If I got ALL the hits, ALL the gigs, ALL the praise…..

This post includes a question for you to answer, either to share your answer to help others or to help you understand something about yourself, for yourself and on your own.

”Let’s trade in all our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together” – Ram Dass

Can you imagine?

As some of you are aware. I’ve entered competitions, won awards, lost more than I’ve won and I have experienced the ‘judgemental” side of the music world from many angles, for most of my adult life. Actually, I won a christmas carol writing competition when I was 11 years old, so as you can see, I’ve always been fiercely competitive when it comes to songwriting! Haha.

The opposite is actually true! I feel very uneasy about comparisons when discussing most musical qualities and abilities and achievements.

Remember, there are millions of masterpieces that have never been exhibited. Why then, are we comparing ourselves to the ones, that through a series of fortunate circumstances, happen to see the light of day?

It’s either human nature, or it’s been bred into us that one thing should be “better” than the next.

I happen to love Taylor Swift. I was also raised on Bob Dylan. I also have never felt like there’ll be a live show, for me, that will top Wilco at the Enmore Theatre, 2010 Tour. I also love Bach in the mornings to help me think. I also love Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Old School Hip-Hop, Not much Gangsta Hip-Hop, but some, the occasional 70s live jazz album, lots of Reggae and a heckuvva lot of Motown and Soul.

What’s my music mostly? Could be Rootsy Country, Americana, Folk.

Could be? It often is, but ultimately, I’m aiming to write the best songs I can, every time.

“The best”? What does that even mean in a world of 7.2 billion people?

The best song, for MY personal emotions is always my goal. The one that ignites my heart and distracts me from the fears that the TV news shows keep pushing on me. That’s another story…

Why criticise and disrespect a genre? a style? Why disrespect a song?

It’s true, some folks ability to perform a song may not be easy on the ear. That’s different, these are the people we need to encourage to explore what else they may be talented at, like Randy Jackson on US Idol when Simon Cowell, told the kid it was the “worst voice he’s ever heard ever”!

Randy asked the kid “Is there anything else you like to do”?
The kid replied, “well… I do like to dance”
Randy replied “Then you should go dance, Dawg”!

Randy chose to help and inspire the kid, rather than publicly shame him.

Let’s just be together on this.

I like the music I like, and I will undoubtedly enter more awards, why? So that my voice can be heard further afield. That’s all. My singing voice, sure but my voice that hopes to continue sharing experiences and thoughts on this awesome art that we are all here for. If I get nominated or win an award, for some reason that makes it more interesting for people to want to hear what I have to say. Be that as it may, It’s a good reason for me to keep entering.

How about you? Start figuring out why you are comparing yourself, your writing, your singing to anything at all? If you need to win something, ask why?

Find a better reason than just to be celebrated as “better”.

Do not sing to be adored.

Find a better reason as to why you want to improve yourself, rather than so that you can “have what they have”.

Find a reason that will be something to focus on that is going to bring, or keep people together. A goal like that is bound to feel good along the way too.

If I got ALL the hits, ALL the gigs, ALL the praise, ALL the festivals, ALL the tours, ALL the sales, ALL the T-Shirts….well, maybe not that last one (teehee), where would I be? I’d be alone and the subject of envy and resentment. Would you rather have that? or have us all rejoice in each other’s successes and achievements?

Love to hear your comments, thoughts, feedback. As always, I learn from you BECAUSE you allow me to share with you.

Please, if you feel that what I write might be interesting to others? Share, share, share!

e. mickyblueeyes@insidesongwriting.com.au
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