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“Why would anyone want to be a musician in this environment?”
I wake up every day fascinated by this question. There are plenty of articles written by people looking into the music industry from the outside proclaiming the end of an era and the doom of indie musicians. Many ask this question and simply cannot comprehend why anyone would want to spend so much time and creative energy on something that may never bring in any real money. And who can blame them given the industry’s overall decline.
Within the business however, some musicians have a completely different outlook. For them, music is just what they do. It’s not about making a ton of money, or trying to impress anyone – its just a way of life, a dream to live. It’s like breathing. These people believe that they have the privilege to create. Almost the obligation to do so.
The question these musicians ask is “How could I not be a musician?”
As we talk about in the New Artist Model course, the love of music is a prerequisite to a life as a successful musician. If people went into the arts to with a sole purpose to make money – there would be no magic – and that creative spark and passion that drives so many people to create would not be present. Music goes beyond money and economics, and isn’t that why it’s so powerful?
Some people are musicians because they just have to be. The truly great ones. So there’s my answer. Are you one of those people?
If you’re one of the passionate one’s who is dedicated to making a life in music, check out this free ebook and learn everything you need to know about finding your own success in the music industry.
I’d love to know what you think.
I posted the question “Why Would Anyone Want to be a Musician in this Environment?” to Twitter and this is what I got in the first hour.
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musicadium@davekusek I would want to be a musician no matter what environment we were in. The desire to create would override, methinks.
andreakremer@davekusek Isn’t that like asking why anyone would want to play tennis? Do people who play tennis give up because they can’t make a profit?
timothyeric@davekusek fascinated that people still want to be musicians or by the environment and its challenges?
kmsolorio@davekusek passion is the only reason I could come up with. btw, very interested in learning more about your tools for musicians.
marjae@davekusek I am a musician because I love music and, more importantly, sharing it with people. This sharing gives a high unlike any other.
marjae@davekusek Great question! It would be great if you could share some of your replies with us. . . the questions certainly made me think!
Lars_Christian@davekusek I think that if “he environment is a factor on whether you become a musician or not, you probably won’t “make it” either way.
tigerpop@davekusek it’s not always about want.
Pattyoboe@davekusek Being a musician is just who I am … no matter the environment. Maybe like I was still a mom when my kids acted up, I guess ..?
gah650@davekusek it’s an inexorable artistic need to create; thank God.
melbahead@davekusek If being a musician is anything like being a visual artist then it doesn’t matter what one wants. It’s a compulsion, a calling
_willthompson@davekusek it’s extremely hard and counterintuitive to hold back from doing something you have natural predisposition for.
kimpwitmanRT @davekusek: why would anyone want to be a musician in this environment? can someone tell me? i wake up every day fascinated by this.
manishamusic@davekusek Being a musician is not particularly easy in any market-based economy. Something deep inside steers the wheels. Is it insanity?
PtbTrees@davekusek perhaps the love of music is enough to make it worth it. at least thats how I feel
atomicdacia@davekusek because its like a drug. Once its in you you just can’t get enough
Kalajdame@davekusek it seems like an easy way to make money i guess..i do it cuz i love to make music and if i could get paid for it ..u kno the rest
You can love what you do and be successful.
Tell us what drives you.
