Making Art In The Age of Content

[@VenusTheory]

Finally back for another episode of 'cheer up, emo kid' after forever editing this. Get the soundtrack from this video for $1 on my Bandcamp ► bit.ly/age-of-content-soundtrack Thanks UVI for helping make my meltdown possible over the last 3 weeks ► www.uvi.net/ And thanks to my patrons for putting up with my lack of posting ► venustheory.com/patrons

[@tomtabak]

stop worrying about the definition and application of the term "art" and do whatever you feel like doing. you have a talent that spans across multiple disciplines, you have an inquisitive mind, you (hopefully) have a couple of dogs and you have a magnificent friend in Ben. ignore all the noise apart from the one you choose to create. good luck, i'm rooting for you.

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

Sounds like you're struggling with the age old dream to be "a real artist", without realizing you ARE a real artist. You make stuff people watch, listen to, enjoy, pay for - to quote a film, "What if this is as good as it gets." Of course I could be wrong..... - an old lifelong artist

[@coringrey2143]

Stay true to yourself. Art is simply relative. You are a constant inspiration to me & I'll keep watching even when it's just a video of you in a bathtub playing with your rubber ducky. Cheers, pal.

[@BeerBrackets]

Glad to see you're doing well buddy. Your content is always undeniably enjoyable. As someone who insists on still creating long form video in the age of "yeah that's great but how can I get the gist of this in 30 seconds," I appreciate you creating what you want to create. Cheers my friend.

[@philparker7851]

Just do what you want for you Cameron. The world either likes it or doesn't. Chances are it will, but whatever. I can only assure you that I'll watch it.

[@ApolloApp_Music]

Here's me with 30 monthly listeners pouring my heart and soul into the production of my next album for the past 6 months or so. The only reason I keep going is knowing that any metric of success is entirely out of my control and the only thing I can focus on is making the best music I can, for myself, at this moment in time.

[@frankenmizer828]

This..exactly.

[@dapremednb]

I wouldn't say that. Imo you can do alot to get your music heard from important people. Theres always something to be learnt in understanding how your specific genre of music does promotion and using that knowledge to get your stuff out to a bigger audience. Im in dnb and theres alot you can do really. Id love to know if its different in your case tho

[@ApolloApp_Music]

@dapremednb I'm not saying there's nothing you can do to tip the scales in your favour. More that financial, reviewer, audience kudos and numbers is not in your control. I could put a pile of CDs for free out on a table in the middle of every city and its out of my control if people choose to pick it up. I could then run the same test again and ask people to take it out of my hands and there is still no way I can control if they take it or not, much less to see if they listen to it. My main point is similar to that of the video, make music for you because there is no 'guarantee' of any success.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I always joke that I have one guy in Germany who will download anything I put onto bandcamp. But if he's enjoying it, it does have a sense of reward for me.

[@dapremednb]

@@johnchedsey1306 thats actually hilarious 😂

[@natashanyxx9486]

This is absolutely art. This is social commentary. This is a diary entry, and for better or worse, it's also "content". Keep doing what you're doing, and fuck the algorithms.

[@BenMartinBox]

Many of us (artists /musicians) feel exactly the same. Thanks for sharing.

[@Poetic-ally]

I just released an album that arguably flopped. But the 5 years of pure heart and soul was some of the most important moments in my life. I wouldn't have those moments, and I wouldn't grow as a person if I didn't make music for myself and Instead pander to what I think other people wanna hear. Yes the worries of sounding pretentious or whiny is something that's lingering ones mind, but saying it out loud lyrically for instance is literally life saving. But one thing that's so great are those 4 to 5 people who really get you, and call your shit a masterpiece. Art keeps me stable and in harmony with the universe, and it keeps me away from the bad influence of media. That's why I'll do my best to keep art alive. Thank you for this, I want more of this!

[@jacobwerre3709]

You are an ARTIST who also happens to be on KZbin. Please, keep making and sharing your art. I always find it inspiring and touching.

[@Lolwutdesu9000]

Dude, you're one of the few people on YT whose content is so good, it becomes art.

[@TwdlD]

I'm 50 and starting my first music project. It could be rehashing the same shit, but I want to make something that I like. It's Jazz. It's standards. But my way. I have no illusions that I'm going to make anything from this but I have a f*** ton of ideas for projects and I'm not getting any younger. I was finally motivated by the thought of being on my deathbed some time in the future and thinking about any regrets of things I didn't do. As for the 'art vs. content' argument, I agree with you completely. I wonder though, if YT is and is going to be the platform for those who want to engage with actual art made by humans. We're in a blip of an era where the algorithms are making music and content, much like the parasite that drives the ant to do its bidding. I think there is a desire (perhaps even unconscious) for engaging with art and artists. We need human interaction as a species as much as I hate to admit as an introvert and it is become so rare. Create for you, we'll be here. I find you compelling.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Wow. I cannot tell you how much this video resonated with me. My heart was racing as you took the words from my mind and turned it into a video. I’m a full time travel KZbinr who releases 10 videos a year because I want them to be the best they can be (and something that isn’t throw away) and although I’m making a living from doing that, I struggle with what you raise here every single day I’m editing (which is most days!). Thank you so much for putting this out there.

