Since its 2014, I have come to grips with the fact that practically everyone and their dog (including myself) owns a premium smartphone with a high-definition camera installed. That doesnt mean you need to use it to record a video at every opportunity, nor does it mean that you SHOULD. Ive said this before - I think its really rude to start taking video at a show without asking the permission of the artists or musicians or bands or venue owners. Maybe other musicians would disagree, because they want attention or want exposure for their music. For people who make the argument Its exposure for your music, well, Im usually not playing my own music at these events and Im usually the supporting musician, which is what I prefer at this moment. When I do play my own music, I specifically request as part of the ticket price that people leave their camera phones turned off so everyone else who paid the same price can enjoy the show without a screen flashing in front of them. All that being said... for me to politely ask someone who is repeatedly sticking their Galaxy or Apple or whatever phone in my face during a show to STOP and for them to reply Why do you care? Its not like youre anyone famous! is wrong on so many levels. First, it implies that I care about fame. Second, it shows that theyre a hypocrite because if they didnt like what they were hearing or seeing, they wouldnt have been taking video in the first place. Third, its just plain rude for them to come within five feet of my space and stick that thing in my face while Im trying to WORK or WORK IT. I like playing and I love people who enjoy live music, but I dont feel entitled to be anything greater than I am and I dont think anyone should feel entitled to whip out their plastic or metal phone and take a video. And if you do, ASK before you do. Why? Because its just the right thing to do. For me, having returned to playing shows is about experiencing joy and bringing it to others, but for someone to take a video means that theyre not really in the moment, so why am I bringing this moment to life if someone cant be respectful? I stopped before for over a year, and Ill stop again. Anyone who said I couldnt stop performing for a living before because Id miss it too much were sadly mistaken. Being a violinist is only one part of who I am and I dont need it as badly as anyone thinks I do. Sorry about it. I can play in the comfort of my own apartment with the music blasting behind me at crush volume and still get just as much joy. I did it before I joined Dreamsound Orchestra, before The Brew, before StringPhoenix, before Benise. If anyone gets joy from it as well, then be respectful when I just make a simple request. It wont kill you to leave that thing in your pocket or purse and just take in the sound and the experience.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:18:49 +0000
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