Getting Seen

It's so important for any artist, no matter what level of skill you're at, to be seen. Getting your music out to folks in any way you can is the first major step in getting connected. Of course, it's nice when you get paid and eventually paid well for doing that, but it shouldn't be the only reason you play.

Finding a place where you can regularly play your music gives you a sense of being grounded. You can test out new songs with relative comfort, practice songs you've just learned or just play for the pure joy of playing.

Gordie and I connected with a local coffeehouse hangout in Campbellford and fell in love with the owner who makes a wicked cup of coffee. He had a sign for an acoustic jam every Sat morning and we asked if we could join in. First Saturday we sat outside right across from the Farmer's Market and just played whatever we felt like. We drew a crowd and even met some new folks. The next time we played, he set us up indoors and we plaed for about an hour.

Today we did the same thing and had a full house. Folks walking in for coffee sat and listened to a song or two and it was so wonderful to just play songs without thinking about set lists or timing or entertainment value.

I think this is so vital to connecting. You give folks who wouldn't necessarily pay for a concert ticket a chance to see you. They don't have to like the music, there's no pressure. But sometimes they do and you connect.

My advice? Be seen. No matter how you do it, be seen. We spent the day in Toronto yesterday and there were several buskers on the street. Nobody cared about them really, but they played their music and sometimes, they connected. I connected with them. They were good and I loved that.

Why can't be provide a subsidy for these folks to make a living wage? A guy told me today that he was so grateful for his morning coffee and the added bonus of music. It made his day. It made my day.