were a garden variety pop punk band that added a violin. Does that make them more original because they added a violin? Not really. Violins have been used in music for centuries. Why is it original if they use one? I know it's not normally associated with the genre, but their music was still pop punk. It was just something different to look at and listen for.","dateCreated":"1266796342","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124219","body":"Reed, I would argue that in promoting your own career you are essentially a one-man business already and need to know a good deal beyond how to get people to hire you in order to make it all work. I'd suggest that it will ultimately be helpful to know something about the ways the larger music industry works in order to avoid (or try to, anyway) being ripped off in a myriad of ways. What's more, who's to say you will never write or co-write a song you will need to copyright (or not), promote (or not), and perhaps license (or not). While being a solid side-man is a totally viable career choice, when you are totally dependent on other people hiring you, you can find that work may disappear out from under you with little for you to say about it.","dateCreated":"1266815647","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124221","body":"Basically, i was referring to how public access to music has changed over the years, with the advent of first radio and now the internet. From the 1920s to about the 90s, radio was how people were introduced to music, and until recordings started becoming available, it was the only way they heard any if they couldn't play it themselves.
\n
\nThis seems to have led to a proliferation of music that is generally appealing to the largest amount of people. Maybe it didn't speak to each individual with particular accuracy, but it was agreeable enough to enough people that those songs could make a whole bunch of money.
\n
\nBut then the internet came along and suddenly people were presented with an unheard-of level of choice. It was no longer about finding which of the available options presented was closest to what the individual preferred, now it was about discovering precisely the kind of music you really want to hear.
\n
\nThe use of this technology has been a primary factor in facilitating this process, helping these kinds of niche artists find their particular audience, thereby making a living that would have been impossible just a couple decades ago.","dateCreated":"1266859500","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124227","body":"As a musician who is planning to be a freelancer, being an entrepreneur is essential to making a living. I\u2019m learning how to make my self a successful entrepreneur but it is taking time. For most of my musical life, I\u2019ve been playing without really considering how to make it work. Now that I\u2019m graduating it is incredibly important that I hit the ground running.
\nThe last couple of weeks have really changed the game for me for when I graduate. Up until February 25th I was unsure of what I was going to do after the big day. Then I got a call from a friend, Michael, asking me if I would move to New York when I graduate to join his band Robbers. I\u2019m a big fan of the band ever since another band I was in toured with them in the winter of \u201808. Now, out of nowhere I have a new plan and I have to now rethink my strategy for how I will make it work. It\u2019s a little intimidating.
\nMusicians have to be entrepreneurs in order to make money. We are our own businesses and products. Our service is affecting emotions. Now sell it!","dateCreated":"1267659702","smartDate":"Mar 3, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}}],"more":1}]},{"id":"26124089","dateCreated":"1266170081","smartDate":"Feb 14, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/calmfall10.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/26124089"},"dateDigested":1531983810,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Discussion Question #1","description":"1. Our readings and discussions in class have considered the relative importance of elements like talent, persistence, interpersonal skills, and the like in developing a successful and meaningful career in music. Using Art & Fear, Johnny Bunko, and Savvy Musician, our class discussions, your own experience, and outside sources, synthesize and analyze the elements that you think will influence you the most as you develop your career. Why are these elements most important to you? How will they help you sustain a career over time?","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"26124109","body":"I totally agree with user name: llarche. I was skeptical of the Johnny Bunko book because I did judge a book by its cover. I mean Johnny on the cover pulling his hair out and the title say's "Johnny Bunko the last career guide you'll need." Anyway, of the six lessons think these ones are most prevalent to me. Think strengths, not weaknesses, It's not about you, Persistence trumps talent, and last but serenely not lease Leave an imprint.
\n
\n Think strengths, not weaknesses-- Because there is something that were all good at, and if we focus to hard on fixing what were bad and then all of our strengths will start to become weakness.
\n
\nIt's not about you-- I like to think of this one as if I was managing a band. it's not about me I\u2019m there to help further the bands career not just my own career. By putting other peoples problems be fore your, every body wins in the end.
\n
\nPersistence trumps talent-- This is so true, if your persistence and consistence well be around a lot longer and you\u2019ll be remembered more then that one guy who had an idea at one time.
\n Leave an imprint-- I think this just common sense. Just be your self!!","dateCreated":"1266555607","smartDate":"Feb 18, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124117","body":"I also agree with llarche, and Brian. I didn't really think Johnny Bunko would apply to me, but I realized in a way, they are guidelines for life. It doesn't matter if your going into music, construction, math, all of the principles outlined in Johnny Bunko apply. Everyone has fears of failure, mistakes, and I really enjoyed the principle about making excellent mistakes. I, like larche, started my college career out at a completely diferent school. I wanted to be a brain surgeon, I thought it would make my parents proud, I found out two and a half years later it wasn't for me. My parents thought it was a mistake, maybe it was, but I learned that I had to look out for my well being, because really, I am the one who has to live with myself forever.