[@samseitz9937]

“Make whatever you think is important to make” god I love this channel

[@SYMMETRIST]

VT, you are an artist in the way that you truly understand what it means to create art. It is not just about writing a piano melody because it sounds cool, or painting something because that is what you feel like. It is about manifesting a new perspective, ultimately enriching our world and making more whole, more beautiful. That, along with so many insightful perspectives you have provided, is something that without the "content" medium on platforms I arguably wouldn't have figured out. Please remember that through all the "circus-act bullshit to cater to the masses" you provide us with invaluable philosophies and ideas, and that your authenticity and knowledge is something which is truly valued, rather than simply consumed. The notion of content creation is a curse to the artist, but the gift is that you have inspired more people than you might think to create, and find happiness and beauty within this creation. That, in itself, is art to me.

[@SammyHallOfficial]

The cinematography in this video is insane. Just top notch stuff!

[@karlramberg]

The part I miss in this project is that he doesn't trust the pictures and the music enough to let them speak for them self. So he narrates an essay on top. I might be biased but I love films like Koyaanisqatsi. Just music and pictures

[@airwindows]

@@karlramberg Yeah, but he's so good at those specific things that they turned into content. The ESSAY is the art, and it recontextualizes the content and gives it purpose. I legit believe he meant it, and like him better for it (but it wouldn't matter if I liked or disliked the guy for it, I respect the art of it)

[@karlramberg]

@airwindows I agree he is really good at making these videos. But I also do not really need to know why he is making them, as he is explaining with the narration

[@FrankJames]

Thanks for putting so much into this video. Your idea that art vs content is decided by each viewer is an interesting one that has given me a lot to think about. I think for many of us KZbinrs, our discontent comes from that mis-match of our creative intent vs the audience's interpretation. In some ways, perhaps what we experience as creators on YT is an exaggerated version of what many artists have felt for a long time, especially within the modern entertainment industry, where artistic freedom and business are often at odds. I applaud your decision to make what you want--it gives me inspiration to do the same. 👊

[@DavidKirtley]

Yes, it is the same as artists have felt since the beginning of art, but with a twist: The platform directs access to the work but is only the motivated by wanting to put eyes on unrelated content. As bad as the recording and motion picture industries are, at least they care if your creation is deemed valuable by the audience. KZbin seems intentionally antagonistic to their content creators and prefer quantity over quality to satisfy their algorithm for serving ads.

[@CatFish107]

Good insights. I suggest in addition to that, the level of audience feedback experienced these days is unprecedented. Imagine the extra burden on a golden age of radio musician's mind if they got to hear directly from every grumbling person as they reached to turn the dial.

[@VideoGameStarChannelSupreme]

You have to wonder if that could be an underlying reason why some YTubers are just quitting to start off the year. It has become a viral trend in 2024 because notable figures left, but even before that there have been people who just quit KZbin and just leave. In some cases forever, in some cases it's a hiatus... in some cases we never even know what happened because it isn't "and one day, they stopped uploading." It's more a case of "and after that, we never heard from them again." Making any "content" is fun when you're voluntarily doing it, but not necessarily when you're on a never-ending treadmill where you either stay on it or fall into the depths of has-been hell.

[@Narcissistic_Penguin]

My INFJ content creator! Make more videos to serve meee Jk obv

[@starsnoireart]

I think you’re spot on here. Years ago when I had dreams of becoming an artist and posting on KZbin, I thought it was the only way I’d ever have full creative freedom. But I’m realizing more and more that true creative freedom in art may not even exist, at least not when it’s done for profit. Not when its up to someone other than you to determine the value of your art. If you don’t have an art director telling you how to create artwork that fits into someone else’s vision, You might just have something worse: an algorithm. The public who determines the value of your work through the views and watch time or follows / subscriptions. If I’d have known earlier that true creative freedom was a myth, I might have just taken a different path.

[@robin_h_p]

This isn’t just “one Art” either, this is hundreds of little Arts strung together, causing hundreds of separate emotional reactions over the course of twenty minutes. The mountains, the silhouettes, the cool-light bus stop flickering in front of the warm-light hotel, and of course the poetry of thoughtful angst contrasting with good dogs & Pecan Sandies. Thank you for it.

[@JoeForrestart]

I loved the flickering bus stop light too! Didn't even clock the cool/warm colour palette on it either 😊

[@nadinedemacedo]

Here's a person who wants to listen to music and how it's made for 20 minutes. There are too many entertainers out there, that I really appreciate documentary style or good art without tons of "comment me!", "follow me!" or "watch this and become a cooler person".

[@spikeafrican8797]

You're describing the mental gymnastics around the commodification of what we USED to call art.

[@Turtlpwr]

This is the most sad and true statement I’ve ever read in a comment.

[@dodgingrain3695]

I think too many people want to be artists that simply don't have the ability or the will. When is the last time you saw a youtube video that wasn't intended to drive views and actually has something meaningful and significant to say?

[@veauxcal]

​@@dodgingrain3695the algorithm doesnt support those videos and without support the channel eventually dies

[@ghost-user559]

It’s always been this way, thats the illusion. Literally no such thing ever existed. Art has always been a commodity used by the elite to communicate and control the masses. The “Artist” is just a feel good label that they gave to the people who were used to do that. Used to call them “shamans”. Same job.

