I’ve been thinking a lot about music and performing. I’ve been playing professionally now for 45 years or so, and I’m realizing that the kind of music I play and like will probably not be created much longer - at least not like I do it. It appears that much of live music at the top levels is helped by pre-recorded tracks and at least partially lip-synched vocals instead of sung live (and probably has been for longer than I realize). The music in the studio is also so thoroughly corrected for pitch and tempo that it’s not very organic anymore. It appears that a lot of new music will be written and performed by Artificial Intelligence as well. All things change, so I’m not surprised, but it does make me realize that my method of performing and writing will be irrelevant fairly soon. I’m sure I can still do most of my performing online and for my senior homes for the near future, but I don’t think it’s worth recording and pursuing much new music. That’s okay. I had kind of given that up during the pandemic. Truth be told, I’m very glad I’m not starting out doing music now. Even before AI and so many advances there were becoming less ways to make a living from purely recording and performing. I think that music will always have some importance in our culture, but I don’t know if it will be as homegrown. It has been more controlled by copyright and lawyers over the last 100+ years than most other forms of creativity. I’ve tried to stay away from that as much as possible. I suppose I’m really sounding like a curmudgeon today, but I guess I’m just a little worn and threadbare. I’m having a harder times keeping all the balls in the air as I juggle my day and as ai perform. Jen keeps talking about our lives and how we need to travel and do some of the things we’ve always talked about before we’re too old to do them. I think that’s part of my current outlook. So as much as I love making music, I think I probably won’t make as much over the next few years. Don’t fret though if you’re a fan. I’m not doing anything immediately. I’m just mulling over how to make music today.
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What have I been up to?
I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I had fun doing either Halloween songs or some of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs I was doing for my Wednesday online show. It was really fun because these songs are so lively and exciting.
My Wednesday online show was doing Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs, and they were very enjoyable. They’re so short that I was able to fit in 32 songs in the evening instead of my usual 20. I think everyone really got a kick out of it.
Friday I was back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. It was as packed house, and I played Halloween songs and a lot of singer-songwriter songs that drew a good reaction.
Saturday I played an online concert for Philmont that was really rewarding. The night just seemed to click in every way, and the audience got into it with reminiscences and great requests.
Sunday night my online show was as wonderful as always with lots of kind and supportive folks and plenty of good songs. This group is very special.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 12 senior facilities this week, and they’re going to be a blast with the Halloween tunes I have planned. I’m brushing up on some of the songs I’ve learned over the last couple years, and I’m looking forward to seeing the folks.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween songs, and I’m going to do 2 shows for this Wednesday and next Wednesday. Come on out if you would like to hear some goofy and spooky tunes.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll say it again, I love this group and these great requests. You’re always welcome!
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That’s it for this week. I hope you are making some fun Halloween plans even if it’s just Trunk or Treat at your church.
Best to you!
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, October 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Sunday, October 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
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