\nI think, however, that to an extent, especially in music, it is about you. I couldn't write my songs if I didn't take some serious introspective looks, my music comes from me and is a part of me...SO in a sense it is really about me","dateCreated":"1266622477","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124121","body":"To throw another thread out there--
\nI've been watching the Olympics this week because I'm always fascinated by the personalities behind the athleticism. Guts, fierce determination (often in the face of pain) a go-for-it-all approach, willingness to make sacrifices, and so on. What lessons might we musicians learn from Olympic athletes in building a career?","dateCreated":"1266625969","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124123","body":"I think its strange that Johnny Bunko applies universally. Its tough to find something inspirational and encouraging to such a broad range of careers or just anything people want to do. Even hobbies and sports. Both Johnny Bunko and Art & Fear have a pretty widespread application. Art & Fear is a lot more frank and straight to the point. I've definitely liked the kick in the butt attitude that it has. It kind of wipes out the possibility of whining and procrastination that I think ALL of us have no matter what we are studying.
\nI've also been watching the Olympics. Most of the athletes are athletes that I follow outside of the Olympics and it is very interesting to look back at the road they had to endure to get there. Although their injuries are physical, they are very similar to the emotional injuries that artists have to sustain in the entertainment industry.","dateCreated":"1266699043","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124125","body":"I think what Reed said about not being an "outgoing salesman" and sticking to being a backing musician brings up a good point. Everyone in music can have a different place in the industry and doesn't always have to be front and center. Being able to network with people is very important but I think one of the most important parts of interpersonal skills is how you work with people. If people that you work with know that you will always do your best work for them, you'll be at the top of their list for people to call. Being dependable, talented, and persistent is a huge part of being able to get work. People remember if you are easy to work with and will probably recommend you to people that are looking for musicians. The "it's not about you" part of Johnny Bunko is important to working as a backing musician. It doesn't matter if the type of music that you're playing isn't your favorite, if you always play the best that you can, and contribute to the group without thinking too much of yourself people will want to work with you.","dateCreated":"1266712571","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124135","body":"For me, I think that persistence is the biggest element in furthering my career as a musician. It's so important, especially in this business, for a musician not to give up. It's so easy for a musician to give up on their dream after a bad first review or any negative comment. But, one has to remember that not everyone will like your work. The second most important element, I think, is talent. Let's face it, a person can have the most drive and persistence in the world, but without talent, they're not going to go very far. Everybody has talent, it's just a matter of finding it in every person. The third and final element that I think is extremely important in this business, and in life, is interpersonal skills. This is one skill that I need to develop more. It's so crucial that you can sell yourself in this business, and I need to develop more people skills so I can make more connections and help get more gigs. There are many more elements that will help one become a successful musician, but I think that these three are definitely the most important.","dateCreated":"1266791826","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124137","body":"I agree with Mike on not over-thinking, or thinking positively. There's been so many times where I'm thinking about how the audience thinks I sound rather than living in the moment and listening to what I am playing. It's so easy, I think, to over-analyze something and the music starts sounding lame, like math or something. Recently, I've been experimenting with thinking about something completely different then the music at hand, and seeing if any of my lines are tasteful. For instance, last night at a gig I was watching the olympics on t.v., but still halfway trying to follow the music. It's interesting way of thinking, or not thinking, I found that sometimes it worked very well, and other times my playing sounded pretty horrible. Nonetheless, I wasn't over-thinking and I think that's a good mindset to be in.","dateCreated":"1266792577","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124139","body":"Well, I'm gonna join the bandwagon of those commenting on llarche's post: specifically on the section on leaving an imprint. I too have similar thoughts to those of Llarche in that I want to leave an imprint with my music and somehow leave people better off from having experienced it. The question then becomes how to do this. It is my personal belief that talents are God-given, and I've often wondered for what purpose I've been given mine. somehow, I can't imagine that I was given them for the purpose of entertaining folks while they proceed to get hammered at a club somewhere. To be perfectly candid, this is the basic point of most cover bands.