[@josephjimorris]

Sometimes I wish we still had patrons in our culture. The other part of what I believe is that art by definition requires a message - even if it’s personal, buried, and obscure. It’s not just commoditization; it’s also the double-edged sword of democratization. It’s great that more people have access as the entry bar has been lowered, but culturally the trend is to minimize or even erase what is considered artistically relevant and valuable. Without a message and a substance, aren’t we just trying to convince each other to buy our doodles? (E.g. NFT’s)

[@hekitkofiicup]

After that beautiful talk it feels so algorithmic to just leave a comment and say "wow, really loved it"... But seriously, in the most non-formulaic way possible, your 'real-talk' videos are truly a gem in a sea of soul-less content.

[@karacoldmusic]

I know it's hard for any of us to really know the impact our art has on anyone outside of ourselves but I can promise you your art is impacting people. I've watched so many of your videos, thought about them later, downloaded things because of them, and journaled about questions you pose. When I see you've posted something I immediately add it to my Watch Later and schedule in time to watch it uninterrupted. I know the views and "engagement" may not show that, but it's there. Your impact is felt.

[@waynebo248]

Cameron, this is definitely art. For 2 reasons: 1) This was a genuine expression from your heart that required you to comb through the depths of your soul and utilize your unique God-Given talents create it. 2) This has emotional impact. Whether they were inspired, irritated, or discouraged, I would bet that nobody watched this and felt nothing. This caused us to feel and think. THAT is what art should do! Keep 'em coming.

[@Narcissistic_Penguin]

100% agree (Here's a comment for that algorithm tho :P )

[@ADudeAndHisBox]

Great perspective on the current state of affairs. I've always approached it with a realistic sense of bemusement. The fickle tastes of the masses desperately seeking to satisfy their shorter and shorter attention spans, having their needs met by an obliging set of attention seekers supplying a steady stream of "content" with the formula-of-the-week." I realized long ago that I didn't have it in me to ever try to chase, (let alone hit) that ever-moving target, so I've always just followed where my diverse creative urges take me--aka your "What if I...?" motivation, as you put it. I do so for the simple reason that *I* find it creatively challenging and rewarding with zero expectation of breaking through. If someone else wants to come along for the ride, great but I'm going to do things my way regardless. Since I started posting it online as "content" I haven't changed anything integral to the art itself other than packaging it (right format, accurate descriptions, breaking out multiple channels to have a more coherent broad themes (i.e. trad box accordion, leftfield covers, improv, electronic, piano, ambient, filmscore, etc.). Love your channel and your intriguing deep thought soliloquys!

[@ryanthirdborn]

Artists will always clash with the 'normal', because they have been given sight beyond what is seen. If i see a better way forward, why not walk it? The blind may call me a fool. Oh well. Im glad im not the only one struggling with this issue. I treasure your words and your thoughts. Thank you for being open, daring, and honest. 😊

[@electricblue313]

All platform have an effect on the art. For example, TV shows have 5 act breaks BECAUSE they had to have 5 commercial breaks. So they wrote them with small cliff hangers so that people would come back after commercial break.

[@VIRALBEATS360]

This is one of the main reasons I haven't completely jumped into KZbin, and will always prioritize making music over content. However, it was opening up like this that first drew me to your channel. Since then, we have met in person, where I could tell you what that specific video meant. You have done great work, my friend. It is people like you that give people like me hope, moving forward on this platform. As discouraging as it gets (especially for musicians), these moments are priceless. Whatever you end up doing with this thing, I will always support you and your work.

[@BinaBianca]

Just a perspective from a viewer that has been watching your videos for years now: Whenever I see a new video, I am excited and I get something to snack and to drink, put the video on full screen and enjoy every moment. Greetings from Germany!

[@artfx9]

ART exists, lives where it always did! In galleries, in museums, in concert venues, in the opera! If you want to see art go there! EVERYTHING on the internet is just content. Go where art lives!

[@onlyrealnumber]

Content is relevant in the now. Art is relevant so long as it is perceived as art. My music will never be popular, I will never be able to produce music as a full time job but I continue to do it because it is my contribution to the world. I am proud I put something out there and I refuse to become a passive consumer.

[@olafsigursons]

Does everything we do have to be turned into a profit? Can we not just enjoy the process? The rock star is a fairly recent invention that arrived with mass media. For most of our history music was a guy with an instrument entertaining his family or neighbors. Streaming make us coming back to that time.

[@neilingle794]

Good attitude, keep creating for you, and keep being proud!

[@izmael-mag]

"Maybe this is the real root of why we're experiencing the great quiet quitting of everything/ I think artists, especially artists that pursue work in that pure nature are tired of doing this whole circus monkey act and knowing that no matter your intention behind somethibg you're just subject to playing by the rules but it's a game of chess where the rules change every three moves" Best part ever. I've always struggled to be visible and gain an audience and attention on social networks because it's always so unnatural for me to think about creating entertainment content for algorithms without expressing myself through my art.

[@jansears4380]

I can say without a doubt and with love and appreciation, Cameron you are making things I love to view and listen to. Stay with your intuition and heart. Thank you for this piece. It’s so important to talk about. ❤

[@Josephduganmusic]

Art is the experience of discovery. It is not the output. A teacher of mine told me about talking about my music, “they can’t understand your experience or how you’ve changed. So you give them a little the truth and then you play nice and tell a story that gives them just enough.” This is how I find balance. Because it’s not their responsibility to understand me and not my responsibility to entertain them.

