Reality for the gigging musician
If last week’s album launch reminded me how much people love and support new music this week’s gigs reinforced the notion that many listeners need the comfort of hearing songs they already know and love.
One of the great privileges I have had in the past few years is to be asked to play for older folk in aged care facilities. Described as “the greatest generation” for good reason, they have welcomed me, listened, sung along, laughed and generally had a good time. At the same time I have all the while been having a ball playing the fabulous songs of their childhood and youth and getting the opportunity to spend time with some of the loveliest people on the planet.
So on Monday and Tuesday I played shows in Randwick and Marsfield and had a delightful time. It is as rewarding to sing It’s A Long Way To Tipperary to them as to sing one of my songs to a supportive audience.
My Friday night gig was playing solo in a pub in the Campbelltown area. Once again I was reminded that approval and customer satisfaction is not a given and that I must work hard to find what every audience desires and needs. Luckily the people were happy to let me know what they wanted to hear and fortunately I had enough repertoire to cover most requests.
An after work audience isn’t necessarily demonstrative, the mood is set for winding down from a tough work day. My job is to help them do just that by playing the music they are comfortable with. Success is not to be measured simply by the applause but by the smile, the wink, the thumbs-up as they leave or, sometimes, the offer of buying me a drink.
The people at Ruse on Friday night reinforced my philosophy that I work in a service industry. If I forget that for a moment they will let me know. If I remember then they show their warmth and appreciation.
I try to remember this every time I share music with anyone. I hope I always succeed.
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