While I was sitting here at home, thinking about what to play at the next open mic night, I began to wonder, what is it that motivates us to share ourselves through our music? Saying that it is an outlet is somewhat general for me...I suppose I like that I can share a craft with others (thanks to Ed for providing the OPen Mic at Blind Pig, a non-judgemental and supportive forum). But why do we play for others? Is it like Andy Warhol said, and we are trying to claim our 15 minutes of fame? Is it an outlet for emotions and other personal issues? Is it therapy? Is it praise to (insert your own personal belief here)? I know this could be a loaded question with personal ramifications for many, but I woud be interested in hearing from others, new and experienced.
It is about all of the above with the most important thing to think about when you perform.
Its a one's spiritual way to express. When one bares there soul with the instruments that they use or the brush that they paint with or for the words that they write. I believe that for that moment it is our moment for ourselves. As artists if we do not have or cannot have a place to express ourselves in front of others. Then we become dead inside for not speaking our peace. Music and art in general is the most important form of communication there is in my opinion. We may not understand what one is expressing all the time at that time of their 15 min of fame so to speak, But we will always be attracted to the fact that one is trying something so different, it has to be listened to seen or read. It will always be apprecciated even if some do not have the gift. WE might not see apprecciation when we want to, but its there all of the time. When the most angry, tired, mean,and inconsiderate of people are out there. WE would generally brush them off. But even they hear and see what we do. And thats a positive step for all people who live their lives a little less fortunate that others.As artists we are the ones who make a difference in everyones lives. Being an artist is not only a gift but a priveledge. To have the gifts that we have exp or non, is to be shared with all and to be let go from our souls. Its like having a child to me. The birth of a new song,seeing the meetings between other musicians as they network to build something new from a simple open jam,looking in between the lines at a true piece of visual art, and just observing someone without fear just let it go. It is all about what is within us. And we will all need share it with others.Thats the key sharing and expecting nothing afterwards. Its about being a real moral human being, who just wants to speak in whatever manner makes them comfortable.
Although I’m not use to trying to describe why I play, I’ll try this one time, and hopefully get my idea across.
While it is a natural high to have hundreds of people all moving to the music you’re laying down giving you the feeling of enormous power, I’d trade it in an instant for a group of 4 or 5 musicians just jamming and listening to each other. All with different personalities, but all understanding where the other is musically coming from, and all collaborating on where it’s going, and all feeding off each other. To try a musical expression or something unfamiliar, and have it fit like a glove, like it belonged there in that tune all along. To have a part in the creation of music is like tapping into an endless stream of emotion, and kind of like speaking in a universal language.
