Start A Band

I recently stumbled across a post by a friend and avid musician entitled, rather surprisingly (given the individual's participation in so many ensembles); 'Don't Start A Band'.

I won't link, as the post is only really half-formed and half-finished - but the upshot is that the author has been reading a lot of books about the music industry and become rather disillusioned with the way in which it operates. The chances of 'making it' are extremely low, the cut of the profits you'll get are appalling, the creative freedom limited...and many other lows.

Andrew Dubber, a prominent writer and lecturer in the field was the source of much of this discomfort, but it should be noted that his thoughts aren't all negative. I'd recommend reading some of his books if you're interested in the modern industry, or trying The Label if you're more interested in the industry as it was.



I, however, am of the opinion that none of this is relevant. Let me elaborate.

Music, and more importantly the creation of music is one of the very few pure things in my life. This writing? Well, I can't be too outrageous here - future employers may be reading after all. Coding? I'm constrained by a massive range of factors. And on, and on. But,

Music Is Pure

There's simply nothing than can contend with the joy of playing music with like-minded people. I won't even say friends, as that's by no means a prerequisite (but often a consequence). Simply note the faces, and body language of musicians playing for pleasure (jam nights and free gigs are the best places to find such specimens) - there's no other scenario in which they'd willingly abandon all pride and look quite so ridiculous, and it's simply because they're so into the music.

It can be an immediate outlet for the expression of any emotion, and one which provokes not generic sympathy or fake delight - but genuine empathy and understanding. Trying to cleanly play a technical piece/lesson offers the chance to noticeably improve skills and meet a challenge that humans so often seem to seek out - whether for self gratification or to impress others.

With all this, who needs a record deal? I actively look for unpaid gigs to play over paid ones, as there's no expectation - at an unpaid gig you have full freedom to play whatever you wish.