Food for thought

[ciskokidd]

If you would stop making music for any amount of money, then you should just stop and go be a lawyer or investment banker.I think that the vast majority of us here on the forum would make music for just the love of doing it.I mean there are so many easier ways of making money. The reason I get up every day is so that I can live my life through music, family, and good friends. The rest is just window dressings.I applaud everyone here who makes music in spite of all the obstacles life throws at you.Cheers!Cisko

[ragani]

Apr 3, 2009, 1:51pm, devin wrote:P.S. My wife thinks this video is quite the documentary of my life, btw. No reflection on anyone else here!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xEzGIuY7kwLOL!! No, ROTFLMAO!! LOL!!! Good one, Devin-- hadn't seen that one before...Good thread, Stephen. The reply to this question would surely give a clear perspective on one's path in music (or not). I'd quit my part-time day job for sure, but I wouldn't stop doing music. No way!! Two million would just allow me to do more of it, to expand the creative juices a little more. And maybe to fly around (to warmer places!) and collaborate a little more with all of you too!

[crystallions]

I had a professor in college who looked like he was about 100 years old (but he would beat anyone at squash any day. He played every lunch hour and had done so for the last 40 years). One of the first classes I had with him (music theory) he told us that he wanted to make something clear from the beginning. He said that if we choose music because we think it is a good way to earn an income we are in the wrong field and should change major. If we choose it only because it is fun we are in the wrong major. If we don't wake up every morning with a burning passion on the inside that forces us to create music (whether it's through composing or performing or teaching it) we should do something else. Very similar to what your professor said. If you would stop because you were given 2 million dollars you probably shouldn't be doing it. The thing that would be nice with 2 million dollars is a better studio and then to be able to be a little more picky about projects. (or less picky depending on which way you look at it) I could do something for free because I believe in the message the film is trying to get across or I could say no to a project I don't really believe in because I don't need the money. That would be cool.~ Lydia

[allends]

In 25 days I'll be celebrating my 41st anniversary of guitar playing. I got a cheap flat top guitar for my birthday and I never stopped playing. Without a doubt, I have spent more money on music than I have earned from it. It would be nice if that trend could be reversed, but money isn't the motivation for my music. Music has been flowing through me since I was too young to care about money.Allen

[k o star]

$$$$$$KaChing!!! mmmmmm, Sweet Music! =)

[robbylane]

Music is a hunger that reaches out from your heart, mind and soul. Money cannot replace that yearning. Why stop living for what you love just because you are suddenly wealthier? If anything, I would buy better gear, seek out more classes that are similar in nature to the Taxi Rally, and check out the best concerts wherever I have to go to see them. I would also check to see who, among Taxi members, is seriously hurtin' for gear or studio time and donate money to boost their opportunity for goal completion! I am for real about that!!!

[stephen]

My Pc's down so I couldn't chime in sooner. I'd say for sure that most of us seem to be heart musicians that we do it because we just can't get it ouyt of our heads money or not. Sad thing is most of the popular folks around aren't that kinda musician. Lydia your professor put it really well. My lecturer said the longest job he ever held was two years outside of that he's lived off of music all his life, he's now well respected not popular but folks can count on him because of his experience as well as his masters degree. Some say it's a curse but I think it's a blessing that we create something that touches and/or changes someone and as the mastercard add says that's priceless.

[jamieson]

if i have that $2 mil. i would still practice what I've been started...I'll use that money to pursue all things that i can do...and I'll use that money in productive way..!

[coachdebra]

This is the irony - you must do it for the love of the work. If you're doing it for fame or fortune, it will leave you hurtin' (sorry - still rapping in my head from that Weird Al video!).And in order to be able to do it as your life's work, you need to monetize it, make a living at it. Don't do it if, if you wouldn't happily do it for free - but don't do it for free!

[mojobone]

Well, I'd say it's a blessing for everyone, except our families; this is a calling, not a job. I can take the heat, but this biz is roughest on those around us. They're some pretty special people for puttin' up with the likes of us. No amount of money could stop me makin' music; no amount of poverty ever did.