[@blurryrecords]

That was simply amazing. This day and age, it seems “being you, yourself” doesn’t matter anymore. Most people (not all) want “you” (and I mean you as in whoever is reading this) want you to be the artist they desire, not the artist you, yourself want to be. Like was said in the video, all it takes is one click or swipe for something you poured your heart into to, only to be forgotten and never seen again. These platforms like patterns, and art isn’t about following a pattern.

[@gausssto570]

One of the best videos I've watched in a while. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@atomicdogfactory4482]

I am old enough to remember life before YT… I have seen the evolution from the beginning and when monetizing was not even a concern. It has been clear that Art, is unlike entertainment and information. Art to me is the most raw expression of emotion and vision. A vehicle to tell a story to anyone and nobody at the same time. Once you make Art a job, it ceases to be Art, and becomes product, and with it expectations, schedules and all the other side effects of running a business. Draw a line between the job, and the art.

[@hydroponicgard]

This was... Wow. I feel like you've opened my eyes wide from a deep coma that I fell in. The way you worded it all, the way you spoke about this entire... Grotesque position many of us are in, to only end it on "I don't care, I will keep being myself, and do this for myself"... I feel many, many of us who do art in some form need to know this. It's not for others, it's not for the content, it's not for clicks. it's to make yourself happy, proud, or just... At peace of mind. Venus, this entire video genuinely made me tear up. Thank you.

[@Synthpoptroubadour]

Me too ❤

[@neilingle794]

"It's not for others, it's not for the content, it's not for clicks." ...I think many of us have picked up on this sentiment, and it's so true. If your work embodies your imagination, what you wanted to create, then you are indeed the richest and most successful artist in the world ;-)

[@worldadventuretravel]

I love this, and I think it's absolutely art. You've posed an important question and presented it in such a way that makes the viewer slow down and ponder it with you. The video itself is art down to the minute details: in the slow, dreamlike pace and editing, and the thoughtful soundtrack. Even your closing credits. This is my first encounter with your channel and based on this video it's far from being "just another KZbinr." This content-driven madscape is tiring to my brain, and I'm constantly looking for the deep thinkers and the true artists, asking the real questions and presenting their conundrums. I hope you don't stop. I've been asking the same things you are for years.

[@PeterJoslynHarris]

I am so grateful you and Benn do all this. You always inspire me to be more creative in my music and - more broadly and importantly - in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

[@SoundsInMyMind]

Watching this video has stirred some feelings inside me. In the age of content creators, I want to be an artist. At first I was upset that my new KZbin music channel was growing very slowly. Then I understood that whether my music is good or not; I want to build an audience that likes my music. To me, It doesn’t matter if it’s 20 million people or 500 people as long as I know that what I am making is being enjoyed by those who are watching it. So, if you consider yourself to be an artist, you should never expect to be appreciated by the majority of people. Just be happy that whoever’s watching you is there because they appreciate your vision. So those out there I understand you. Keep making art. You will find those who love it and they will find you. Take care!

[@elwhagen]

You are a musician, poet, videographer, editor and Cameron, and that’s what I and many others love about you. Of course this is art. Doesn’t get more artsy than this.

[@RyanBachman-uy9zk]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've long struggled with ocd, perfectionism, and switching back and forth between a million hobbies trying to find some semblance of self worth. Music however has always been my saving grace and your videos have had a legit impact on my ability to finally finish some creative projects. This is how I'm making meaning in a world where so few care, but I'm trusting the process and finding more and more beauty despite these vast seas of darkness, even if I only get 3 likes on my music. Your videos really have struck a chord a brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much.

[@Darkest_of_Winter]

From my vantage point; you documenting your processing of creative crisis, IS art. It's inner reflections that are both entertaining and connecting with those of us who may be going through the similar confusing thoughts. You're growing through each video as we are too. Either way, like earned :D

[@KennethGonzalez]

Your giving voice to existential angst is a key reason why I keep coming back, because it's mine too! You don't struggle and give up, you keep coming back at it. I respect that more than you can ever know. Few creators are as bold and authentic as you are. Yes, this is art and it's also content. There's only (y)our (shared) standard to meet. Take on what's next and give it your all. Those of us who connect with it will keep coming back. Thank you for the inspiration. P..S. I loved seeing that beautiful standing lenticular cloud you captured early in the video. Clouds, weather, nature never fails to have me feeling awestruck. This helped!

[@nickreesyt]

BEST video I've seen on KZbin for a long long time. really resonated and hit a nerve personally. thanks my man, as a relatively new subscriber I'm sensing the internal battle you are wrestling with but also confident you know what your path forwards is. As you, I will keep fighting the good fight and try to walk a line that I don't topple off of

[@syntheticmonarchy]

My father, a painter, remained an artist until his last day, seeking not money but a connection with anyone who viewed his work. For an artist, fulfillment often comes from absorbing emotions from others-these emotions fuel their creativity. This isn't just a simple need for acceptance; it's deeper, a kind of longing that's hard to fully grasp. It propels artists to cast their creativity wide, like a net, hoping to capture the emotions of others. To say it's merely about acceptance oversimplifies the rich, complex layers beneath. It's about filling a void that drives an artist to unleash a flow of creativity, aiming to resonate with others. The essence of art isn't in the eyes of the beholder but in the intent of its creator. When you stop letting society dictate what is or isn't art, and see your own creations as art-be it even a picture of a cat-you truly liberate yourself. This was the freedom my father embraced in his final moments. As always, amazing content - which I hope you believe also being art.

