Muscians putting down other muscians

[nhbiker1961]

I had a recent experience with someone that told me (not this forum) that I was only good enough to play as a weekend warrior not full time (because of one video from someone's phone which is always terrible) . After 30 yrs of playing on the weekends, I have seen these type crash and burn and end up and in one particular case, working for me with a company I used to own. ( another story)

As you get older, music becomes a way to fulfill your needs to express yourself regardless of your level of playing. I can think back to a couple of cases where talent is in the eye of the beholder. One was with an older gentleman I know. He plays very old country. He probably knows 6-8 major chords and would not know a sharp from a flat. Yet in his circle he plays is to packed houses and actually he wrote a song in the 1950's that got him an award from the country music hall of fame or something. I can't brag about something like that.

Another case was when I was in my full band. We were basically a classic rock dance band, playing the typical stuff to keep people dancing. Nothing too difficult. We had an agent that was also in a band. His band was amazing! His vocals , the keyboardist, the drummer all top notch, playing journey, rush and stuff way out of my bands vocal ranges and ability. Anyways him being my agent, he calls me one day last min to book us in a regular bar we play because the band was fired. I asked who was fired? He said my band! I said Why the **** would they fire your band? He said because they and their crowd like the show you put on better. I was flabbergasted, but proved again, music is in the eye of the beholder. After my band broke up after 25 yrs of giging with many many different members, I decided to start this acoustic duo with my girlfriend. The thought of a music group being better or worse in my travels has become a thing of the past because in the end we all die and music is something I enjoy doing while you are alive regardless who is better or worse.

Anybody that has to point out that someone should not do something full time because they think you are inferior should take a hard look at their own insecurities and find out why they are actually doing it themselves, maybe seeking professional help with that narcissistic attitude.` I don't play music full time for one major reason, I like money too much not because I can't do it. Rant over 

[TaylorGirl]

Do what makes you happy and forget the rest. I have found as I get older, it really is that simple.

[timfitz63]

Susie's advice is good; and such advice usually comes only with the wisdom acquired over time (sorry, Susie; I'm not trying to call you old!).

There are a lot of catch-phrases that express the same wisdom; I think the current popular (but overused) one is "Haters are going to hate."  In fairness, not everyone is going to like the same things you do, regardless of your skill level.  I acknowledge that there are a lot of professional -- and very commercially successful -- musicians out there who produce sounds that I wouldn't pay a penny to hear.  Still, I know they're a lot better at what they do than I could be, even if I practiced night and day -- and by the same token, I'm a lot better at my chosen profession than they probably ever could be...  We all find our niche.

Who knows; maybe the fact that you play music professionally, even part time, is all that is necessary to aggravate this guy?  Perhaps he aspires to do the same (or more), but is frustrated by either lack of skill or lack of luck in breaking through? Maybe he just doesn't like the style of music you play?  Or maybe he's, as we say back in Pittsburgh, just a jagoff...  Whatever the reason it's all relative; and as Susie pointed out, a matter of being comfortable doing what you like to do, and forget about what others think.

[tbeltrans]

In our culture, music seems to have a really strange place.  Rather than recognizing that humans are inherently musical by nature, we say they have to have "talent".  When somebody displays musical skills on an instrument, we say the person is "talented", rather than "skilled" (and thereby acknowledging the dedication and hours spent woodshedding to develop those skills). 

We will put some people on a pedestal, claiming they are musical "gods".  Then, there are the egos, that whole "mirror, mirror on the wall..." thing, making music some sort of contest.  I personally believe that all humans are inherently musical and that if we lived in a culture that acknowledged that as being normal, then all the crap and myth surrounding music would simply not exist.  We would not have musical stars to worship because everybody would be doing it as natural as breathing.

Instead, we have "battle of the bands" instead of big jam sessions, and contests to see who is the fastest or "best" (whatever that is supposed to mean).  I NEVER understood why contests instead of collaboration in music, but, then I guess I must just be strange.

Because we have to live with how things are, we have to just make do with what is.  I agree with those here who "do what makes you happy...".

Tony

[TaylorGirl]

Susie's advice is good; and such advice usually comes only with the wisdom acquired over time (sorry, Susie; I'm not trying to call you old!).

That's ok Tim, I don't mind. But just remember, we're the same age.

[timfitz63]

Susie's advice is good; and such advice usually comes only with the wisdom acquired over time (sorry, Susie; I'm not trying to call you old!).

That's ok Tim, I don't mind. But just remember, we're the same age.

Well, that must mean I'm just as wise as you are too...!

[Paul60]

In our culture, music seems to have a really strange place.  Rather than recognizing that humans are inherently musical by nature, we say they have to have "talent".  When somebody displays musical skills on an instrument, we say the person is "talented", rather than "skilled" (and thereby acknowledging the dedication and hours spent woodshedding to develop those skills). 

We will put some people on a pedestal, claiming they are musical "gods".  Then, there are the egos, that whole "mirror, mirror on the wall..." thing, making music some sort of contest.  I personally believe that all humans are inherently musical and that if we lived in a culture that acknowledged that as being normal, then all the crap and myth surrounding music would simply not exist.  We would not have musical stars to worship because everybody would be doing it as natural as breathing.

Instead, we have "battle of the bands" instead of big jam sessions, and contests to see who is the fastest or "best" (whatever that is supposed to mean).  I NEVER understood why contests instead of collaboration in music, but, then I guess I must just be strange.

Because we have to live with how things are, we have to just make do with what is.  I agree with those here who "do what makes you happy...".

Tony

Hi Tony,

You just saved me having to basically echo all that.

Spot on. I don't get the musical contest & competitiveness of it all either.

The hero worship becomes a bore after a while too. If I hear how good Tommy Emanuel is one more time I think I'll be sick.

Music is there for all to enjoy at whatever level.

[TaylorGirl]

Susie's advice is good; and such advice usually comes only with the wisdom acquired over time (sorry, Susie; I'm not trying to call you old!).

That's ok Tim, I don't mind. But just remember, we're the same age.

Well, that must mean I'm just as wise as you are too...!

You sure are! 

[theonemanband]

The wonderful Wilko Johnson was on "Later With Jools Holland" earlier this year. Having recovered from cancer and feeling well enough to tour again he was asked by Jools, "and what will you be doing on this tour"?
His reply was "3 chords...12 bars....same as usual".......Classic reply and there's a moral there somewhere!!

Just try and ignore all these musical bigots, enjoy what you play and if you can make a few bucks doing that, so much the better.

[MrHarryReems]

This is definitely one of the things that disappoints me about music..  Some view it as a competitive sport, instead of a community activity.  The fact is, we're all good at some things and suck at other things.  Strengths and weaknesses.  Everyone sucks at something, everyone is good at something else.  We should be propping each other up, not tearing each other down.