Music is THE universal language that has the power to touch hearts, inspire minds, and create connections between people. Musicians, as the conduits of this art form, have the incredible ability to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences through their craft. While musicians often play for audiences, there is also a profound importance in playing for ourselves as well. Playing for oneself allows us to nurture our creativity, find personal fulfillment, and maintain a genuine connection with our art.
One of the primary reasons why we should play for ourselves is to nurture our creativity. When we play solely for external validation or commercial success, we run the risk of compromising our artistic integrity. By focusing on our own musical desires and aspirations, we can explore our creativity without limitations or pressures. This freedom enables us to experiment, take risks, and push boundaries, ultimately leading to the development of our unique musical voice. When we play for ourselves, we can savor the delving into unexplored musical territories and discover new ways of expressing ourselves, which can ultimately inspire future work. When we feel bold enough to play for ourselves and an audience simultaneously, we can captivate their ears in authentic and unexpected ways!
And playing for oneself is crucial for personal fulfillment. Music is a deeply personal and emotional medium, and we often use our craft and our art as a means of self-expression and self-discovery. When we play for ourselves, we can tap into our innermost emotions and connect with our own thoughts and experiences. This can dissolve stress, allowing us to release our emotions and find solace in our music. Playing for ourselves first gives a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, and gives a lot of satisfaction and joy that goes beyond external recognition or applause. It reminds always reminds me of the inherent beauty of our art and reaffirms my passion for music. Talk about finding meaning in our music!
Playing for oneself helps us maintain a genuine connection with our art. Let’s face it. The music industry can be highly demanding and competitive, often pressuring artists to conform to trends or meet commercial expectations. While these external factors are important in a musician’s career, playing solely for the sake of pleasing others can dilute the authenticity and sincerity of their music. When we play for ourselves, we remain true to our artistic vision and maintain a sense of integrity in the work. And this authenticity resonates with your audiences on a deeper level. Listeners get your genuine passion and commitment behind the music. By staying connected to our own artistic values, we can create a lasting impact and build a loyal fan base that appreciates our unique perspective and artistic identity.
So, playing for oneself is of utmost importance for all of us musicians. It allows us to nurture our creativity, find personal fulfillment, and maintain a genuine connection with Music. By focusing on our own musical desires and aspirations, we can explore new horizons, express ourselves genuinely, and push the boundaries of our own creativity. Playing for audiences is undoubtedly vital, but I think we should always prioritize playing for ourselves, because it is through this personal connection with our own artistry that we can create music that is truly meaningful, impactful, and, as Nat King Cole sang, “Unforgettable.”