Music that is enjoyable to play isn’t necessarily enjoyable to listen to. The same is true for the other way around…songs that are pleasing to listen to aren’t necessarily pleasing to play.
The third scenario is when the music is awful to listen to and awful to play. That sucks.
And then there’s the forth possibility that we’re all dying for, music that gives life when people hear it and brings you to your knees when you play it.
But the mediocre music that is so prevalent these days, that artists and bands trumpet as their “best work ever” usually comes from that first situation: fun to play, boring to listen to.
With all the bands and artists I’ve played with since I was in middle school, I can honestly say, a lot of music is enjoyable to play.
But most music doesn’t make an impact on the listener. And like Celine Dion says, “that’s the way it is”.
I get it, it’s hard because you can’t simultaneously be inside the music (playing it) and maintain a regular listeners point of view at the same time.
You chose to try your hand at a career in music, to make money with it, so at some point you have to come to terms with the fact that a certain amount of people in the world have to enjoy your music in order for you to succeed. It matters what (some) other people think. i.e. your music has to be enjoyable to people who aren’t actually playing it.
I know I know I know, it’s not good to sit around in agony all day in the studio wondering if people are going to like the way you put the first verse and chorus together. But it’s something to keep in mind. It’s a trap that’s easy to fall into without realizing it.
We’re all looking for a song we need to hear again. Do you have it?
