You know what I’d like to see? Everybody has to work for free and everything is free. Wouldn’t that solve a lot of problems? Or maybe all of them?
Or should it be just the goofy singer songwriters and other artists who should work for free? Call me crazy (yeah, crazy like a porcupine), but that doesn’t seem balanced, fair, equitable, or even sustainable to singer songwriters and other artists.
When I started singing, as a little boy, I dreamed that one day I’d be able to pursue a career in music and never need money. Because I knew enough about freedom to know it means everything is free.
And what could be better than doing what you love as you work for free?
So, as I practiced and rehearsed, I’d repeat, over and over to myself: “free free free.” Then, a few more la la la’s and then repeat “free free free.” It didn’t matter that I was six. I knew if I could envision it, I could make it happen. Because I loved my freedom. So, I knew I’d love the whole free concept.
I spent tens of thousands of hours of my life singing and practicing and learning music theory, scales, sight-reading. Then, I spent lots of my time on drums, harmonicas, keyboards, percussion, and recorders.
Why?
Because it was all free. Didn’t cost me anything.
And if you believe this story so far, you don’t know me at all.
Because you know I realize there’s nothing more valuable than life and time. So, of course, I paid an enormous “fee” to learn how to sing and play instruments. But certainly not because I figured one day I could play for free.
No, I spent that gigantic amount of my time because of my gigantic love for music.
Music has been a constant companion and friend to me for as long as I can remember. And during my years as a full-time musician I had a few brushes with fame and fortune. But I didn’t take that path. And, as it turns out, I’m pretty glad I didn’t.
But fast forward to now. And many people say all music (and almost everything else, too, for that matter) should be free. That’s frustrating. To say the least. But that hasn’t made me turn my back on singing and songwriting. And if you explore my website, you’ll discover plenty of free music available.
But I wonder if you’ve noticed something I have.
Even in this day and age it still takes money to buy…
- groceries, and
- gas, and
- cars, and
- clothes, and
- housing, and…well…just about everything.
So, what’s up with that?
My musical journey proves I don’t live for the love of money (which is the root of all evil). But I do live…in a society/culture where money is necessary to live.
So…call me crazy again (actually stop doing that), but I still work to create and provide musical and reading enjoyment to as many as will listen and read. And I still sell (*gasp*) my products. That way I can afford to keep up on the gear and resources to create, produce, and provide more.
What do you think? Should I give it all away?
Should I listen to the masses and do what they say?
Or is there maybe, just maybe, another better way
To make a living from music and books today?
Stay tuned,
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Or how about some music for kids