By Miles Patrick Yohnke
© 2023 © 2011 All Rights Reserved.
"I don't know if Christ suffered on the cross as much as I did when I watched and listened to this performance." I have had to say this before in regard to certain performances I have witnessed over the years. I have seen and heard numerous acts that I wished had entered into a witness protection program and to be never seen or heard from again. Or, that their faces were found on milk cartons, like lost children that need to come home.
A colleague of mine, Moses Avalon, from Los Angeles, and I, got to talking about social networking for musicians. "These platforms, these tools can be of great use" I replied. But too often though I'm seeing artists spending far too much time social networking and not focusing on their craft.
"If they devoted as much time to their craft as they do to blogging, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and such, then my God, could you imagine the outcome?" I replied.
If they spent that time on creating great original songs and thought-provoking lyrics (that paint vivid images in one's mind). Unique vocal phrasing. Interesting chord progressions.
Far too often I'm hearing clones. Artists sounding like their hero's. Yes, one must learn from the masters, but you have to find your own voice.
The real communicating artists seek unique expression. They are not interested anymore in sounding like their heroes, they are searching constantly, developing and refining their own unique voice.
If they spent that time learning how to sing in key. Play in meter. Have their instruments in tune and their intonation set (you'd be surprised on how many don't).
If they spent time on their look. Making sure they stand out and don't fit in with the crowd. As an artist I believe one must stand out from the herd in order to be heard.
If they spent that time on creating a powerful show and not merely playing songs. A heartfelt and soulful performance that is not just on the surface but one that demonstrates passionate storytelling. Structure in the flow of their intros and outros. Creating a show that takes the listener on a compelling journey that evokes profound emotion.
Perhaps they wouldn't have to sell themselves as much. They'd create a natural buzz. They'd find themselves being blogged and talked about endlessly in cyberspace.
Let's take those steps. One has to painstakingly labour at their craft. Let's not make our listener feel like it's a crucifixion.
Something to think about.
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