Homogenic

I just saw an interview from a few years ago with a recording artist named Derek Webb, and was inspired by something he said. “…The job of an artist…is to look at the world and tell you what they see…there’s a unique perspective and unique voice that every artist has. I think the hardest work is just finding what that voice is and being brave enough to use it, as opposed to trying to do something really homogenous like everybody else… We need to find out what’s unique about us and really focus on that.” Inspiring words…

It’s easy, as an artist, to allow what others might think of me to enter into what I do musically and lyrically. I’m on the precipice of putting out something that is totally honest in my new single Spin (Are You Ready?). In fact, I think this is one of the most honest songs I’ve written; Which is probably why I’m so nervous about what people will think of it. I recorded the demo for Spin way back in November of 2009. For most of 2010, it sat amidst all of the rest of the songs I had been working on. But it continued to stand out. I can’t remember a time when I was this excited to share a song with people. Still, there are some people who know me (and, I’m sure, some who don’t), who I am afraid won’t get it. In the end, that’s to be expected. But just because it’s expected, doesn’t mean it’s easy.

For instance, musically this song is far different from anything I’ve ever put out. I have some friends who, I’m afraid, won’t think this song is cool. Don’t get me wrong, songwriting is not about being cool to my friends. Still, it’s nice to have their support. And support is what I’ve had from many of my friends. Perhaps I’m afraid of losing their support. I’m going to have to think on that one some more. I suppose I’m about to find out.

Either way, Spin (Are You Ready?) was the song that had to be sung. It’s the musical style that was so clearly “me” to me. It’s the lyric that was awaiting it’s arrival from inside my heart. It practically wrote itself. And when that happens, it’s often the thing that’s most honest. It’s among the clearest pictures of what’s inside of me I can find out of those demos. Happily, there are others. I’ll be working on fully producing those demos at the first of the year. Until then, I must enter into this new realm of writing I’ve found, and explore it. All the while, trying to “be brave enough” to use my voice now that it’s been found.

Have you ever been brave enough to share something no matter the cost, because you felt it was the right thing to do? I’d love to hear about it.

- The Archiver