Motives

I’m currently working my 5th episode, which I’m kinda psyched about. This podcast was something of an experiment—the scratching of a creative itch—and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it this far. Therefore, I’d like to say a quick and sincere thanks to all the bands who’ve been cool with me spinning their jams. That said, I’m not sure how much longer I’m gonna continue. Naturally, I want to keep this going as long as I can, but believe it or not, finding 7 songs to play isn’t always easy. We’ll, finding the songs is easy, but getting the permission to play them isn’t. 

I wonder why. I can’t be sure, of course, but I get the feeling that some of the people I contact about playing a song are skeptical of my motives. I find this unfortunate because my motives are pure. Nevertheless, should anyone out there need me to hear it directly from me, then let me be clear: I simply want to help spread the word about the good, cool, awesome (pick your adjective) bands I discover online and help them get their music into more ears. That is it. I make no money from the podcast — in fact each episode costs me about $10, so I lose money. All I get out of this podcast is the pleasure that comes from doing something creative and from introducing people to cool jams. 

At the same time, I sort of understand the skepticism too. The emphasis on doing things “yourself” in DIY culture, coupled with the understated yet ever-present mythology of the rugged individualist lurking in the American psyche, has made us all a little wary of anyone offering their assistance without asking for anything in return. I mean, he or she must be up to something, right? Maybe. While a healthy does of skepticism might be practical, a willingness to support one another’s creative endeavors is more punk rock. Providing that support is precisely what I’m up to with this podcast. 

But how much support can I really provide? It’s a fair question. I don’t have a bazillion followers. Yet, even if I introduce your band to just 10 people, isn’t that worth it given that all I’m asking for is permission to play a song? As a musician, isn’t your goal to get your music heard by more people? This is exactly the service I (aim to) provide. I don’t ask for a dime for it and I never will. 

So, major props to everyone who recognizes and is down with that. I really, really couldn’t do it without you.