[@wipwhopdipdhop3673]

Huxley's Brave New World on display here. We have so much, yet feel so empty. We desire so much, yet are rarely ever fulfilled and if so, it's fleeting. We have everything we want, and want nothing we don't know we should want.

[@kennethsmith5383]

Deprived of what we need yet drowned in what we want. We crave interpersonal connection and given social media.

[@iconoclast1970]

Thanks!

[@need_more_kittens]

Oh my god. This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. A long time ago, actually. I love you

[@itsrumspringaa]

This to me is art, it solicits such an emotional response from myself as an artist struggling with the same concepts. The age of short form content and engagement farming has left me paralyzed when it's come time to create and share my music in any kind of visual medium, but hearing and reading other people in the comments feel the same, it gives me comfort and a path to move forward from here. Thanks Venus!

[@ChristianRafaelmusic]

Wow dude, this was beautiful!!! This connected with me on so many deep levels! Thank you! Your best video bro! Love your work! Much Love brother!!! 🙌❤️

[@kevprimeinla]

Make what you think is important to you. Somebody will love it. I focused so long on being an artist. It’s hard, but I realized people want to know the person behind the art. That connection is 🔑

[@havenstudios6357]

I am ok with being the old analog in the room. Thank you for your authenticity Cameron!

[@LonnonFoster]

I think if more people focused on the things that matter -- speaking from the heart, sharing our joys and fears, just being human together -- we'd find art in almost any direction we look. Thank you for speaking, sharing, and being.

[@ocardaugh]

At this stage in the game, I'm just producing videos for the sheer joy of producing them and posting them on my other channel for all to listen to. I spent thirty years writing software and building equipment that will never see the light of day. Now that I'm retired, I can just enjoy making things. Thanks for sharing.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Only one video on your channel - time to make more!

[@ocardaugh]

​@@davelanciani-dimaensionxI publish my attempts on my @SoundThumper channel

[@BenLevin]

I've struggled with this stuff a lot, very relatable. I'm trying to put my art stuff on my second channel and do the stuff that is more in line with youtube on my main channel. That way I'm not punished for being inspired.

[@CryogenTheMusicMan]

I have only recently got into your stuff during this hiatus, and having watched a lot of your stuff, and being in a fairly difficult time of my life, it is some of the most profound and real media I have seen in a long time. If nothing else - thank you for doing what you do, and making mine, and many others lives, that little bit better..

[@RosentwigMusic]

Wanted to let you know that this video feels like the last straw I needed to let go of the identity that I needed to be a professional musician. It's funny, Benn said in one of his videos that it's liberating to realize that you can at any point stop the business side of it and just keep on doing the creation side. I wan't ready for that then, now I am. I deeply resonate with so much you said in this video and I wish you all the best and wanted to let you know that you really helped me unlock something with this.

[@michaelkonomos]

I will tell you that I am rare, but I want art and artistic process and “content” leaves me hungry. I do think most people just want to be entertained but that this has always been true - it’s that the majority of people are not sensitive and artistic and introspective. So we make these things for each other, those few who “get it” as well as anyone outside our own head can. Thank you for art.

[@munkduane]

That "seeming" audience of ONE is really all that matters when creating Art. That said, once the Art has been created, the consumption mechanism and monetization methodology are another beast entirely and should not be conflated with the artistic process. It's a dichotomy as old as the entertainment industry (record labels, movie studios, etc). At least in the early days, the artist was not expected to BE the marketer. I think this is where dissonance sets in for artists. We don't create to shill. We create to communicate. Your frustration hits so close to home because I think you are eloquently articulating what so many of us feel. I appreciate you. This is beautifully crafted!

[@joshlaw5597]

You are serving why I came to you for this interaction. I love your beautiful camera work and editing. I love the way your mind works and the deep thoughts within it. I love your sober and real form of expression and exasperation that we as artists, and humans living in this crumbling society, feel in our core. Your work is beautiful and your heart is in the right place. I only wish my one comment could pay all your bills.

[@interestedinbread3634]

“No matter how much of your heart and soul you pour into something, it’s still just as disposable as everything else on that platform.” Man I think about this ALL the time. It’s messed up but I don’t see any way out of it.

[@sanzhi_music]

I felt that you spoke to the artist in me, or that artist i once was, and I think that says a lot about the creator itself. Youre doing great work and have contributed to a lot in my own artistical journey. Wishing you luck!

[@eitanariel]

I had this on my "Watch Later" playlist about a month ago. And kept pushing off watching it because your videos require a certain degree of attention and focus to fully get the most out of it. I think that's something to really take pride in, and it definitely means its darn good art. Finally got around to it - amazing stuff, the level of conceptual quality is through the rooftop

[@syrexio]

This channel is the best discovery I made in the past year or so. I fully agree with the "doing whatever the fuck I want," mentality.

[@givingin2G4Courtz]

Art. Whatever the heck this 'is', I freakin' LOVE IT! Vastly better than everything else I've experienced on YT today or this past week. Refreshing. Real. Insightful. Creative. Thank you.

