Live performance is writing in pencil on a small postcard.
It’s transient and something that the audience may not remember exactly but may talk about, years later.
It comes with surprises and no guarantees. It’s an entirely different way of being in the world.
The worst seat in the house belongs to the singer: on stage, I am as a mockingbird alone upon the house top. I feel the pain in my fingers, the rawness of making sound.
At the same time, it’s the best seat in the house: what I experience is something so unbelievably pure, which is before the sound actually happens. I hover, like prayer.
I know that feeling … it’s the draw and rush of being you for others to see and feel. It’s very special to have the courage to and the audience want to be there with you.
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Beautifully written! I never feel like I’m complete as a singer/songwriter if I’m not regularly playing out. There’s nothing else like it – recording and posting online is a very dim second. Even though the recording may outlast me while the live performance is so transient. Or because?
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how kind of you, Julia … thanks for stopping by
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Enjoyed listening to one of your songs (“you left to run horses”) just now too. Would you ever be interested in trying the songaweek thing that I’ve been doing? I’ve done it a couple years and it’s been a really encouraging support system of other songwriters plus a great motivator to write. You can still join this year -www.songaweek2018.com – and/or think about next – http://www.songaweek2019.com. Really great group of down-to-earth people at all levels, you’d be most welcome!
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sure! it sounds like fun
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Hi! Thanks for commenting on my blog. It made me discover yours. Tried to follow, but WP is acting up—again. Does not recognize my email. Does not let me press like. Aarggh. However, loved it. I’m no musician, but loved your music, and I’ve lived my entire life with horses. 🌹
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how lovely of you, thanks
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