I got into the music business because I was passionate about artists and music. I had a heart for it and wanted it to be all around me. That dream came true and has moved me into places I could have never imagined. Despite the positive aspects of working in the radio and music industries for 20+ years, there is inevitable fallout. Music that may have reached me as a fan now may be met with a shrug. Artists that I idolized as a fan now are just normal people who I may still respect, but they don’t lift me to another plane.
It’s easy to reason why. Being immersed by the music, artists, and inner workings of the business for a long period of time has tinkered with the emotional mechanism in some way. The lines can blur between what is genuine passion and what is just part of your job. Call it jaded, over saturated, or being more critical – it happens to all of us for better or worse. Plus the aspect of just growing up and having less and less free time.
There is no doubt I still love and am passionate about music and artists (I should find another career if not), but it takes more to move me to a purchase of music or tickets to a show. It requires something extra special to make me commit my time, energy, and resources. When I find those artists and music that rock my world it reminds me of why I wanted to work in the music industry in the first place. It rejuvenates me and like some retroactive switch causes me to become the fan I was before, again.
That’s where I am currently with several artists in various genres, with the pinnacle being MuteMath. This band had me at the first listen of a sample EP back in 2002 and then after seeing their unbelievable shows at the Exit Inn and SXSW. Boom, done!
Sometimes these musical highs cool down to earth and I move on to the next one, but this trip continues after purchasing their first three projects and catching a few more shows. Now they are coming back to town this Sunday and I am absolutely going. I purchased the MuteMath VIP package via their website. Not only was it a great idea for the band to market, but it was priced right. All of you artists and labels pay attention now……..in the package was a CD, full album download w/ exclusive bonus tracks, t-shirt, invitation to a local mobile listening party of album prior to release, signed lithograph, and a “first in line” pass. All bundled up for $49. Totally worth the price because I am a fan.
I am a freaking fan and it feels good.
