Too often what is seen as the right choice coincides with the choice that is easy to get out of when we need to.
We survey the options and are drawn to the one that we can commit to, get the most out of, but if something comes along and we want out, we can.
Whether its a label deal, song choices, band member choices, touring partners…we want to commit to a REALLY GOOD option…that we can get out of.
If it’s a REALLY GOOD option, but we can’t (easily) get out of it once we’ve committed, all of a sudden, perhaps without even noticing it, it becomes much less of a really good option.
We’re hyper aware of the possibility of being ‘too tied down’.
We want great, fruitful commitments, the BEST committed plans, decisions and relationships…as long as we know there’s an out.
So we make the guitars a little less overdriven so we don’t have to fully commit to the rock genre. We commit to the opening act until another cooler opening act bullies their way on instead. We soften the lyric so we can’t be pinned down to the meaning. We tell he producer we’re gonna make three records with him but never get around to signing the paper work. We set rehearsal for 4pm, but show up at 5:30pm because…
Now…change is good, and I’m a fan of adjusting the plan…but let’s just face it for a second…musicians and music people are notoriously flakey, and the love of keeping options open and seeing the best option as the ‘one I can wiggle out of’ is a major contributor.
Ironically, said another way, music people are fiercely committed to keeping their options open even when they ‘commit’ to something.
So there’s two things I really want to hammer home. They’re separate but were built right alongside each other:
1. We hate giving up options
2. So we prioritize and elevate the options that will keep our options open
But truly committing IS, by nature, giving up other options. And commitment is worth A LOT, so spend it wisely, but spend it truly.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com