Giving Back

So many people believe that being a musician is “cool” and “glamorous”.  So many musicians think when they’re first starting out that someday they are going to be rich and famous. It’s a jaded concept that is so far from the truth.  As a musician, when you put yourself out there, 9 out of 10 times you’re going to be either completely ignored or rejected in pursuit of your “big break”; and the truth is, only 1 out 10 musicians, if even that, actually do get that “big break”, and most of the time it isn’t about talent.  Many musicians struggle for years and years, investing time and money, schlepping equipment and practicing for hours, for little pay and not a lot of appreciation. Sounds exciting, right?  Why would someone do that to themselves?

A true musician will tell you that it’s in their blood and that the only reason they do it is because they have to, and that writing and playing music is what they love; what makes them happy.  They will say that they are not looking for a record deal or fame or fortune, but simply that it is their life and their breath.  Don’t get me wrong, even if you are a true musician and you say it’s in your blood, being rejected, ignored and underappreciated takes a toll on one’s psyche. 

So, what if we took this one step further? What if, instead of looking at what we can receive through music, we turned it around and said “How can I use my music to give?” Imagine how much different it would feel if you didn’t measure success by how much you took in payment, but in how much more you gave in value.  After all, you are the most valuable gift you have to offer and when you’re sharing your music with others you are really putting their interests first.  That is the true meaning of abundance!

As a group of musicians, WEEP has definitely gone through gamut of challenges, but first and foremost we love doing what we do.  As young women, of course we all wanted that “record deal” and the alleged fame and fortune that came along with it.  In time we realized that all that glittered was not gold.  We realized that our music and the message were valuable gifts that could possibly change lives.  One night, in a dive bar in the middle of Manhattan, we realized that the power of our music could actually save lives.  It was a pretty warm summer evening and the venue had the door propped open so the music could spill out into the sidewalk. We played our set and proceeded to pack up our gear.  In the midst of our packing, a young woman came up to us and proceeded to tell us that as she was walking by the open door she heard us playing and not only did the music draw her in, but she couldn’t help being touched by the words.  She wanted us to know that our message kept her from her intention to go home and end her life. Let me tell all of you that this changed our lives.  We realized that the music wasn’t about us, it was about the gift we were given and how we could use it to give back.  

Do you have a story about how your music, or the music of someone you may know, changed someone’s life?  If so, we would love to hear it!  Please comment here or send us an email at weep@weeprock.com.

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