Spiritual Independence

"We've come into a world now... although masked by fear, threats of war, threats to our stability, ... but a world that is also encouraging freedom of creativity, where with simple tools we can create the music, manufacture the music, upload to cyberspace and cost effectively distribute it."

Whether we move forward independently or as a united front, I am overwhelmed by the strength, passion and energy that exudes my fellow music compadres in this so-called music revolution. It's not easy going out there and making it happen for yourself. It's a long and hard road, a life long journey of becoming who we want to be, making some sense of our creative urges, and hoping others understand and enjoy what we do. More and more when I tour around I am meeting such wonderful artists who are empowering themselves and their art, believing in themselves, and understanding the art of promotion and the art of business. I am really excited at what lies ahead for all of us who are going out there and making it happen.

  I read the press daily about what's going on in L.A, San Fran, Seattle, Vancouver, New York, Phoenix, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London.... acoustic music, folk music, alternative music, rock, pop, whatever the inclination... being taken to the people, the masses, in a movement that is surely to be THE way.. the indie way. Not ignoring the "system" of the music industry or even the Majors, for they do bring great business to the industry, but working with, in tandem, those in the industry, creating a circle/network of our own we can call our "industry" and being business savvy and strong in our affairs while retaining artist integrity.   We've come into a world now... although masked by fear, threats of war, threats to our stability, ... but a world that is also encouraging freedom of creativity, where with simple tools we can create the music, manufacture the music, upload to cyberspace and cost effectively distribute it. We live in a new renaissance where we are not only able to (and even forced to in the current economic climate) look within and analyze who we are, but we are able to create our own opportunities simply by working hard, remaining true to our goals, and not giving up. We can have everything we want, if we truly believe it, focus and enjoy every single day. We can work alone, we can work with our teams, we can work with the status quo, or change it all. There are no longer rules.   I look forward to the times when radio (in particular), tv and media are accessible and open to new, good music without any barriers except the acceptable rating of what is good, and not by any other immoral persuasions. I believe in a system where music on the Net is paid for, where people understand the concept of either subscribing to music downloads at a reasonable rate, or that they buy the Cds once listening to the free tracks - but that takes education of the masses to learn to respect music as a service and respect of the artist as a service provider that is worthy of earning as much as any other service provider. I look forward to a time when venues (and promoters of music venues) respect artists of original music, and pay reasonable and fair rates for performances, for we all work hard to entertain and are worthy of such payment.   There is much to change in the music industry, but at the same time, I see many changes, and those are emanating from artists themselves who, like artists through the ages, are overcoming obstacles small and large to create their own opportunities, share their creativity and create a lifestyle that allows them to continue making their art. I am really delighted to be surrounded by individuals such as these, and at times like Christmas, this spiritual season for all inclinations, I want to wish everyone a good one, a prosperous one (for we are all rich in heart) and let us think about PEACE because that is what this world needs right now. With peace of mind in our own hearts, brings peace to the world.   Be passionate one and all!  

© 2002 gilli moon