Kate Bennett wrote:
> However, her statement that she is giving up songwriting because of the
> climate upsets me. I don't think the songwriting muse gives a hoot about
> what is happening in business. The songwriting muse compells you to write
> with no concern of the market unless you are that kind of writer.
It seems like kind of a contradiction to give the kid a lecture about
conformity in his music, which he rightly points out she has never
even heard, and then use the worst of the commercial music world
as an excuse not to create something original herself. I think probably
the best artists are full of contradiction, and it gives them a drive to
create. But beneath her explanation, I too wonder if there are other
reasons for her haitus.
I would guess that when she signed to Reprise this last time, there was
something in her contract that said "I can do anything I want". She has
that power and sports the attitude "I can always give this up and
be a painter". It could be a way of pressuring the record company
to push her music more, or she could be having writer's block, or
maybe she really does just want to paint.
But the music biz goes in cycles. There are some who predict the return of
the singer/songwriter again.
Yes, because when it does, she should be, as she always has been,
at the forefront. I agree that even if she never writes another song, she
has left a staggering volume of work. If you look at the dates on the
albums, she put out one each year right up to Mingus, at least. Back
then, they all did, the Beatles (two per year), Dylan, Hendrix, etc...
Nowadays big artists release one CD every three years. Who knows,
Joni is always full of surprises. For now, we can look forward to the
coming 24 song set.
RR
> I can see her not wanting to deal with touring & promotion & all that
> entails but I don't think that is what she is talking about since she is
> still producing records. Maybe she has written some things that her record
> company has criticized. I wonder if she is bound by a contract? Does she
> know people are out there doing it on their own, doing what they want,
> making & selling incredible music? She has always been with a record
> company...that reality seems to be limiting her view right now & it is a
> shame.
>
> Of course I do believe she is entitled to follow her muse wherever it leads
> her & that she has left us with so much great music already. Maybe it is
> just that she would rather paint right now.
>
> But the music biz goes in cycles. There are some who predict the return of
> the singer/songwriter again. Let's hope her musical inspiration to write
> songs returns.
>
> ********************************************
> Kate Bennett
> www.katebennett.com
> sponsored by Polysonics www.polysonics.com
> Discover the Indies at Taylor Guitars:
> http://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/awp/indies/bennett.html
> ********************************************