\n
\nHowever, as I've mentioned at various times in the past, I'm not a songwriter myself, so it's not as though I have any profundities of my own that I hope to impart to audiences through my music. Thus, as of yet, I can reach no definitive conclusion on what sort of imprint my music will make. All I can say at this point is that I hope it will make one. That probably wasn't the most philosophically dazzling statement ever to be posted, but there it is, for what it's worth.","dateCreated":"1266792728","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124145","body":"I agree with Jan on how musicians are like olympians. To actually make it in the music business, where you totally live off of making music, a musician has to make sacrifices. For example, a musician might not have a family to go home to every night because they are on the road, and may not exactly have a home. It seems to me like you have to completely absorb yourself into your music, and many times that means making huge sacrifices in order to accomplish the goal of being a REAL musician, where music pays for all of your bills.","dateCreated":"1266797316","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124147","body":"I also agree with Jan about the Olympians. Well, the athletic ones. (The Greek Olympians just slept around a lot... Oh, Zeus.)
\n
\nIn regards to her question, I know at least as a singer, I have to be prepared to be a 'vocal gymnast'. Flexibility in approach and tones can be huge in building a credibility about musicianship.
\n(Is that a stretch? Athletes have to stretch...)
\n
\nSo much has been already said on the original topic and I know I'll probably end up duplicating without meaning to (AND I too could jump along with Molly's post)- but Johnny and Fear considered... I notice the 'fear' element in some of my close friends often which makes me think what fears do I have? Certainly the idea that what one contributes could someday be credible is horrifying. I often think about how in Writing in Music, once you just write something, you at least have something. Why is it so difficult to do that with other things? I'm finding myself putting assignments off for ages... waiting forever to pay the phone bill, etc. People admire efficiency and timeliness, but I know surely I'm not the only one to fall of the wagon a few times.
\n
\nIn whatever case, I know I need to remind myself that 'not everything needs to be "perfect"', overthinking prevents doing anything at all, and that awareness of that will surely not get me along further career-wise, but also in life. (Back to the 'Nike' commercial...Just do it.) Any mistake could in the long-run be 'excellent' but some regard.","dateCreated":"1266808285","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124153","body":"I think that of all of the possible things that can affect our careers and help sustain them, that the connections we make with other people are SOOOO paramount! As we've discussed through Johnny Bunko, and through Art & Fear, persistence trumps talent every time. If one can stay persistent and the people around you are aware of your work ethic, it will breed good responses from your peers and from the people they tell about you. The more positivity you can put out there, the more will come back. It's just like the old adage, "do to others as you would like done to you." Except it can be related to this situation if you think of it as "show others what you would like to see from them." Your self-perception is obviously much different than what other perceive of you, but we are absolutely in control of how others perceive us.
\n
\nAs an audio engineer, I find myself in less of a spotlight than as a performer. However, I still need to know exactly what I'm doing. It's less personally affecting, but it's still personal, because the client is counting on my being able to successfully and creatively capture their "art." We tend to overcomplicate situations and make them much more emotionally charged, which can breed into fear of putting ourselves out there at all.
\n
\nAs for talent, it can be the hot knife that cuts through everything, but it's usually doubled-edged. With talent comes confidence, and with confidence can come an ego. We must remember that talent is the "plus" in a personality, it generally doesn't make or break the job if that's just slightly below somene else.
\n
\nTo reference Josh's post, "not everything needs to be perfect, overthinking prevents doing anything at all." I totally agree with Josh, you can't be creative when you think about every small detail of the work you're doing.","dateCreated":"1266871313","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124155","body":"Hey Brandon--nice quote, "As for talent..." very apt metaphor. Defining talent is tricky--again, the Olympic athletes are such vivid reminders of the balance of natural talent and fierce determination, confidence that leads to all out effort (heightened risk) and ego that can sometimes cause challenges. Balance.","dateCreated":"1266900403","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}}],"more":9}]},{"id":"26124161","dateCreated":"1266170081","smartDate":"Feb 14, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/calmfall10.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/26124161"},"dateDigested":1531983811,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Discussion Question #1","description":"1. Our readings and discussions in class have considered the relative importance of elements like talent, persistence, interpersonal skills, and the like in developing a successful and meaningful career in music. Using Art & Fear, Johnny Bunko, and Savvy Musician, our class discussions, your own experience, and outside sources, synthesize and analyze the elements that you think will influence you the most as you develop your career. Why are these elements most important to you? How will they help you sustain a career over time?","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"26124181","body":"I totally agree with user name: llarche. I was skeptical of the Johnny Bunko book because I did judge a book by its cover. I mean Johnny on the cover pulling his hair out and the title say's "Johnny Bunko the last career guide you'll need." Anyway, of the six lessons think these ones are most prevalent to me. Think strengths, not weaknesses, It's not about you, Persistence trumps talent, and last but serenely not lease Leave an imprint.
