I also agree with Doug for the most part. This body of work is just that, a body of work. Its how these musicians feed their families and they don't like, just like any of us, to work for free. I used to think that the life of a professional musician was a dream job until I met one (actually several) and saw the tedium and thanklessness that they often experience on their way up and knowing that they were likely never going to make a living at it. The ones who say that they 'paid their dues'; man you have no idea. I thought I ate alot of Ramen noodles when I was a teen and in my 20's...they were lucky some days to get that.
Music has always meant alot to me and now it means even more I guess. I remember saying that a few of my favorite bands had 'sold out' when I heard their music in commercials or they released a record that I didn't like. Well of course they did, 'sold out' is a measure of success, most of these people can only dream of the opportunity to 'sell out'. I was never a big fan of Metallica, but I did like what their bass player once said when he was accused of 'selling out'. He said (I don't have the direct quote, so this is paraphrase) "of course we sell out...we sell out every stadium, every venue, we sell lots of albums, and we sell our work." I can't imagine many of us who would honestly say that they would go to wherever their job is and work a few days for free; "umm...you won't get paid for next weeks work"...would you show up?
Even thinking that the evil corporations are the only ones hurt may be a bit inaccurate. Directly its true, but if allowing musicians to record becomes unprofitable to them, then the only music you will get is down at the corner tavern. They will invest elsewhere. Very few musicians have enough ramen noodles to give themselves a recording contract and cover the expenses...heck, even for a myspace page in some cases. The corps make it possible for us to hear Nirvana in places other than the 'Dew Drop Inn" in greater Seattle. Most of us would never have heard of them. The contracts that the musicians sign are often exploitative I agree, but thats how they get the groups started and a contract is only something signed by two willing persons free to decline at any moment up to the signing and usually with a 2-3 day period of option to decline. Still they sign it. Same with Movie ideas or any other form of entertainment medium.
Comedy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlVDGmjz7eMSadly its pretty true. I have written enough for one post, but I salute the writers, actors and other entertainers who bring us their art. Not only do I salute them, but I support them when I can...key word being support. Doug...you
go girl!
Let the controversy begin.
Be well
And looked really hot and spoke in character for most of the night).
