The true Artist...

"The true Artist is one who insists on producing a supply, whether or not there's any demand."

Author Unknown

I felt that way for a long time, but I haven't been writing as much over the past few years. What's the point? The overabundant supply from every kid in town (plus the grown-ups) so outweighs the demand that it's kind of pointless to add to the heap.

Sure, there are the personal reasons like self-expression, but a big part of the Musical Equation is Communication, and songs don't communicate that don't get heard - right, boys and girls?

"The true Artist is one who insists on producing a supply...

No, doesn't make sense to me

A song that never gets written never has a chance to communicate.

But basically, yes - if you don't need to do it, there is no need to do it.

In other words, an Artist that is driven to create by something inside them...

Yep. The world doesn't need another songwriter. It's definitely not profitable, so if it's not fun, what's the point?

but that something else then the first quote, right?

Right. Y'all quit. Less competition for me...

Four down and 349,999,996 to go... (and that's just the US and Europe).

Seriously, whaddya gonna do with the time you save?

Watch TV?

If you say spend it with the wife and kiddies, I'll say, OK, good call. But, you know, what will you do? If it gives you more pleasure or fulfillment, then, well, there ya go...

I guess I always knew that my music was tough to foist on anyone so my idea of success was never tied to numbers. Even if there's not one other person who likes one of my songs -- if I like it, that's plenty good enough for me.

And that's not just talk.

Getting other people to listen... well that's just sport. Enjoyable in its way -- but, ultimately, not nearly as enjoyable as playing a good game.

I've managed to convince my wife that my music habit is both less expensive and better for the environment than golf.

I'm not a golfer -- but it's always seemed pretty clear to me that the guys who really enjoy it are into the game not the competition.

I would believe that!

Substitute "whoring" for "golf" and I've said the same thing.

Hmmmm, maybe I didn't get far enough down this thread....but doesn't that imply there IS a demand....an internal demand??

Internal... a biological imperative...

That's why I always say, don't stop writing just because you don't like what's coming out.

Considering songs as "supply" meeting a "demand" is probably better for the suits to worry about than a songwriter. imo.

Of course, I like to sell my songs and maybe I put on the suit after I've written a song ... but not during the writing.

I'm always a little leery of statements that claim to speak for what "true artists" do or don't do. (apart from the one in my signature, of course)

I was thinking of john ford, earlier, and how he's generally assessed to be one of the finest filmmakers of the 20th century. When he was interviewed by peter bogdanovich he famously dismissed the notion of 'auteur theory', indeed didn't even consider what he did to be art. It was a job, he was a craftsman. The fact that storytelling came alive in his hands, well, that was for others to decide.

not even sure it's germane....but I think it is, in a 'screw-what-other-people-think' way. really, who gives a damn? if you want to/have to write, then write. otherwise....go play paintball. that's fun too.