\n
\n Think strengths, not weaknesses-- Because there is something that were all good at, and if we focus to hard on fixing what were bad and then all of our strengths will start to become weakness.
\n
\nIt's not about you-- I like to think of this one as if I was managing a band. it's not about me I\u2019m there to help further the bands career not just my own career. By putting other peoples problems be fore your, every body wins in the end.
\n
\nPersistence trumps talent-- This is so true, if your persistence and consistence well be around a lot longer and you\u2019ll be remembered more then that one guy who had an idea at one time.
\n Leave an imprint-- I think this just common sense. Just be your self!!","dateCreated":"1266555607","smartDate":"Feb 18, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124189","body":"I also agree with llarche, and Brian. I didn't really think Johnny Bunko would apply to me, but I realized in a way, they are guidelines for life. It doesn't matter if your going into music, construction, math, all of the principles outlined in Johnny Bunko apply. Everyone has fears of failure, mistakes, and I really enjoyed the principle about making excellent mistakes. I, like larche, started my college career out at a completely diferent school. I wanted to be a brain surgeon, I thought it would make my parents proud, I found out two and a half years later it wasn't for me. My parents thought it was a mistake, maybe it was, but I learned that I had to look out for my well being, because really, I am the one who has to live with myself forever.
\nI think, however, that to an extent, especially in music, it is about you. I couldn't write my songs if I didn't take some serious introspective looks, my music comes from me and is a part of me...SO in a sense it is really about me","dateCreated":"1266622477","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124193","body":"To throw another thread out there--
\nI've been watching the Olympics this week because I'm always fascinated by the personalities behind the athleticism. Guts, fierce determination (often in the face of pain) a go-for-it-all approach, willingness to make sacrifices, and so on. What lessons might we musicians learn from Olympic athletes in building a career?","dateCreated":"1266625969","smartDate":"Feb 19, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124195","body":"I think its strange that Johnny Bunko applies universally. Its tough to find something inspirational and encouraging to such a broad range of careers or just anything people want to do. Even hobbies and sports. Both Johnny Bunko and Art & Fear have a pretty widespread application. Art & Fear is a lot more frank and straight to the point. I've definitely liked the kick in the butt attitude that it has. It kind of wipes out the possibility of whining and procrastination that I think ALL of us have no matter what we are studying.
\nI've also been watching the Olympics. Most of the athletes are athletes that I follow outside of the Olympics and it is very interesting to look back at the road they had to endure to get there. Although their injuries are physical, they are very similar to the emotional injuries that artists have to sustain in the entertainment industry.","dateCreated":"1266699043","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124197","body":"I think what Reed said about not being an "outgoing salesman" and sticking to being a backing musician brings up a good point. Everyone in music can have a different place in the industry and doesn't always have to be front and center. Being able to network with people is very important but I think one of the most important parts of interpersonal skills is how you work with people. If people that you work with know that you will always do your best work for them, you'll be at the top of their list for people to call. Being dependable, talented, and persistent is a huge part of being able to get work. People remember if you are easy to work with and will probably recommend you to people that are looking for musicians. The "it's not about you" part of Johnny Bunko is important to working as a backing musician. It doesn't matter if the type of music that you're playing isn't your favorite, if you always play the best that you can, and contribute to the group without thinking too much of yourself people will want to work with you.","dateCreated":"1266712571","smartDate":"Feb 20, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124205","body":"For me, I think that persistence is the biggest element in furthering my career as a musician. It's so important, especially in this business, for a musician not to give up. It's so easy for a musician to give up on their dream after a bad first review or any negative comment. But, one has to remember that not everyone will like your work. The second most important element, I think, is talent. Let's face it, a person can have the most drive and persistence in the world, but without talent, they're not going to go very far. Everybody has talent, it's just a matter of finding it in every person. The third and final element that I think is extremely important in this business, and in life, is interpersonal skills. This is one skill that I need to develop more. It's so crucial that you can sell yourself in this business, and I need to develop more people skills so I can make more connections and help get more gigs. There are many more elements that will help one become a successful musician, but I think that these three are definitely the most important.","dateCreated":"1266791826","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124207","body":"I agree with Mike on not over-thinking, or thinking positively. There's been so many times where I'm thinking about how the audience thinks I sound rather than living in the moment and listening to what I am playing. It's so easy, I think, to over-analyze something and the music starts sounding lame, like math or something. Recently, I've been experimenting with thinking about something completely different then the music at hand, and seeing if any of my lines are tasteful. For instance, last night at a gig I was watching the olympics on t.v., but still halfway trying to follow the music. It's interesting way of thinking, or not thinking, I found that sometimes it worked very well, and other times my playing sounded pretty horrible. Nonetheless, I wasn't over-thinking and I think that's a good mindset to be in.","dateCreated":"1266792577","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124209","body":"Well, I'm gonna join the bandwagon of those commenting on llarche's post: specifically on the section on leaving an imprint. I too have similar thoughts to those of Llarche in that I want to leave an imprint with my music and somehow leave people better off from having experienced it. The question then becomes how to do this. It is my personal belief that talents are God-given, and I've often wondered for what purpose I've been given mine. somehow, I can't imagine that I was given them for the purpose of entertaining folks while they proceed to get hammered at a club somewhere. To be perfectly candid, this is the basic point of most cover bands.
