As musicians, we often feel that what we are 'selling' is our music, and perhaps the tangible manifestations of that; albums, merchandise, concerts/shows. However, there is a deeper essence that lies at the core of a musician's craft—our real product. Beyond the physical merchandise, or even the music itself, a musician's true offering is something intangible, yet immensely powerful: the ability to evoke emotions and connect with listeners through the medium of sound.
Crafting Emotion:
At the heart of a musician's real product is the remarkable ability to craft emotions through music. We possess the unique talent to create sonic landscapes that evoke a wide range of feelings, leaving a lasting impact on our listeners. Through carefully crafted melodies, harmonies, and lyrics, musicians have the power to stir emotions and take listeners on transformative journeys.
Some musicians who have excelled in crafting emotion:
Adele
Adele's powerful and soulful voice, coupled with her heartfelt lyrics, has made her an icon of emotional storytelling. Her ballads, such as "Someone Like You" and "Hello,"
resonate deeply with audiences, evoking feelings of heartbreak, longing, and resilience. Adele's ability to channel raw emotions into her music has touched the hearts of millions around the world.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Considered one of the greatest
composers in history, Beethoven's music transcends time and language, tapping into the depths of human emotion. His compositions, such as the famous Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy" and the introspective "Moonlight Sonata," encompass a range of emotions from joy and triumph to melancholy and introspection. Beethoven's ability to express profound emotions through his compositions has made him an eternal source of inspiration.
Billie Eilish
A rising star in the contemporary music scene, Billie Eilish has garnered critical acclaim for her dark and introspective songs. Her whisper-like vocals and haunting melodies,
showcased in songs like "bury a friend" and "everything i wanted," create an eerie and emotive atmosphere, capturing the struggles and vulnerabilities of her generation. Eilish's ability to tap into the complexities of human emotions has resonated deeply with a broad audience.
These musicians and countless others have mastered the art of crafting emotion through their music. Their ability to create melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners is what sets them apart. Through their unique expressions of joy, pain, love, and hope, they have the power to touch our hearts and leave an indelible mark on our lives.
Authenticity and Vulnerability:
One of the most captivating aspects of a musician's real product is the ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to our art. By embracing our true selves and sharing our personal stories, musicians create a profound connection with their audience.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's rise to stardom can be attributed, in part, to his unfiltered and authentic approach to songwriting. His songs, such as "Thinking Out Loud" and "Photograph," are deeply personal and often draw from his own experiences and relationships. Sheeran's willingness to expose his vulnerabilities and share intimate moments through his music has endeared him to millions of fans worldwide.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry, largely due to her ability to infuse her music with authenticity and vulnerability. Throughout her career, Swift has openly shared her personal journey, heartbreaks, and growth. Songs like "Blank Space" and "All Too Well" resonate with listeners because of their raw and relatable nature, capturing universal emotions of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Johnny Cash
Known as the "Man in Black," Johnny Cash was renowned for his honest and unapologetic songs. He often delved into darker themes, tackling subjects like love, addiction, and mortality. Songs such as "Hurt", which he did not write, but sang with raw emotion, and "Folsom Prison Blues" embody Cash's vulnerability, reflecting his own struggles and emotions. His willingness to expose his inner demons made his music incredibly powerful and touched the hearts of many.
When musicians open themselves up, sharing their triumphs, struggles, and innermost thoughts, we create a genuine connection with the audience. By baring our souls through music, we can inspire empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared experiences that transcend boundaries.
Escape and Catharsis:
One of the remarkable qualities of a musician's real product is its ability to offer an escape from reality and provide catharsis to listeners. Music can transport us to different emotional landscapes, allowing us to momentarily detach from our daily lives and experience a range of emotions.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's progressive rock compositions, characterized by their atmospheric
soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics, have offered a form of musical escapism for decades. Albums like "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here" take listeners on immersive sonic journeys, providing a sense of release and introspection. The band's ability to create expansive soundscapes and tackle profound themes has captivated audiences seeking an otherworldly experience.
Enya
Enya's ethereal and soothing music has become synonymous with relaxation and escapism. Her enchanting vocals, layered harmonies, and atmospheric arrangements create a serene and dreamlike atmosphere. Songs like "Orinoco Flow" and "Only Time" transport listeners to tranquil realms, offering a respite from the demands of everyday life. Enya's music has provided solace and a sense of calm to millions around the world.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley's reggae music, with its infectious rhythms and messages of peace and unity,
has provided a form of catharsis for generations. Songs like "Three Little Birds" and "No Woman, No Cry" have become anthems of hope and resilience, offering comfort and reassurance in times of struggle. Marley's music provides an avenue for listeners to find solace, unite in their shared experiences, and channel their emotions towards positive change.
Whether it's through transporting listeners to new sonic landscapes or providing an outlet for emotional expression, musicians offer a means of escape and catharsis that resonates deeply with their audiences.
The Ripple Effect:
Beyond its impact on individual listeners, a musician's real product can have a ripple effect that extends beyond the realm of music itself. Music has the power to influence communities, cultures, and even society at large. It can inspire change, foster unity, and amplify important messages.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's music became an anthem for the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" served as rallying cries for social justice and inspired a generation to question the status quo. Dylan's impactful lyrics and activism had a profound ripple effect, empowering individuals to challenge societal norms and fight for equality.
Live Aid:
In 1985, musicians from around the world united to stage the Live Aid concert, a global
event that aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. With iconic performances by artists such as Queen, U2, and Bob Geldof, Live Aid brought together millions of people and raised awareness about global issues. The concert had a ripple effect by mobilizing individuals, governments, and organizations to take action against poverty and hunger.
"We Are the World"
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, "We Are the World" brought together an all-star ensemble of musicians in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief. The song's message of unity and compassion struck a chord with listeners worldwide, leading to an outpouring of support and donations. "We Are the World" not only raised significant funds but also served as a unifying anthem, showcasing the power of music to bring people together for a common cause.
Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"
Lady Gaga's hit song "Born This Way" became an anthem of self-acceptance and LGBTQ+
empowerment. The song's inclusive message resonated deeply with individuals around the world, creating a ripple effect of self-empowerment and fostering a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community. Gaga's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her music's positive impact on listeners have continued to inspire and promote equality.
Through powerful lyrics and heartfelt performances, as musicians, we can spark conversations, challenge societal norms, and motivate individuals to take action. Music has the ability to amplify important messages, unite diverse communities, and drive positive change in the world. The impact of our real product can extend far beyond the notes and lyrics, shaping the course of history and inspiring generations to come. While the music we create and perform, and the physical manifestations of it may be what gets the most time and energy devoted to it, those things merely serve as vessels for the true product musicians offer—the power to evoke emotions, forge connections, and create transformative experiences through music. The intangible essence of a musician's craft lies in the ability to touch the hearts and souls of listeners, provide comfort in times of need, and inspire hope and change.
So, the next time you perform or record, remember that what you're truly giving is a profound journey of emotions - in a way that is uniquely your own. If you mistake the vessel for the product, you may fail to give listeners what they are hungry for, and they may leave unsatisfied. Don't just give listeners your music - give them your heart, your soul, your passion, your heartbreak, your joy, your love...
-M