Listeners Appreciation.

Music is an art form, that is best appreciated in it's truest form, Live. Over the last six months, I had several opportunities to attend some truly amazing shows. This blessed me with the privilege of not only witnessing true art in the moment,but meeting the artists behind the work as well. Of this handful of artists, my favorite show, was that of Marcus Foster, at the Prophet Bar, December 10th, 2009. I am a firm believer in the fact that a listener doesn't have a chance to fully grasp the essence of an artist, until they have had the privilege of seeing them live. Every time an artist steps onto the vulnerable stage, they are sharing with us, not only their music, but their vulnerability as well. We, as listeners, must appreciate this fact, and embrace it along with the artist. Once music starts flowing, it is our duty, which in my opinion, should be automatic, to go silent, and listen. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn't sing along. By all means, please do that. Most artists love to hear their crowd sing along with their songs. However, if you are going to talk all through an artists set, ask yourself, why are you there? If not to listen? It is a very brave quality, artists behold, to step onto a stage and share some of their most intimate pieces of their lives. All within their music.

It is not often that, we listeners, are given the opportunity to meet those that touch our hearts with music. Nor is it required. It is a privilege. Artists that stand to meet their fans after shows to take pictures, sign autographs and give us a quick word, do so to show their appreciation to us, their fans. This will not always happen, and we need to respect the fact that it is, in fact a privilege. This is not an opportunity to grope, plug yourself, or intellectually insult an artist with demeaning references to which body part you like the most. This in fact, is belittling the artist, that of which most listeners truly respect. So let's keep this in mind, next time we are given the amazing gift of five minutes, a photo, and an autograph with our favorite artists, whomever it may be.

This is just a few words of wisdom, from me, a listener, to all fellow listeners that may be unaware of thier actions. Take this post in stride. Re-asses your past actions, and keep these thoughts in mind when you attend your next show. The artist will appreciate this.

That is all.
~DeEtta Marie