Today my wife was preparing for a party with a bunch of girlfriends. As we worked all around the house, she sighed and said “Why do I have parties? They are so much work to prepare for.” Right now I’m in my studio, and she’s throwing her party. I’ve popped in on her and her friends a few times tonight. It’s fun to see what a great experience they are all sharing. And the smile on my wife’s face is priceless. I think she’s answered her own question. She now knows why she throws parties. – So she can pour into others and have them pour into her. It’s a beautiful thing. And it’s worth it.
Sitting here pondering this idea, I think about my music. Any kind of creative endeavor can easily remain selfish. I’ve often said that I write songs because I am compelled to. But I share them because I want community. My hope is to not only share myself, but open myself up to others sharing with me as well. That’s what all of this is about.
Is the music a pursuit of my own? Sure. Do I want you to hear it? Yes. Do I want you to buy it? If you’d be so kind. But let’s not stop there. I believe that community can be built around this music. I tire of shows for the sake of rocking the audience. I love to perform, but even more so, I love to connect.
Through the internet, I am trying to create ways in which we can interact; And not just interact through short phrases and comments on social websites, but have an actual conversation. I have some big ideas for getting us together on a soul level in 2011, both over the internet and in person. I’ll plan the events at first, and even come to yours if you organize them. My goal is to create a safe place for all kinds of people to grow together and find true community. Does all this sound like too much for a rock band? It should. Because The Archiver is not a rock band. At least, it’s my hope that it can be much more. But I can’t do it alone. Nor would I want to. I want you.
“I write songs because I’m compelled to. I share them because I want community.”
Is it worth it? I think so.
Who’s with me?
- The Archiver
I get it…true community can also exist on the web when there is healthy connection of dialogue and thought.
Your latest video is a great reminder that anything that distracts my true purpose is just spin. I just came back from a Mission’s trip in Mexico. I’ve done it several times before. However, each time I go, a part of me is exposed and raw. Becuase I sense more and more that I allow too many things holding me back. Even “good” things can be a distraction. I’m also learning that just being a moral person can be spin if done to please others or God.
Thanks
It’s not enough to do a good thing. It’s only enough to do the best thing. Thanks, Joe. Glad to have you with me.