Originally Posted by Brian Austin Whitney
Could they do good and the "right" things still? Sure. Humans ALWAYS do that right?

The concept of freedom is wholly American. Everyone else came into existence under the thumb of the power brokers. And though we've had some ourselves in our relatively short history, we've also lived more freely in the past 100+ years than any people in world history. But our government (both sides) are ruining that, and what we all thought would FREE us again, technology, has been swallowed up by super powers that dwarf even our governments. And musicians are less than specs of dust in this giant dome of control. Though I can still help map out ways to make music and maybe make a living doing it, in context, it's all for naught unless some new freedom awaits us that isn't apparent. We had a small window that opened and it's slammed almost 100% shut right now. So how might we squeak through the opening? That's the question.

Brian


mmmmm.... Large companies are in business to make a profit and keep their shareholders happy. They are not interested in controlling us as people beyond getting us to buy their products. Having said that, large companies will do anything legal to beat their competition and maximize profits. Our recourse as individuals is to make sure our government does not allow monopolies to exist so there is a lot of competition in every business arena, and to make sure the government regulates things like accounting practices, environmental abuse, workplace safety, and so on and set appropriate limits.

I would take issue with the statement about freedom. America was and is not any more free than are many European countries and countries like Australia, although the flavors of freedom might differ.

I was reminiscing with some friends recently about the 60s and how cool they were.....the Beatles, etc. But then we started talking about Viet Nam and the draft, Civil Rights (talk about not free!), the cold war, the murders of Martin, Bobby and John, Kent State, and a lot of other nasty crap that went on, and we realized that we saw it through the rose colored glasses of youth.

To squeak through the opening? Better count on education and being able to run with those who are creating the new environment. You will not be successful as a musician who never looks beyond the keyboard of his piano. You will have to learn to utilize the tools that Facebook, iTunes, Google are giving us, or you will be left in the dust.

Sticking your head in the sand is not a strategy, Dave. Why should someone be taken seriously as a musician (it is, after all, the entertainment business), if you are scared to perform? People who are succeeding in the music business today can play half a dozen instruments, write great songs including lyrics and music, sing reasonably well, and deal with the social media and fans, book gigs, etc. etc. Someone who can only perform one of those functions does not stand a chance of success because the cream that rises to the top can do it all.

Colin

I try to critique as if you mean business.....

http://colinwardmusic.com/

http://rosewoodcreekband.com/