LESS IS MORE
OR
LESS IS NO MORE
What happened to the sayings “less is more” or “live simply so others can simply live”? As a musician and a human on this planet I have always prided myself in following these words of wisdom. Over the years, however, I have also added my own version of these slogans, “Be simple -yet elegant”. My album covers are one example: they are modest with a basic black and white photo and a timeless font. My recordings follow this same model, they are rarely auto tuned or over produced and I try to avoid elaborate beginnings and endings on my CDs.
Not only do I practice this motto in music I also attempt live by these words. I don’t drive a fancy car and by some standards my home is minimalistic. When I write I try to keep it simple.
For the first time in years my philosophy is being challenged. This year I have been trying to accelerate my music career and look for a day job. Everywhere I turn, I find myself struggling with the conflict of practicing simplicity while advancing myself and my music. For example, if I want to promote a show or CD on Facebook I’m told I must BE LOUD! This means posting something everyday to show up on friends and fan’s Facebook news feeds. The other day I found myself taking a photo of the quote on my tea bag so I could be seen and possibly get noticed so people would come to my next gig. As I pressed the post button I shook my head, realizing I am now officially one of those annoying inspirational quote Facebook people. The scary part was I then found myself scheming how to dress up my cat up and have him dance in my next music video – or my MEOW-sic video. What is happening to my morals?
Where is the dignity?
Another area where I was told to be loud was when soliciting gigs for my band. I was told that when I contacted a jazz club or potential employer, I shouldn’t expect a response until I have made contact with them four times. Four times?! Isn’t that called harassment? Won’t they obtain a restraining order against me?
What I have learned though this self-promotion journey is that until I have an abundance of music gigs, CD sales and Facebook fans, and when my part time dream job comes along, I’m going to have to give up my principals.
Less is no more and it’s time to GET LOUD! …..Here kitty kitty.
