There’s a really good way to accurately describe a Mexican restaurant to someone…
“It’s a Mexican restaurant”
That’s it. That’s all you need to say. To try and add much more to that is just confusing the point.
Now if I owned my own Mexican restaurant I’m pretty sure I would feel the need to elaborate. Because it’s mine. I want you to know the details of what makes it different, what makes it special, and all the attention to detail I put into it that sets it apart from all other Mexican restaurants.
So I don’t think of my restaurant as a ‘Mexican restaurant’…I think about it with all of the undertones and storylines and foundation and things that set it apart.
There’s nothing wrong (and everything right) with putting that kind of care into the restaurant, but people looking for a Mexican restaurant are really just looking to know that it is in fact a Mexican restaurant.
I want to elaborate and be precious about my restaurant. I want to EXPLAIN.
Everyone else just walks in and simply knows ‘this is a Mexican restaurant’.
Artists are like that with their music.
Example: It’s a cross between this and that with a little bit of a classic element too, but definitely more dancy, but not like Euro-dance, and we love organic sounds and lots of harmonies…I dunno it’s just kinda it’s own thing.
Please.
Artists can tell you in three words or less exactly what type of music their fellow artists friends play…but when asked about themselves all of a sudden THEIR music can’t be put in a box…there aren’t enough words or explanations or examples to verbalize what kind of music they play. IT’S JUST SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL.
I don’t need to write you a long paragraph describing to you what kind of food and experience you’re going to have at El Mariachi just down the street from where I live. You’ve never even been there and you know. No need to complicate things. It’s a Mexican place.
There’s a really good way to describe what kind of music you make to someone who asks…
What kind of music do you make?
If you’re answer is any longer than three words not only are you being long winded with it, but you’re being too precious about something that’s very simple to the rest of us.
p.s. While the opportunity will not always be there, the best way to answer the question is, “I can tell you, but why don’t I show you instead”.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com