When I asked my nephew what he thought about my music he said “you write what you feel!” Is that a good thing?
I once saw an artist ask a bunch of kids what they saw when they looked at his art. They all echoed they didn’t get it. “what do you feel?” He asked. “Nothing!” He tried to explain how are was subjective but after the kids left, he tore up the painting… (shock!!!)
So, we all want to know where we fit, where our work fits; where we as people fit in.
A few years ago, I was singing in Kingston during a Christmas event. I sang my own songs and got some very encouraging remarks from people. My band and I also got cut short when the organisers thought my songs were not bringing in the punters (ouch!) but I remember distinctly a young man come up to me to say my voice reminded him of a blend of Nina Simone and another well-known artist. I guess I spent my entire childhood into adult hood listening to 60’s style music and loving soul but what I didn’t do was pay attention to the names of the artists. I just loved listening to their music. Does that make me a 60’s soul singer or am I just influenced by that genre but exploring for my own. Rhetorical statement really!
Back in the day it was more about the sounds than visuals so when #Topofthepops came to the scene I was of two minds. It was nice of course to see the dance moves but I really was surprised to see the artists up close and personal, almost disappointed. Too fat, too slim, what were they wearing? Or not wearing!? What were those dance moves and why were they so grim?! … the list just kept growing. I was really okay just with the audio.
So now that I’m being asked to define my style of music, I am getting a little stuck. Do I have to define it? Is it okay for me just to write and sing what I feel. Are artist supposed to be more strategic when planning their next song?
Do artist put music out there because they know it will sell or are we allowed to just enjoy the process whatever the outcome.
I’ve listened to pop star #RAYE once; I know her. Her music is fun, quirky, very pop. On one of songs which came across as a Ballard more than anything, someone commented that she should be her own genre or something along those lines. The song was amazing – something so beautiful someone pointed it out that set her apart.
I feel a tad embarrassed that I’m only now getting to know the names of artists I’ve listened to growing up but at the same time proud that I have a keen ear to appreciate good music. I wished I pursued a singer/musician career when I was younger but still have no regrets that I’m doing it now that I’m older. I don’t really want to be put in a box because I’m still discovering my voice and what it would like to sing. I’ve always enjoyed writing so will do the same there to.
I guess I love old school with a modern twist – maybe there will be a name for that or not but until then I won’t genre my music but will write, share stories, go backwards and forwards in time until my music defines its own genre.