The other night my trio performed at an event where the crowd was so loud we could hardly hear ourselves playing. It can be frustrating. Hours of practice getting ready for the gig. The afternoon spent hauling equipment and setting up. Then such a lack of respect for the players and the music. Are we communicating at all with our audience? Can you call it an audience if no one is listening?
Playing events often means you’re simply background music. The people you’re playing for aren’t there for you or for the music at all. In fact, the purpose of the music is to supply energy, to loosen things up. Get the party going and keep the party going; that’s your job. It’s why many musicians don’t take that kind of work.
Halfway through the evening, we were ready to walk. But of course, you don’t do that. Then finally a last set with the crowd of revelers, who have been screaming at each other all night to be heard over the others and our background, thinned. You can hear yourselves again, maybe even play something interesting and innovative. If only for a half hour or so.
As the night drew to a close and we were rolling up cables and breaking down our equipment, several people came up to us to thank us for our music. One mentioned a song she particularly liked. A couple congratulated the sax player on his playing. One told me we had made their evening. It was a reminder that no matter how badly you think you’re being ignored, you’re always getting through to some people. And even if it’s only a handful, even if it’s only one person, that’s why we play.
Guess we’ll go ahead and take that next event gig.