This week's Beatdown deals with the whole idea of talking during shows, as it seems like a fairly frequent occurrence regardless of who's performing. I offered up a few viable theories as to why it happens and asserted that, for the most part, I sincerely don't believe that anyone truly intends to be disruptive or disrespectful by carrying on conversations while the players are playing. Naturally, as I pondered things from the fans' perspective, I wondered how the chatter affects the performers, if they're bothered by it or if they even notice at all. So in due dilligence, I asked a few musicians for their take, and I'll be posting their thoughts on the blog throughout the week. Occasional Backbeat contributor John Common, a well-regarded singer-songwriter who's earned accolades both as a solo performer and as the frontman for Rainville and his current outfit, Blinding Flashes of Light, weighs in with his thoughts after the jump.
If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.
SHOW ME HOW
Newsletters
"i learned A LONG TIME AGO not to be hurt by a room that is 60% ignoring you / talking / partying. i realize that this thing that i'm lucky enough to be doing (writing,recording,playing) takes place in the public square, so to speak. you learn not to take everything so personally. instead, i play to the ones who are listening and realize that frequently, i'm the dude in the back who's talking -- judge not lest ye be judged and all that. also, i've learned that "listening" takes a lot of forms. folks who i didn't think were listening have come to me after shows -- very often -- and been really moved... said nice things that made me realize, "holy shit, they were listening... really listening." -- John Common
Or sign in with a social account:
FACEBOOK GOOGLE + TWITTER YAHOO!