|
So, I heard the news about the tragedy in New York this morning,
and I literally felt like I was in a daze. “Are we now
at war?” I thought to myself. “What’s going
to happen to my life? How are things going to change if we
do go to war?” And I recall that just yesterday, as I
was waiting for the Metro Red Line in Universal City, I was
looking at the artwork on the pillars inside telling the stories
of how our forefathers and foremothers fought for their future
generations down here in Southern California. I remember the
melancholy looks on the faces of them, and how they must have
always been thinking to themselves, “How can I assure
security for our future generations?” Heavy stuff. And
how we can all be whiny, (And yes, I’ve done my fair
share of whining) self-centred musicians in this day and age,
is that’s what’s come of it? I believe it’s
time to take a broader look.
After taking some time to reflect on the events of this morning,
and how those events affect my life here, I came to a few
conclusions. I realized how lucky I am to be able to do what
I want with my life, and to say what I want, sing what I want,
to put whatever kind of sticker I want on my guitar cases,
because I could have been born in a country where that stuff
is not allowed. I think it’s very important to appreciate
the things we do have here as artists. Because artists have
the power to send messages to the rest of the world about
things they believe in. From Farm-Aid to Rage Against the
Machine, we are all blessed with a special chance to be heard,
and to make a difference in the world if we want to. The thought
of that being taken away from me because my freedom is threatened
like it was this morning is pretty unbearable.
The other conclusion that came to me is related, and that
is that my life here as a struggling artists is not so bad,
and the struggle is actually part of what will make the battle
won that much sweeter. In fact, I’ve had conversations
about this with a friend of mine who is a writer, and he said
“Don’t ever be content with where you are until
you ARE where you’ve always wanted to be.” Using
the energy from my own frustration to push myself and my career
that much harder is something that has helped me get to where
I am right now, and I know it will get me to where I ultimately
want to be. And we are all able to do this today in this place
and time, knowing also that we have to be accountable for
all that happens to our careers. Because we do have those
freedoms. We do get to choose what we sing about, and what
we wear, and the messages that we give to others, and how
hard we push forward to move ahead.
Yes, we all know that money is a huge factor in getting better
opportunities for your act, but even my interview with Joey
Arbagey, (VP of A&R at Arista records, [see LA Music
Scene Part 2 for the full interview]) made it clear: “Persistence
is one of the biggest things an act can have that will get
them the attention they’re looking for.” Soul Asylum
didn’t make it until their 13th album. The Goo-Goo Dolls:
10 years. Jimi Hendrix had to go over to Europe and make a
name for himself there before he got any attention here in
the States. But he never gave up until he got what he wanted.
And we all have that luxury. We get to decide for ourselves
just how bad we want it. Why do bands only give themselves
like 2 years (or even as short as 6 months - that’s ridiculous!)
to “get something going” before they give up on
the project? Who picks that arbitrary 2-year time period?
That guy is an idiot!
So, consider yourself lucky to have the ability to chase
your dream. Not everybody in this world gets to do that. That’s
all.
DIY Magazine
Annette runs her own in-home record company (remedial children
records) and is a strong proponent of the Do It Yourself philosophy
toward success. The label is funded completely by herself.
Send your comments, questions, feedback, and YOUR ideas about
what you’d like to see in future articles to her at:
diy@publicitywhore.com
She'll get back to you the best she can. Promise.
Comments on this article?
Send them to rants@publicitywhore.com!
Printer
Friendly
Version
|
