The LyPhyS Music Blog

Going to ask a very simple question:  What is music worth to you?  It's just music right?  It's not directly fighting for your country or feeding and clothing your family.  It's entertainment and it's abundant, right?  So let me ask it again... Do you sing along in the car?  Do you get misty-eyed when a patriotic song is played at a ball game?  Do you feel the need to raise your hands and close your eyes during worship?  Do you swear by your workout mix?  Does a great dance track get your blood pumping?  Have you ever wandered over to the bandstand because you liked what you heard?  Does the right song on the radio make your morning drive?  Does the Star Wars theme make you grin like the goofy nerd you are?  Do you recognize a movie in the other room by the sound track?  How about a show by the song in the opening credits?  Do you keep headphones at work just to listen to music while you crunch numbers?  Do you get excited over a new album by your favorite band?  Have

So recently I wrote a piece about how to support artists, and when I examined some of my reasons for that I realized that there are so many times when we are inadvertently disrespected.  Usually this isn't because people are setting out to be rude.  Usually these things are born out of a lack of knowledge of the process and a lack of understanding that music isn't about attention and exposition, it is about expression and experience.  And it's dang hard work on anything approaching a professional level. Here go some of my pet peeves!  Some of the following things may not tick off or annoy every musician, but these things certainly are on my list and I would wager are on a lot of other folks' lists as well. Expecting FREE :  Asking a musician to give you their latest CD for free?  Telling a musician to put all their stuff on Soundcloud so you can listen for free?  No. No. No.  Just no. Why?  Because it shows a huge lack of respect for that person's time and resou

I run into the occasional fan or friend who is absolutely amazed by what an artist can create.  Often these are people that have tried it themselves or are very close to someone else that creates.  They usually have some insight into the work it takes.  They appreciate art and music in general.  Then I find those that take it for granted and think that it really takes very little effort to produce a professional sounding piece.  This is for those people. Before I go any further, keep in mind that this is not an attack, this is a plea for some understanding.  I have been hesitating to write this entry because I see all too often that others get attacked when trying to show what it takes to create.  I've read nasty replies to other articles and blogs, and frankly I didn't want to deal with the crazies that come out of the woodwork to express that artists are all whiners and musicians aren't really producing anything of value.  I'm not trying to convince you that just be

Seems that most folks enjoy music.  We don't all enjoy the same music, but that's why we have so many genres and artists from which to choose.  I have favorite musicians and bands that I have supported for years.  And given that I've been producing my own music as well and interacted with some wonderful fans, I figured why not tell you what I'm finding to be great ways to support artists.  Sarah's top picks for supporting artists: Buy Something!  Okay... money talks.  If you want music, pay for music.  There is a reason why I own a half dozen Collective Soul albums.  I've been a fan since high school and I want them to continue creating as long as they are willing and able.  If you expect an artist to continue to make albums for your enjoyment, then support them monetarily.  This could be anything from buying a single mp3 download from Bandcamp to buying their box set and a t-shirt. Why does this matter?  Many artists can't make it on their music alon