Labels

On this "abridged because im sick" installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we discuss "labels".  Labels can be helpful. They define things to better help us make choices. However, IMO, lables in art can be problematic. They can be limiting. They can so give an air of superiority or inferiority.  Basically, we are all artists in the community. Anything past that is immaterial unless they are needed for a playing situation or other collaborative endeavor.  I've heard them all..."I'm a rock musician...I'm a jazz musician...I'm a solo guitar player...I'm a six string bassist!..." the list goes on. If we are to work as a community, IMO, we need to identify as artists FIRST! The rest is secondary. No one is better than another.  Whether beginner or seasoned pro....weekend warrior or multi platinum superstar...whether self taught or scholar with more degrees than a thermometer. We need to lower the "competition" bar.  U dig? When asked, I ALWAYS introduce myself as a musician...the other identifiers only come if prompted because, IMO, they really don't matter in the larger scheme of life.  As I said above, an audition? A job interview? A student consult? Request for help?  Different story, of course. In summary, we need to see each other as equals in the community where identifiers become a basis for comradery, not exclusion or hierarchy.  You have as much of a place in the community as "bass god " Joe Pepicoppola or anyone else. The more we strive toward this way of thinking,  the better the artists community will grow and benefit us all. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com