We went to a house concert last night, the Rio Rancho House Concert Series specifically, and we saw and heard a fantastic performer- excellent singer, accomplished songwriter, killer guitarist. We arrived worn out from a long day of work and left energized and excited because of the musical performance. So what’s the problem? The event was woefully under-attended.
I realize that as we come out of the pandemic, a contributing factor, no doubt, is that a lot of folks are approaching gatherings cautiously. However, there is a trend that’s been going on for a good deal longer than Covid and that is the waning of performance venues and other opportunities for Singer/Songwriters, driven, I’m afraid, by a diminishing interest on the part of the general public to attend AND listen to talented artists. I’m not talking about huge concert events at stadiums and arenas, those are a different beast. I’m talking about intimate events in smaller listening venues or people’s living rooms where you get to listen to and interact with incredibly talented human beings whom most people have never heard of.
Why is this a problem? Things change, technology drives our culture, we sink deeper into our devices. This makes it financially tough on the artists, no doubt, which has a direct impact on the desire and willingness of upcoming generations to pursue a career in music. A bigger problem though is that it’s killing the soul of the humans who make up our society. This type of music promotes connections, it fosters compassion and empathy, it preserves history, it encourages us to think and feel. It is good for your heart and soul. We need it desperately. You may not miss it until it’s gone, but you WILL miss it!
I’m on the “seasoned” end of the singer/songwriter spectrum (that’s a euphemism for “geezer”) so my personal stake is fairly limited. However, through my involvement with a number of wonderful organizations…International Western Music Association, Folk Alliance International (most especially the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance- SWRFA) and the Western Writers of America…I know quite a few incredibly talented young folks who are creating brilliant works of musical art, too many of which are going unnoticed. You can do something about this AND it will be good for you! Find out what listening venues are in your community and SUPPORT THEM! You will be fostering the next generation of artists, you will be supporting venues that are committed to preserving this form of artistic expression and most of all, you will be doing yourself a HUGE favor. You’ll feel better, I promise! These days, who doesn’t need that?! And by the way, the gentleman we heard last night was an amazing performer by the name of Kray Van Kirk. Check out his work, it’s outstanding.
https://www.rioranchohouseconcerts.org/
Thanks Jim! Great point to make. And I have heard and really like Kray!
Yep, people need to hear Kray and all the other amazing singer/songwriters out there!
Well stated Jim! As well as… along with the declining numbers of audience members in these smaller more intimate venues, comes even more declining numbers of CD’s being purchased and taken home by audience members. Physical CD sales and Digital Downloads are all but obsolete these days while streaming subscriptions are increasing and folks now will just listen to a song from an artist or maybe even download the song from the streaming service leaving the artist waiting for a check for royalties paid at a whopping price of one hundredth to one tenth of a cent per song! This seems to also be the trend these days. I am forever grateful to our radio DJ’s who are hosting more programs featuring the independent artists and the singer/songwriters, and with the advent of internet broadcasting, giving more folks the opportunity to hear these artists in hopes that those listeners will want to hear more and support the musician by attending a concert in these smaller venues and also taking home the music that the artist has poured their hearts and souls into making a lasting souvenir of their live performances.
Thanks for the very kind words, Jim!! You’re also correct about changing technologies and the impact they can have (both good and problematic) on the human community. Part of it is simply enduring – finding ways to continue to do what human beings have done for thousands of years: come together to sing and dance and tell stories. I think the pendulum will swing again, tho’ p’raps not for quite a while. Until then, saddle up and ride!