Support Each Other!

I'm not sure why it is such a difficult thing for a human to support and encourage another human, but there seems to be an overwhelming condition that attempts to dull any glimmer of success that another person might have in ANY field. As I continue to talk with fellow musicians/bands and watch them attempt to promote their craft, I have learned that this is something that plagues us all, regardless of success level. Everyone has their own taste in music/artists, but it really isn't a competition. You can't make people like your music...either they do, or they don't. It is like a color. I can't make anyone like red. There is nothing wrong with red, but if you like blue...that's your preference. However, you can appreciate that we have all of the colors, because things would be pretty boring if we could only see one color. Music comes in many forms and blends with others to create more interest and evolves into newer styles. Consider...back in Mozart's time, styles such as country & rock, didn't even exist. Our music has evolved from styles that you probably don't care to listen to now. At the very least, we should be grateful that we have music and appreciate the effort that goes into creating any style of music. I'm grateful that we have evolved past Gregorian Chant! What I'm really getting at though is that  there seems to be some poor attitudes in the music business. Let's face it, we are all passionate people that love our style of music. The problem is that if we even think that someone is cutting away at the music we write, perform, and love...we put up a huge wall and then proceed to make cuts at the perceived offender's music. We've all done it. We are loyal to our craft. Loyalty is good...but somewhere along the line, things have gone too far. The meanness and petty drama that exists between colleagues in any field, is completely pointless. When you partake in this sort of behavior, it ends up hurting you. You don't feel good when you're ripping someone else down and it doesn't feel very good to have your colleagues rip you down either. Both parties suffer. Why cause suffering over something that you love? Why rip down the things that someone else values? It certainly doesn't help you to get ahead. It doesn't make you feel good. It doesn't make you look good. It just cuts away at your integrity.

Those of you that are musicians...support your fellow musicians and respect the fact that we are all striving to achieve various goals in the field, from beginner to pro. To be an excellent musician of any genre, you need to have passion...and to have passion, means that you have a heart. In other words, don't be an ass. If you don't like a particular artist due to their behavior, music genre, or whatever...that is fine, but at least respect the fact that they are working in music and music has value, regardless of how the person behaves, or their genre. Also, if you don't have anything nice to say...shut it.

Those of you that are fans...support your favorite artists, but realize that there isn't a competition between bands at shows, as if it were a football game. You can't make anyone like a certain artist. It is a personal choice. Booing at artists, throwing objects at them, and other attempts to show your lack of support are not helpful to anyone. The artist isn't going to quit, so you are wasting your time & making yourself look like an ass. Instead of causing problems, just don't attend their concerts if you can't control yourself. Respect the fact that all artists have had to put time/effort into their show, and they're the ones on stage...not you. I don't care if you sing better than them in the shower...shut it.

That being said...there is a bit of a competition in terms of getting bands noticed by record companies. These days, a record company will not support a band even if their music is the most incredible thing on the planet...unless the band has already proven that they have a following. Record companies have become nothing more than giant, risky loans. They will not risk it all to give great artists the funding to record/tour on the basis of being a great musician. We all know certain bands and artists that are more talented than others, but the less talented one ends up getting signed because they have a huge following. The record companies want to see that a band/artist has enough fans to make it worth their time. They only care about money. This is why so many bands are going under independent labels, recording in private studios, and doing their own thing. This is also why you see every band begging for you to "like" their Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and spread the word. We have to promote ourselves until a record company is pleased OR until we just happen to have enough fans that we don't even need a record company to front us the money. So, one of the best things we can all do to support music and change the fact that only a select few ever "make it"...is to pull away from what the radio station makes you listen to. Spread out and listen to other music and artists. Support what you like by giving them a "like" on Facebook, share what you find with your friends, and attend their concerts. Stop letting the radio station dictate what artists should be on top. Trust me...there are incredible artists that aren't on the radio and it's all due to money. What a shame! Now here's the cool thing...you can show support for every artist you love and it won't hurt each individual artist in terms of getting "signed." The record companies just need to see a strong fan base. They know that we all like more than one particular band/artist. Every band/artist can ALSO support their favorite musicians and not hurt their own band in return. So, why aren't we building each other up? Why aren't we all getting along and being grateful over the fact that we have music in our lives? Help each other out. Support bands. Help build up each other's fan base. You can't make people like or hate a certain type of music...remember that. You CAN help spread the word about a band you really enjoy & help unknown bands "make it." If you stumble onto a band that you don't like, but you have a friend that likes that genre...pass the info on! There's so much great music out there that people don't even get to hear. I feel like we should all have one big group hug now...mmmm...maybe not. I value my personal bubble. ;)

P.S.
Give my band a listen and "like" us if you are willing. Do the same for other bands. We really do appreciate your support...it means a lot to us.
                                                                     Waking Myth

Any band that would like to forward their page info to me (Contact Keri)...I'd be happy to support you too. Seriously. We have an amazing and difficult career. Let's keep it awesome. \m/ -Keri