[@jemmahooper7415]

Firstly... the footage in this piece is truly remarkable. The drone shots in the mountains... ***chefs kiss*** Secondly... To me, there's a difference between Art as a practice, and Art as a commercial proposition. Ever since specialisation gave the term "artist" (as a vocation) there has always been a tension between artist as creator, and artist as income earner. But art is always about more than simple technical proficiency. "Content" - i.e. passionless professional execution of artistic technique has existed well before the internet. As an example, graphic designers can take pride in their work, but if they're simply executing the ideas that other people have and not injecting their own artistic vision into the mix, that's only ever content. On the flipside, a work lacking in technical proficiency informed by an artistic vision is still art. It might not be "technically" good, but I think it remains "art" independent of any kind of qualitative assessment. Any work whose primary inspiration is getting paid (and all of the creative compromises that might be required to make that happen) is going to be more "Content" than art made for the intellectual and aesthetic value of the work product. Art is creation for creation's sake. Content is creation for capitalism's sake. Of course, that doesn't mean that art can't be commercially successful. It just means that your commercial success (or not) as an artist is driven by an appreciation for the vision and passion behind what you produce, not creating content explicitly designed for commercial exploitation. I am a fan of what you're doing on the channel right now. I wish I could afford to support it with more than eyeballs. Your introspections and discussions on these topics are informed by a genuine passion for the process of investigation and mentation about the topics you're covering. To me, that makes it art. Your technical proficiency in these things is improving, but that doesn't make the art any more "arty" because as I said - art isn't about qualitative measures. Art is what you'd create even if money didn't exist. (Which it doesn't in any objective way. But that's an argument for another day.)

[@GLDNSCTN]

Well put!

[@titiuriu]

In the 14 years since I created this KZbin account, this will probably be one of the few comments I've written in all that time, but I feel compelled to express my support and to applaud your decision and expression. I really hope that with this decision you will finally feel liberated to do what you really want! Thank you for everything, Cameron.

[@BradMajorsMusic]

I needed a video like this , it was refreshing to know that there are others out there who feel the same way I have been feeling for the past 3 years. I want to walk away at times but 'm in love what I do and addictive to music and sound . This was your BEST video and time well spent. 👍🏽👍🏽 2 thumbs up*

[@ZeicoMusic]

Your language, vocabulary, yes, including those precious f and s words etc, is art. You're not saying "like" every other word and. Keep going, C. Best from Poland.

[@TheRealSming]

This is beautiful art. Thank you.

[@bandir2377]

To me, this video is most definitely art. There is no single doubt about it. The only times I watch KZbin, or anything else really, is on one of my three monitors as I'm doing something else to have "background noise" to keep me from going insane from inside my own head. This video, however, immediately intrigued me and made me move it to my large, main, center monitor and turn off the other two, as well as the lights in my room. Just so I could properly enjoy the art I was witnessing. This is a very rare occurrence for me. This might not matter to you, as I'm an insignificant nobody in your life who has no right to tell you what is good or bad. But I'll shout it out for any to hear: The age or art is not dead. With cinematic poetry like this video, it most definitely is far from dead. It's just drowned out in the sea of content from the dumpster fire of TikTok and KZbin click-farming

[@GROPIUS66]

I love watching your art!!!

[@bobbychaos]

In my limited world of Instagram with my limited reach of followers I came to the same conclusion that not giving a shit what others/the algorithm want is the difficult path that is likely the most fulfilling and least soul-sucking. Ours is the art of sound & song, but it’s also the art of growing as a human being. Whether it’s finding meaning or healing ourselves or something or someone else, it’s expressing ourselves, being human, and hearing our unique and authentic voice bounce back to us off the walls of Plato’s cave as we grope and stumble our way through the darkness.

[@DannyGallowsTunes]

For the record, you are one of the most important Artists/KZbins we could possibly have. I only discovered you weeks ago, but in just a handful of videos you have gifted me more inspiration and courage than i have had in quite some time. I'm sure i'm not alone. And that is what matters. As for the video itself, incredible. Amazing, important points throughout the entire video. And you nailed it when you were talking about how these platforms are simply just not made to express yourself. That's exactly the problem. Before i started using social media/KZbin, i thought these were special places where various types of artists could go to share their passions and unique perspectives/expression. And what i quickly found was the exact opposite. It's all content. It's all just entertainment--the next sweet taste in your mouth. Little to no actual meaning or merit. Artists and musicians are suffering on these platforms because of that, speaking from years of experience! No one seems to care about how or why you craft your music/art. And nothing about it is subjective anymore. Through modern content, the younger generations have been fed what is "good" and "bad." No one wants to understand something different, they just mock it and move on to the next prank video.

[@FugitiveOrchestra]

Not only do I think this is art, but you absolutely are a great artist Cameron! Not only in the 'traditional' sense of the word, but also in a more modern, open-source, thought-provoking and collaborative sense. I was playing around with your Synthbox vst the other day (I have the free version, for now sorry!) and was totally blown away by what you've created and how inspiring it can and will be to other musicians, artists and creators; there can be no question that that is art as well. Thank you and keep doing what you're doing and I promise I'll get around to buying the full version of Synthbox soon!

