Are you dedicated enough?
By Jason, AKA
USER.NAME.UNKNOWN
On the back of our latest podcast, it got me thinking about the life of indie artists and how individuals see the world through their own creative lens.
So, what better person to talk about this than your neurodivergent agent of chaos?
And to make this clear, I'm aware some folks might get annoyed at the pessimistic tone I will set for this but there is a difference in a pessimistic outlook compared to the reality of one's situation. This is not trying to be a passive-aggressive call out to anyone, merely an exercise to possibly question your perspectives.
For us creative individuals who are all fighting for self sufficiency through our ability and talent, the likelihood of financial dependence off the back of one's artistry seems a bleak concept a majority of the time.
This is not to discourage nor throw the reader into a rabbit hole of dread and despair but merely offering an opinion covered in a thin vale of sceptic cynicism.
That does ask the question though:
How do we achieve our own definition of success?
This is more a rhetorical question now I think about things and start my editing process because I realise I haven't answered it myself.
Some might say it comes down to hard work and dedication combined with a positive and healthy mindset designed to manifest hopes and dreams into existence.
For those who know me well enough, as beautiful as this sentiment is, I feel as though it's quite a worn sentiment when it comes to artistry success. I have seen posts from Melbourne artists (mainly rappers) saying people need to stop whining about where they are and to work harder, be more dedicated to crafting your skills.
A lovely bit of advice, I do however find it a little ironic that for those who are skilled with words, making rhymes and metaphors into something people want to listen to, seem to be very basic with their ability to talk and say anything of real substance.
I see people posting online daily, stories on Instagram, feeding the hungry algorithm through reacting to every like and comment but when the thought of merely opening a message from someone sends shivers down your spine with pure anxiety, making algorithmic meals seems like an impossibility.
The concept of dedication, in my opinion, is too subjective. Can someone dedicate their time to recording when they have no ability to record nor the money to pay someone to do it for them. Dedication does not pay for production or the mixing and mastering of one's song, no matter the hours spent honing whatever genre of music you enjoy making.
Crunchy sound cloud songs aren't really the way to go, it cornered a market quickly and just like sharks, everyone swarmed when they smelled blood in the water.
And yes, for the 3 people that know, I have an EP. I was lucky enough to get a grant last year for deaf and disabled artists, I was able to dedicate my time to writing, recording and eventually having an EP launch, this was April 2022 and since then little has been done because despite how much I want to dedicate to everything, I have to outsource most things other than writing.
But this is just my opinion, a poet who attempts to rap, riding the coattails of Vibe Union until we are rolling in the Benjamins and I can launder all the money, leaving my business partner high and dry.
So give us money on patreon so our dedication can be rewarded like it deserves to be but until then we will keep on grinding, hustling and stop with the whining.
Xoxo
If you enjoy what we do, if you want to support us (Purely optional mind you), consider supporting us on Patreon. A few dollars goes a long way in keeping the lights on, paying for our website and helping us do more cool stuff.
Graphics by Rhath
