Wow, Isabel, this is one of the most insightful things I've read about our entertaining-ourselves-to-death society; thanks for writing it: "But another part of me worries that we’re moving more and more towards a world where we’re not even looking to be moved or amazed anymore. We’re just looking to be distracted. If distraction is the goal, the loudest and most persistent 'artist' will win, and many may forget why they entered a creative field in the first place."
This is excellent. So true; an inordinate amount of brain space is taken up by trying to get 'visibility' and finding the perfect viral clip that will get more followers. That attention should absolutely be dedicated to the writing and honing itself. I understand needing to get clips out there for bookers to see, but there's got to be a balance.
I'm no Luddite either, but I agree; The blessing of now being able to get yourself out there quicker is also a curse: it's distracting by design and dilutes the quality of the work. I hope, for the sake of comedic quality, we go back to the focused process of writing, performing and honing instead of filming, clipping/captioning and posting. (Lest the comedy scene becomes completely drowned in modern-day Dane Cooks.)
Love this, Isabel! Can totally relate to what you’re saying about the pull of self-promotion and the nausea it can cause. I’m in a fortunate position where my music isn’t something I do to make a living, so I can just “put it out there” and don’t rely on “engagement” to justify it. And I tell myself that it’s ego-based to be overly concerned with feedback, with stats/numbers, etc, looking for validation there. I tell myself if even one person is moved by or enjoys what I make, it’s “enough.” But I’m not devoid of ambition and the desire to reach more people. These platforms are a great tool but also they are driving us batty. Ugh. Anyway, I love all that you do, keep sharing!
Wow, Isabel, this is one of the most insightful things I've read about our entertaining-ourselves-to-death society; thanks for writing it: "But another part of me worries that we’re moving more and more towards a world where we’re not even looking to be moved or amazed anymore. We’re just looking to be distracted. If distraction is the goal, the loudest and most persistent 'artist' will win, and many may forget why they entered a creative field in the first place."
Pls. perform in Boston!
This is excellent. So true; an inordinate amount of brain space is taken up by trying to get 'visibility' and finding the perfect viral clip that will get more followers. That attention should absolutely be dedicated to the writing and honing itself. I understand needing to get clips out there for bookers to see, but there's got to be a balance.
I'm no Luddite either, but I agree; The blessing of now being able to get yourself out there quicker is also a curse: it's distracting by design and dilutes the quality of the work. I hope, for the sake of comedic quality, we go back to the focused process of writing, performing and honing instead of filming, clipping/captioning and posting. (Lest the comedy scene becomes completely drowned in modern-day Dane Cooks.)
Love this, Isabel! Can totally relate to what you’re saying about the pull of self-promotion and the nausea it can cause. I’m in a fortunate position where my music isn’t something I do to make a living, so I can just “put it out there” and don’t rely on “engagement” to justify it. And I tell myself that it’s ego-based to be overly concerned with feedback, with stats/numbers, etc, looking for validation there. I tell myself if even one person is moved by or enjoys what I make, it’s “enough.” But I’m not devoid of ambition and the desire to reach more people. These platforms are a great tool but also they are driving us batty. Ugh. Anyway, I love all that you do, keep sharing!