[@krryalln]

"Slaves to the Khantent" Almost impossible not to think about 'engagement' or 'viewers, likes. etc.' But once I personally let go about caring about any of that and just started creating on my own schedule for my own wants/needs made a point of contacting people I wanted to see/hear it instead of throwing it out to the masses I started to see some natrual growth in my work not only monetary but satisfactory and developed some great realtionships. I don't refuse to be on social platforms, but like you at the end of this video said I refuse to play the game cause the only winners are the platforms and advertisers. I once had an artist rep of a very popular gear company tell me they loved "social media stars" because endorsing them saved so much on marketing. Big eye opener there. Your videos and libraries have been a huge influence in my rapid growth as a musician that I truly can never thank you properly for. So glad I got to meet you briefly at NAMM (picked the angry phooto haha) Looking forward to what you put out, whenever you put it out. The way it should be haha.

[@PaulBersiner]

This video has really touched me. I'm not talking about the absolutely incredible shots and artistry in making this. Its the vulnerability, that you are willing to share your philosophical thoughts, and most of all the sincerity you are communicating it with. I understand your viewpoint, that art is art if the consumer views it as such (if I got that correctly), but Id make an in my opinion important distinction. Art is always a piece of work evoking emotions. A cat doing something, isnt evoking anything except the dopamine rush when scrolling to the next reel or whatever, its short lived. This video moved me, because I could feel your struggle. And isnt that what art is about? Sharing and expressing your truest self? Thank you so much for sharing. Much love ❤

[@terryconnell]

YES, it IS Art. You got the "thumbs up" at 44 sec. For what it is worth, I totally dig (almost) ALL your music, videos, rants, photography, on and on...

[@BenkenArt]

Stumbled on your page back in the days where you did neuro bass sound design tutorials à la Noisia and Spor and learned a quite lot from you. I'm very thankful for that but even more for the transformation you did to your channel. Your videos are curing therapy for us artists living in the modern zeitgeist of overstimulating competition.

[@DanielMarioPlos]

All my favourite artists have day jobs

[@axlrhodesmusic]

As impossible as it is to answer the question of what art is, it is just as impossible to decide whether you are an artist or a youtuber. At the very least, your videos make you a creative, extraordinary, philosophical, self-questioning KZbin artist.

[@axlrhodesmusic]

or simply an artist on youtube.

[@SapphicCode]

Yeah, I think it’s art. I have similar thoughts about my photography, but I feel better having decided it’ll never be my job.

[@photophob]

I think this is essentially the bitter - but also liberating - pill 99% of creativity driven people have to swallow sooner or later in their life. And i'm quite sure that the fact, that there is a whole industry based on building up hopes for people that they "are gonna make it", doesn't make this process easier.

[@falconshield]

Hello mr Venus, Story time. I've been producing songs/music videos on KZbin for the past 10+ years, more or less consistently. You are very accurately describing the struggles I've dealt with for all this time. Because I've always resisted producing to fit the "formula"(whatever it might be at the moment), and because of that, I've seen countless artists and musicians speed past me. I've had to swallow that pill because...I know I won't be able to create long-term without retaining the agency of being able to do whatever the hell I want to do. And I don't want to show my face every 6 seconds. I don't want to write hits. I don't want to release 4-5 pieces of content every week and see what sticks. I want to grow, I want to learn, I want to improve, and I want to stay creative and explore what I can do. I simply can not do that with the restrictions demanded by the formula. Thank you for making this video. I truly empathize with your struggles and I encourage you to keep doing what you're doing. In the end, if you can't look back on your work and feel satisfaction, why do it at all? I'm on your Discord server as Falconshield. Hit me up if you bitch about this together.

[@jpf2159]

"I just don't know what to do anymore." That's what I tell myself several times a day as an artist. I've been in this game for nearly 50 years. I consider this channel one of the best resources I have to motivate me to keep on keeping on. Just looking at your Patreon list (which I plan to be a part of by the end of the day), you have a lot of artists who see your content as not just art but also a valuable contribution to our well-being. Don't let the big picture get you down. You are appreciated. Keep on keeping on.

[@jondellar]

Cameron, I think you're a philosopher of creativity as well as an artist. Your analysis of what's happening to our species due to faceless algorithms and huge overconsumption of online "content" is spot-on. I don't blame you one bit for saying "fuck it, I'm just going to do what I want to do". My attitude to making videos and music is pretty much just that. Make what you've got to make and if people like it then great. But I don't bother chasing likes or views.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Art NEVER exists in the Age of Content - it exists in the Age of Discontent!

[@JureJerebic]

Oof

[@chopov11]

lol u just answered the question

[@philparker7851]

This! Be a malcontent!

[@bnjmnwst]

Art always has and always will exist.

[@bnjmnwst]

@@Dr.Garlic. Art comes from intent. Good art comes from hard work.

[@ErikPelyukhno]

I think the fact that you get to publicly share your ideas, share your art and bump thoughts around with Benn Jordan should be enough satisfaction from making videos on KZbin. I don’t have nearly the experience, talent or reach that you do so I can’t relate with feeling like it’s a thankless endeavor, but I want to encourage you to continue pursuing creating art and sharing it with the world. We need more people like you on the platform, honest, inspiring, thoughtful.

[@GaryR55]

If content is art, then I'm afraid we're seeing the end of art as we've known it.

[@buckycore]

No, it's just shitty content. Art will always exist so long as there are people out there who care

[@pocketfullofry]

As I've consumed more and more content online, the more I crave more informal/grungy content where its just the creator and the camera. Or just a static photo on screen and the creator talks over it. There's something a lot more personal about how casual it is, and I find myself gravitating towards that. When KZbin creators make a video about burning out or being confused about the future...people resonate not so much because of the topic, but because that creator appears more like us...confused and human.

