Q. In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
A. In an article David Brooks wrote for the NYTimes The Power of Art In A Political Age, “….I sometimes feel I’m in a daily struggle not to become a shallower version of myself.”
I concur with him, and also feel strongly that as artists, we are constantly being pressured to monetize our work in whatever form of expression it takes. With that comes the confines and demands of constantly marketing and producing more. There is no wrongness in that exchange ..but music has its’ own laws which we all feel ,when there is something that is organic and is needed to be expressed.
Within an increasingly digital AI world, we as a society need to remember that, only the outlaw (as Plato called the artist,) can “take you higher” into the realm where you meet with a feeling of love. So the willingness to support the artist by going to live concerts, sitting and listening to their work with an appreciation for the struggle the artist makes to remain authentic, rather than listening with an attitude of the entitled consumer is so important. Remember that as our attention span shrinks with all the distractions that are constantly being offered in our media consumption, our ability to be nurtured by the many elements of music is lessened..
Q. For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative.
A. The magic of preparing, following, and becoming one with the music, the musicians, and the present living moment we all inhabit. I love the way well-crafted songs offer us communion with the composer, the lyricist, ourselves and each other.