The Latter-day Minstrel
Sing For Your Supper; Roving Musicians Still Captivate Our Hearts.
The cliche of the 'starving artist' isn't merely a colorful folktale; the world is rife with musicians driven to unleash their talent on an an unsuspecting world. When your whole being is possessed by a need to express this powerful gift, the only alternative to living in squalor is to find venues that provide financial recompense.
Obsessive/Compulsive in Character
True musicians are often self-destructive in their mania. Scribbling words and chords; always finding ways to improvise and improve on previous work, they neglect their bodies to feed their souls. Sleep is a necessity only when the mind becomes numbed to the point of exhaustion; food is as negligently consumed as a fuel to the burning fire. Forced into the world by unavoidable monetary demands and a desire to enrapture anyone willing to listen, they take odd jobs - which rarely last because of the musician's unreliability or lack of focus - to provide their daily bread.
You will find them in coffee shops, bars, and recording studios. You will come across them on the street with an open guitar case - a smattering of change tossed in by admirers or compassionate passers-by. Very few truly gifted musicians actually struggle to the top of the roiling masses to make their mark on the world. Those unwilling to dress themselves in the requisite facade require the genius reserved for a handful of performers. Brilliant examples of these include Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams and Bruce Cockburn.
Forging a Path
From a young age, these 'contemporary' folk singers have striven to perfect their song-writing and musical skills; they are willing to sing anywhere and for any price. Unfortunately, the price is usually free coffee and/or drinks. These troubadours are a dime-a-dozen, and to get a decently paying gig is usually dependant upon first impressions, follow-up or cancellations by previously-booked performers. It is possible to make a decent living if you are willing to spend the time developing a following and a reputation, and if you are willing to pour out your heart for four hours at a time. But the costs involved are prohibitive; gas, motels, equipment and other necessities. If being a traveling folksinger is your vocation, you needn't hope for fame or money. You must be able to derive the only sure satisfaction from your art.
The Genius of Truth
Most singer/songwriters fall from grace much more quickly than any classical or pop musician. There are exceptions; Joni Mitchell still commands undiminished respect and adulation, as do Nancy Griffith, John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot. The act of bringing forth works of beauty and passion is the root of their existence; fame and fortune - or lack thereof - will never deter them from the truth of their artistry.
