Yeah. It's about the muse. I hope I haven't told this story before: My new friend Anna asked Michael Timmins, the songwriter/guitarist/arranger of the Cowboy Junkies why they weren't on David Geffen's label anymore. (Mike talks to fans after the shows sometimes. As far as I know, his sister, Margo, ALWAYS does.)
Mike said, (paraphrasing) that being on Geffen was a huge pain in the ass. The label was running everything, shoving them around like marionettes. Geffen decided the artwork, and release schedule without consulting the band for example. Finally, Margo told Mike that she wanted to be off the label. He said that they have never looked back, even though being on your own means MORE work, it's okay, because working for yourself, it doesn't seem like an intrusion to make a decison at 11 PM in a hotel room. I love that story because, although Mike writes all of the songs and arrangements, what was unimpeachably important to him was his sister's sanity. There's a balance to be struck and although I'm on the opposite end of the balance, (trying to double my income to get out of an inner city apartment), I'm glad that the music biz is sufficiently flush that my miniature heros (the Cowboy Junkies) can throttle back and smell the roses. Lama Kate said, >>I think this is very true. Marian's post reminds me that truly this is the highest essence of the arts. It is about self-expression. I have been oh so guilty of saying I don't get why so & so is popular, but I think when this is the case it is because they are getting huge commercial success when others are not. However, commercial success has a lot to do with what kind of marketing dollars are behind the artist. When it comes to the music marketplace, its not always about art. Its about making $. Still, I like your reminder, Marian that criticizing can also be avoiding one's own creativity...
