Having read the Quietus piece a few times (see below), I wanted to elaborate on the chord it struck and how that chord is still resonating.
What is interesting is that in times of wealth and greatness you tend to forget about the small things that relate to your job.
But, when things aren’t so good, it’s the little things that matter.
It’s the beginning of summer and it’s Deja Vu season. I was here last summer looking at my diary, worried.
June nothing, July nothing, August nothing. Well I say nothing, there was something, but not enough for me to pay the mortgage and feed the kids.
Woah. Now that’s a real no no right there. It’s like an unsaid career move instilled in most artists, their managers and the artists egos.
Never seem like you never have enough work. Always seem busy, even when you are not, it creates mystery, desire and aura.
Well, I have broken the taboo as I don’t think it is relevant any more. We are all in this together. Even those that are living the dream. It won’t last forever.
Trust me, I’ve been there.
I’m sat looking at my diary once more. Summer again. I am hustling. Trying to create tours and something out of nothing. Newsletters. Press. Publicity. Facebook, Twitter.
I’m ticking all the boxes. Yes, I get to play Glastonbury. Am I getting paid, well thats another story, but hey “it’s great for your profile.” Yes I get to do Bestival, am I getting paid, erm, “it’s great for your profile?”
The usual option is to turn towards the studio. Well I can go and make some relevant music that I can release, and, maybe, just maybe, that will help my profile. But, I’m not a crowd pleaser, never have been, never will be. So once again, another brick wall.
And this is where it all falls down.
No matter where you turn another door shuts.
You are left with fewer and fewer options as both an artist and a DJ when it comes to actually making a living.
People constantly tell you it’s all about the DIY and the touring. No it’s not.
In order to be DIY, you need money. You have to play the game. No other option.
In order to tour, you need to be relevant. Have a record out. Be good at Facebook, blogging, etc etc etc. And, if you are lucky, you might just make the internet stats chart and become a part of the glamorous other life. The promoters guide to Tesco clubbing.
Now before I start to sound like a bitter and pessimistic old has been, I’ll get to the point.
It cannot carry on like this.
I’ll be okay. I’ve been around long enough to have a body of work that will always see me through, one way or another.
Would I encourage my kids to follow this life? There was a time when I would of. Right now, I honestly don’t know.
This industry needs a voice. It needs a spokesperson. A union. A democracy.
As it stands I feel like we are out in the wilderness hoping that out there somewhere some one will do something so that we can continue to exist,
and ultimately for good music to exist and be created by us common folk as a full time profession and not a part time hobby.
The End.
