Do you really care what others think?

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

The only one I care about is the guy who's gonna hire me for the next gig.

Bingo!

[4dog]

^^^^^plus1000

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by electracoyote

I agree with this, and I'm very similar as an entertainer, but in fact, you and I are still doing what WE care about. We care about audiences.

And, when you think about it, there are countless ways of pleasing an audience, and WE still have total control over what strategy we use.

They may THINK it's all about them, and I'm happy letting them think that, but in the end, it's really all about ME. Gauranteed.

You've got it all wrong, it's not about you at all. It should be about the audience, full stop. I actually do care what the audience likes on any given night, and I'll change set lists and do whatever it takes to make them happy. What I like matters much less, otherwise I'd playing in my bedroom for myself.

[jmattbassplaya]

I care. But I'm also trying to make it in music. I think it's important for any musician in my position to be willing to put their ego aside, listen to criticism, and consider whether or not it has any value to give you. For example, my band found out that my singer can, at times, be hard to understand and that his singing style could possibly be made better if he were to sing more melodically. We took that advice and have applied it to newer songs that we've written, and it has actually had a positive impact on the crowds we play to. Sometimes you can learn a lot if you're only willing to listen to what other people have to tell you.

[Kwesi]

As long as they don't think, "that guy is trash." then no.

So, yes. Not so much about my gear but about my skill.

[QweziRider]

Originally Posted by MrMeacham

...do you really care what people think of you?

I couldn't give a flying flip. Ever.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by MarkMgibson

You've got it all wrong, it's not about you at all. It should be about the audience, full stop. I actually do care what the audience likes on any given night, and I'll change set lists and do whatever it takes to make them happy. What I like matters much less, otherwise I'd playing in my bedroom for myself.

You need to re-read my entire post, carefully. That's exactly what I said. But in saying so, making the audience the priority is an extension of MY needs and desires, as much or more than thiers.

Trust me, I'm audience centered (many musicians I've played with have accused me of being too much so), but not because I'm afraid they won't like me, but because I'm quite certain they WILL. So it's about the audience (as far as they are concerned) for me just as much as it is for you. But it is most definitely about ME too.

Here's another way to look at it, relevant to the OP's question: If you do everything you think you should to please an audience, but some of them don't appreciate it, do you care?

My answer: Nope. Those people are not my audience. I'm playing for the ones who recognize and appreciate the entertainment value of what I so carefully and meticulously planned and rehearsed for them.

[oniman7]

Yes. Some things I won't change but it's nice to know that my passion and performance is understood and enjoyed by the people I'm performing to. Music is both an art and a means of communicating. I don't communicate just to myself.

[BobaFret]

It really depends on who they are. I care very little about what most people think of me. I care a lot about what a select few think.

[Marial]

Originally Posted by MarkMgibson

You've got it all wrong, it's not about you at all. It should be about the audience, full stop. I actually do care what the audience likes on any given night, and I'll change set lists and do whatever it takes to make them happy. What I like matters much less, otherwise I'd playing in my bedroom for myself.

I'm tempted to pull a bluewine and ask if you're an entertainer or a musician?

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by Marial

I'm tempted to pull a bluewine and ask if you're an entertainer or a musician?

My tax returns say "musician", but the answer to the the question is "both". A musician who doesn't care about entertaining people is called a waiter.

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by electracoyote

You need to re-read my entire post, carefully. That's exactly what I said. But in saying so, making the audience the priority is an extension of MY needs and desires, as much or more than thiers.

Trust me, I'm audience centered (many musicians I've played with have accused me of being too much so), but not because I'm afraid they won't like me, but because I'm quite certain they WILL. So it's about the audience (as far as they are concerned) for me just as much as it is for you. But it is most definitely about ME too.

Here's another way to look at it, relevant to the OP's question: If you do everything you think you should to please an audience, but some of them don't appreciate it, do you care?

My answer: Nope. Those people are not my audience. I'm playing for the ones who recognize and appreciate the entertainment value of what I so carefully and meticulously planned and rehearsed for them.

Sounds good to me.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Marial

I'm tempted to pull a bluewine and ask if you're an entertainer or a musician?

As soon as your on stage and there's an audience aren't you an entertainer?

Blue

[guitardefector]

Originally Posted by MrMeacham

Besides having a good sound and the ability to play the song in an acceptable manner do you really care what people think of you? Do you care what other people think about what your gear looks like, if you play with a pick, use a capo, have flats or rounds, your bass is road worn, etc. I'm not putting people down who do but as I've reached 50 I could care less. I'm interested in how things work or sound so I can achieve my goals. Am I just old and jaded.

There's a line from "Crossroads" that always makes me laugh and put public opinion in perspective.

The day after Eugene and Willie Brown bring down the house at the black nightclub, he's jumping around all excited, saying, "This music's happening, Willie. Those people last night were feelin' it!" To which Willie responds, "Those people were feelin' whisky, just like I'm gonna be feelin' right now!"

[maxgrant]

I don't do this for money so my only concern is whether it is good, and it has to be good, and please me, before I can possibly make anyone else like it.

Therefore, I don't bother myself with what critics or haters have to say. My guitarist had someone "review" one of our shows about a year ago and it was about what you'd expect from someone who knows "I don't know about art but I know what I like" and that's it. It was overtly critical of things that didn't matter, and utterly unhelpful as constructive criticism.

Therefore, I don't give a **** what people think. I'm not making much if any money doing this, so if people don't like it screw 'em.

[phillybass101]

Every great player there ever was/is had/has an image. It was there from the beginning then shaped honed and polished. I don't think there is any performer in the world who can honestly say they don't care what people think etc. This is too general of a question. But I know what you are getting at.

[Lee Bruton]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

The only one I care about is the guy who's gonna hire me for the next gig.

+1

[Marial]

Originally Posted by bluewine

As soon as your on stage and there's an audience aren't you an entertainer?

Blue

No, not necessarily at all, but I suppose it depends on what your definitions of 'artist' and 'entertainer' are.

[stratovani]

I care about what my audience thinks. You've got to put yourselves in their shoes. They could be doing a million other things right now, from going to the movies to watching TV to attending a sporting event, yet here they are, choosing to listen to you and your band instead. So if you're unprofessional, have an attitude, play poorly, then what's going to happen is the next time they'll take their entertainment dollars elsewhere, and you can be sure that they'll spread the word. And there might not be a next time for you and your band.

Professionalism. It pays, in more ways than one!

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by Marial

No, not necessarily at all, but I suppose it depends on what your definitions of 'artist' and 'entertainer' are.

You should be an entertainer; that's what live music is all about. In a recording studio, you can be an "artist", but on stage, most of us put on a different hat, whether we care to admit it or not.

Just my opinion of course, and you know what they say about those.