One Big Happy Family?
There seem to be a lot of folks taking cheap shots at people in the music industry lately. We’re sometimes characterized as lazy, drug induced sex-a-holics (will some things never change?). While there are problems within our musical family, I”m still a big fan and I feel very blessed to continue to make my living singing, playing and writing. My job also affords me the opportunity to see some very exotic places, meet wonderful people and do some serious shopping! As I said earlier, there are of course the occasional problem people within the family. Artists (parents) who claim to be oblivious to just about anything, contractors (aunts & uncles) who make you wait and wait and wait for important details (studio addresses, flight/hotel information, cheese, I mean bread, I mean $$$) and even other musicians (cousins) who seem to enjoy playing against you rather than playing with you on the gig! I guess that’s why some people still refer to working in this business as paying dues. I’ve absolutely had my share of dues paying and I’m here to say that I’ve surely paid enough for me and the next guy too! That being said, the vast majority of my experience has been pretty phenomenal. I’ve worked with artists, musicians, managers and promoters who genuinely care about the music. Many of these folks have literally become my family and we spend time together “away from the mic”. Sometimes we fail to remember how fortunate we are when our telephone continues to ring year after year. Many of us have not only supported ourselves through this business, but raised a family, bought homes and cars, sent kids to college AND done some serious shopping! I’ve had to remind myself a few times (even on the biggest gigs) to stop whining and remember that I could be stuck in a dead end job for the next 25 years hating every moment. I choose to celebrate each blessing and remember to be grateful that I’m able to use my talents almost everyday. I know of many people here in L.A. with AMAZING talents, but they rarely work! Why I continue to be “chosen” is no less than a miracle to me. The business had definitely changed since my first gig in 1986, but what business hasn’t? Trends and cycles come and go. Those of us who still care about and enjoy music of quality and excellence have to stay in the game and lead the new kids (nieces and nephews) by our example. It’s definitely an act of faith to commit to making a living in show business, but it’s also an amazing privilege that so many others would love to enjoy…(seen reality TV lately???). So the next time you hear of someone taking a crack at our business, which may threaten you livelihood AND your ability to do some serious shopping, try this infamous quote… ”Can we all just get along”?
