Filling the Seats

One thing that concerns me, and apparently many others, is the growing disparity between artist and audience. I’m talking pure numbers here. Ever been to a show with less people in the audience then on stage? Shouldn’t there be more performers than viewers? And no, family members, significant others, venue employees and opening acts to not count. If no one is around to appreciate how talented and creative you are, what’s the point? Our ego’s are fragile enough as it is...

Maybe it’s because my town (Portland, OR) just happens to be inundated with artistes, talented or not, and there are only so many patrons who are willing to experience culture in person. Movies are as popular as ever. Dance clubs still have long lines every weekend. But more and more, the live arts – music, theatre, dance… the bastions of civilized (yuck, I hate that word) culture seemingly need grants and endowments to stay afloat.

With most music, I don’t believe we are quite in that crisis mode, but that really depends on what you happen to be performing. Everybody loves music, right? It’s everywhere – recorded music anyway… But like movies, recorded music is the safe, dependable choice. It’s probably why DJs get paid more than musicians these days - you know what you’re getting. There is no element of chance, or if there is, it’s minimal.

But that’s what makes live music so great, right?

Hell yes, I say – but I may be in the minority. And I’m a musician, so I’m biased. What about the music lover (listener) who just spent all week busting their corporate tail and just wants to go out and have some fun - without having to think, or be challenged, or blow $ on a show with a bunch of bands he’s never heard of? It’s the plight of the innovator I guess… You may make heartfelt groundbreaking music, but that doesn’t mean that it will be appreciated, or pay your bills.

How does one gain an audience… from scratch? Having an incredibly large social network certainly helps. But if you are not virtuoso-tic-ly talented and actually have to hone your skills – something that really can’t be done while networking or partying – you may find that while you were holed up in the woodshed, your audience left to go see the new Adam Sandler movie or is busy gettin’ down at ‘80s night, or (!!!) KARAOKE.

Of course, I have no answers. But one thing that I have always held to be true is this simple statement: If you are good, they will come. By “good” I mean - talented, creative, passionate, interesting and engaging. By “they” I mean an audience. Of course, the specifics and particulars of the audience – i.e. how many, for how much ($), how often – will depend on many factors that I can’t begin to cover. But I truly believe, with hard work, a quality project that consistently delivers can be appreciated enough to give the creator enough sense of accomplishment to keep going.

At least I damn well hope so.