Wow, just wow! Such an important message here. It's so easy to get down on yourself when the metrics of success don't come pouring in, but the real value is in doing the thing. Thank you for being awesome!
Needed this one, as someone who left a writing job so I can soon raise a family, and is beating myself up about not writing as much as I "should" lately, and wondering if it's worth writing still because I won't have the audience I used to. Art is still art despite the numbers.
If you have not yet come across Ted Gioia's substack THE HONEST BROKER he has written about the vacuous social media and it's evil minions destroying music. You should check out his stuff https://www.honest-broker.com/
For my part I would remember that a musician is someone who plays music. If you choose to make it your profession, and are able to do it year after year, you are still a musician. But a professional musician is your title as far as the IRS is concerned, and your agent your manager your lawyer your PR person etc etc. A musician is like being a horse. You may be a race horse or you may have to pull 1100 pounds of fat tourists around New Orleans on hot days - but you Are a horse, whatever it is you pull. . horse is a horse.
This made me cry, in a good way. And I think it was very gracious of you and your sister to give that photo to Otto, to share one of your dad's possessions with his neighbor. I'm sure that meant a lot to him.
My father passed away on August 4, 2024, just a few days after yours, so I really empathize with you. My father was not really creative or artistic like yours, but he always encouraged my writing, and your reminder of "Don’t wait, don’t wait, don’t you dare wait to release your magic into the world" is so pertinent. Thank you for sharing your father's story.
Thanks Jezz. Oddly enough, dad and I rarely talked about music. He was very much in his own world with technical / theory / super smart music, and I'm a... metal head. And love techno and chill hop haha. For years I'd try to help him record music on his computer, who teach virtually, to keep up with the times, maybe make a few bucks (it's what I do for a living!) but he'd have none of it! HAH!
Having gone thru this as well, you have shared this experience so thoughtfully. Of the many things that resonate, one I'd be interested in hearing is what it was you all "gathered up" from his belongings.
His main guitar that he played over the years (an Ibanez copy of the Gibson ES 175), my mom's bass (both parents were musicians). His records. His camera gear, including an old Pentax K-1000 film camera, and the Cannondale mountain bike I bought him for xmas in 1996 or so.
This is moving, and filled with hope. I'm so very sorry about your father.
Thank you, Laury! Like all family stuff it’s complicated, but I’m in a good place lately with it.
Wow, just wow! Such an important message here. It's so easy to get down on yourself when the metrics of success don't come pouring in, but the real value is in doing the thing. Thank you for being awesome!
Do the thing!
Needed this one, as someone who left a writing job so I can soon raise a family, and is beating myself up about not writing as much as I "should" lately, and wondering if it's worth writing still because I won't have the audience I used to. Art is still art despite the numbers.
KEEP. WRITING.
If you have not yet come across Ted Gioia's substack THE HONEST BROKER he has written about the vacuous social media and it's evil minions destroying music. You should check out his stuff https://www.honest-broker.com/
Oh, I have checked out his stuff. So good.
Beautiful message, thank you for sharing ❤️❤️
So sorry about the passing of your father. Thanks for always sharing .
Art has been my saviour, but recently due to in-laws not doing so well… it’s been my escape as well.
Love your encouragement to do you and don’t worry about others and their opinions , likes. If you’ve enjoyed the doing, then be happy with that.
Thank you.
thank you, Charlotte! Get to your art when you can, it'll be there for you!
Thank you
For my part I would remember that a musician is someone who plays music. If you choose to make it your profession, and are able to do it year after year, you are still a musician. But a professional musician is your title as far as the IRS is concerned, and your agent your manager your lawyer your PR person etc etc. A musician is like being a horse. You may be a race horse or you may have to pull 1100 pounds of fat tourists around New Orleans on hot days - but you Are a horse, whatever it is you pull. . horse is a horse.
This made me cry, in a good way. And I think it was very gracious of you and your sister to give that photo to Otto, to share one of your dad's possessions with his neighbor. I'm sure that meant a lot to him.
Thank you, Shannon!
Meaningful tribute. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, Joe!
My father passed away on August 4, 2024, just a few days after yours, so I really empathize with you. My father was not really creative or artistic like yours, but he always encouraged my writing, and your reminder of "Don’t wait, don’t wait, don’t you dare wait to release your magic into the world" is so pertinent. Thank you for sharing your father's story.
Wonderful writing. I feel you on the complicated dad relationship. And you're so right on the creativity part.
Thank youuuu...yeah, the relationship thing is a bummer, but just moving forward!
we gotta! <3
I was just thinking about views and stuff, and then this comes along! Thank you needed it!
Also sorry for your loss, your dad seemed like a real cool person to talk music with 😊
Thanks Jezz. Oddly enough, dad and I rarely talked about music. He was very much in his own world with technical / theory / super smart music, and I'm a... metal head. And love techno and chill hop haha. For years I'd try to help him record music on his computer, who teach virtually, to keep up with the times, maybe make a few bucks (it's what I do for a living!) but he'd have none of it! HAH!
I don't have any tattoos, but i am considering getting this one on my forehead: “Be the Artist-in-Residence of Your World.”
Needed it. Loved it. Thank you!
Sethhhh. This was so, so good. Love your heart and these wise, wise words!
Thank you, friend!
I absolutely needed this. What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing 🤍🤍🤍
You're very welcome, Krista! Glad it resonated with you. Go forward and do great things!
Having gone thru this as well, you have shared this experience so thoughtfully. Of the many things that resonate, one I'd be interested in hearing is what it was you all "gathered up" from his belongings.
His main guitar that he played over the years (an Ibanez copy of the Gibson ES 175), my mom's bass (both parents were musicians). His records. His camera gear, including an old Pentax K-1000 film camera, and the Cannondale mountain bike I bought him for xmas in 1996 or so.