RE: "Professional." Not me- I rock n fukin roll

Phoenix AZ

Description

So when did Ace Frehley relocate here? Perhaps the individual looking to assemble the KISS tribute is just one side of a coin. Of course, I merely jest. This town is not conducive to busking, much of the time. You need moderate weather and upscale crowds in close proximity, and then there's concerns wrought by the coof to consider. Let's face it: Unless you are in a top-tier dance cover band, or are OK with playing Jesus gigs, the performance opportunities in this already desolate place are dwindling even further. The internet is now the frontier. Another tough fact: Demographics are destiny. The target audience for many rock genres is simply no-longer present in significantly large numbers. Some of that is demographics, and a lot more of it is cultural shift. It's called the music BUSINESS for a reason. We all want to play what we know and love, but are there enough others who want to hear it, and provide monetary support? Deep down, you know the answer to that question. The facts speak for themselves. 97% of all original material out there goes nowhere. The percentage that succeeds usually involves what amounts to the artist selling their soul to make that happen. Learn the value of obscurity, and of playing for your own satisfaction (and not necessarily to a cluster of rowdy fans). You'll find yourself rediscovering other aspects of your life, and perhaps a new perspective on them. That's the stuff of meaningful change that we all want to happen, but is seldom spurred from the political realm. Music is a journey. While many hope to make it a means to an end, there can be overwhelming obstacles and high prices to that actually happening. Take your best shot at it, but always have a few fingers in different figurative pies, while you do it. Enjoy the ride, but know when to switch vehicles (i.e. the original to cover band transition that we all seem to make with age). Ride long enough, and you begin to realize that your heart becomes sufficiently filled. Eventually, you can reach a place of serenity, where it does not matter what, how or where you get to play, or even whether you want to keep playing or not. A sense of sagacity will dawn. Best wishes for 2022 from one who has found his mountaintop to dwell upon, like a hermit guru. -BLF