[@johnoestmannmusic]

Absolutely beautiful shots and editing! You gotta remember that the numbers can't (and never have) capture how deeply a video or music affects someone. You get the same 1 view for someone who watched and went meh as someone who walked away forever changed. Trust your art, my man. We trust it ❤

[@ChBoler]

With my art I find some solace in knowing that while it's entertainment for some people, there are a few people it will strongly resonate with it. It still feels like putting art in a gallery for me - not every person looking at my piece will see it as art, but for the people who really need it in their life, really resonate with it, they will see it and their life will be better for it because of what they took from it. Admittingly I don't make videos, but draw - but it feels similar so thought I'd share

[@uprisingaudio3354]

your videos are some of my favorite of all time, i would call them art

[@dtritus439]

This is a beautiful video on many levels. Something I appreciate about your videos is how often you address a lot of unspoken nuances about things in this sphere. This is a huge interwoven web of things and I dont think we have much control over shaping it. Sometimes I think about underground music that exists in basement scenes, the true underground punk rock, noise, or black metal stuff that does not exist in Spotify, and I think there is some hope. However, I also see those same things falling victim to other aspects of the modern trends: such as things not being a matter of if the work is "good" (sure, this is subjective to many degrees) or talented; things being oversaturated because any of us can record and put something up at any time; networking not being about meeting new people or bringing in new faces/sounds/talent to a certain scene..... I think about so many things Ive found randomly, some of them becoming some of my favorite artists or songs ever, but existing in such a level of obscurity. I think regardless of how modernity trends, and how commodification of all things takes hold, there will ALWAYS be some very small amount of people pushing back with expressive projects that refuse to play that game. And some lonely soul such as myself will occasionally discover them, and it will mean the world to that person. I do wish we could all get better at letting those artists that DO exist in obscurity know how they impact us when we find them. We can all say we do it just for our desire to create and to varying degrees and levels I believe that is true. However, I think also that an overwhelming majority of us who create ANYTHING want at least some type of audience engagement and feedback, especially sincere feelings of appreciation. Anyhow, thank you for your videos, from some dude existing in obscurity.

[@HectorCarcedo]

One of the greatest videos that I've seen in a very long time, keep up, I really love your work!

[@geejmauriva9736]

I have been subscribed to your channel for a while and for me the most interesting videos are where you do a lot of introspection on a particular thing similar to what you did here. If these are "just doing whatever the hell you want" then I would encourage you to continue go that route. I found this deeply insightful and provocative and it spoke to the process I'm going through as well. I just spent the last 16 months just writing my "Cinematic EDM" and now am in the process of promoting it. I'm trying different ways of working within the "attention economy" and it is gnarly. The hardest thing for me is that I often compare myself to other creators and then think, "Oh I'm not good enough" to do this and so am wrestling with that not good enough voice inside me. I want to keep doing this, continuing to promote and writing, and I will but it's a constant tussel with my ego that I am hoping to someday quell in favor of just doing "whatever the hell I want". Thank you for your honesty and authenticity, it inspires me and helps me navigate.

[@angelcandelaria6728]

“Im just so fucking tired of trying to put everything i can into what i do, knowing passion is the crime….” That whole part

[@zsoltpalatinus1117]

Art is a wave that moves and stays for a while. It exists by making ripples in minds and actions. At the time it is being presented for the first time it is rather difficult to tell how far and how deep it will go. Time tells.

[@WardaleWilson]

This was the best video I’ve seen in a very long time. I needed this. Very few recent videos have touched my soul and this is unbelievably impactful

[@Stephanie3XL]

POV ~ WHATEVER you do for your wee dog will be just AWESOME 100% and all with Unconditional Love. That's worth far more than KZbin ANY day of the week ❤

[@Pictor13]

What matters is the passion in the moment, and (just hopefully) memorabilia. Same as for life itself. The artist is the one that wants to share, but that doesn't surrender to completely selling themselves to judgement of others, those strangers that might catch & feel the message or totally miss the value. The artist does it for themselves first, for expression. But you know that already. It's the economy (of money, of ego) that always threatens to corrupt purity of intentions. And the battle is to not surrender to that, and hack the system. Your video is beautiful, existential and questioning, almost like a Terrence Malick movie. Already trying to express personally, rather than to be successful, makes you deep like a Van Gogh. Maybe it'll drown in content suggestions and dopamine; but who cares, that's what you wanted to create. It was sparking inspiration; that's what matters.

[@dacresni]

This is beautiful footage and even without the context of a lot of it, and also, i loved your essey too. If it helps, it did make me feel. I love your work and im glad you still enjoy making it.

[@calebcolledge]

Making music with and for people in real life (gigs, rehearsals, composing, producing, recording etc) makes me feel like an artist more than any post or video I've ever made.

[@teshy2]

For what it's worth - as a filmmaker and hobby musician who's followed you for some time, I loved this. The sincerity, the gritty but still aesthetic choices, the behind the scenes contrasting with the central question of "is this art?" while also making art while also showing the reality of it all... yeah man, just... very good shit. Good work, guys.

[@TribalmonkeyS]

I make music for myself and enjoy listening to it myself. Sometimes I send it to my friends but its just a bonus if they also enjoy it . It's maybe like painting a picture and hanging it on a wall in your own home rather than a public gallery .