\n
\nHowever, as I've mentioned at various times in the past, I'm not a songwriter myself, so it's not as though I have any profundities of my own that I hope to impart to audiences through my music. Thus, as of yet, I can reach no definitive conclusion on what sort of imprint my music will make. All I can say at this point is that I hope it will make one. That probably wasn't the most philosophically dazzling statement ever to be posted, but there it is, for what it's worth.","dateCreated":"1266792728","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124215","body":"I agree with Jan on how musicians are like olympians. To actually make it in the music business, where you totally live off of making music, a musician has to make sacrifices. For example, a musician might not have a family to go home to every night because they are on the road, and may not exactly have a home. It seems to me like you have to completely absorb yourself into your music, and many times that means making huge sacrifices in order to accomplish the goal of being a REAL musician, where music pays for all of your bills.","dateCreated":"1266797316","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124217","body":"I also agree with Jan about the Olympians. Well, the athletic ones. (The Greek Olympians just slept around a lot... Oh, Zeus.)
\n
\nIn regards to her question, I know at least as a singer, I have to be prepared to be a 'vocal gymnast'. Flexibility in approach and tones can be huge in building a credibility about musicianship.
\n(Is that a stretch? Athletes have to stretch...)
\n
\nSo much has been already said on the original topic and I know I'll probably end up duplicating without meaning to (AND I too could jump along with Molly's post)- but Johnny and Fear considered... I notice the 'fear' element in some of my close friends often which makes me think what fears do I have? Certainly the idea that what one contributes could someday be credible is horrifying. I often think about how in Writing in Music, once you just write something, you at least have something. Why is it so difficult to do that with other things? I'm finding myself putting assignments off for ages... waiting forever to pay the phone bill, etc. People admire efficiency and timeliness, but I know surely I'm not the only one to fall of the wagon a few times.
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\nIn whatever case, I know I need to remind myself that 'not everything needs to be "perfect"', overthinking prevents doing anything at all, and that awareness of that will surely not get me along further career-wise, but also in life. (Back to the 'Nike' commercial...Just do it.) Any mistake could in the long-run be 'excellent' but some regard.","dateCreated":"1266808285","smartDate":"Feb 21, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124223","body":"I think that of all of the possible things that can affect our careers and help sustain them, that the connections we make with other people are SOOOO paramount! As we've discussed through Johnny Bunko, and through Art & Fear, persistence trumps talent every time. If one can stay persistent and the people around you are aware of your work ethic, it will breed good responses from your peers and from the people they tell about you. The more positivity you can put out there, the more will come back. It's just like the old adage, "do to others as you would like done to you." Except it can be related to this situation if you think of it as "show others what you would like to see from them." Your self-perception is obviously much different than what other perceive of you, but we are absolutely in control of how others perceive us.
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\nAs an audio engineer, I find myself in less of a spotlight than as a performer. However, I still need to know exactly what I'm doing. It's less personally affecting, but it's still personal, because the client is counting on my being able to successfully and creatively capture their "art." We tend to overcomplicate situations and make them much more emotionally charged, which can breed into fear of putting ourselves out there at all.
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\nAs for talent, it can be the hot knife that cuts through everything, but it's usually doubled-edged. With talent comes confidence, and with confidence can come an ego. We must remember that talent is the "plus" in a personality, it generally doesn't make or break the job if that's just slightly below somene else.
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\nTo reference Josh's post, "not everything needs to be perfect, overthinking prevents doing anything at all." I totally agree with Josh, you can't be creative when you think about every small detail of the work you're doing.","dateCreated":"1266871313","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"26124225","body":"Hey Brandon--nice quote, "As for talent..." very apt metaphor. Defining talent is tricky--again, the Olympic athletes are such vivid reminders of the balance of natural talent and fierce determination, confidence that leads to all out effort (heightened risk) and ego that can sometimes cause challenges. Balance.","dateCreated":"1266900403","smartDate":"Feb 22, 2010","userCreated":{"username":"support","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/support","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/support-lg.jpg"}}],"more":9}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}