Why musicians are awful people

[@photobearcmh]

Rush is a great example of how to be an artist. Three guys at the top of their craft, stay down to earth and really have a love affair with the fans. I think that's why they were around so long.

[@santiagoimbachi6381]

Perfect example.

[@42069TV]

RIP Neil Peart

[@Pro1938ftc3ch]

@@42069TV I'm a huge Rush fan but who's Neil Peart......................................................................................,,........,.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................IM JOKING😅

[@robwalsh9843]

Plus, Rush were a real hard working band. They gigged and toured their asses off from the time they were kids.

[@cloudcorby420]

From someone who doesnt enjoy them for there dorky mystical sounding rock. music I do respect and admire that they do try and keep the fans happy. They're by no means bad at all.just not my style. Much respect though.

[@charlesbernas2304]

Rather than focusing on self expression we should be focusing on creating selves that are worth expressing.

[@malthevinther2029]

Thanks bro, I'll be keeping myself in check with that one 🤗

[@nameisamine]

Who’s to say what’s ‘worth expressing’ though? Isn’t it all subjective?

[@DCBMusic]

Wise words

[@simspigeon9481]

I love that

[@beircheartaghaistin2332]

Or. Do both. Self expression and self improvement aren't mutually exclusive.

[@toeshotter6559]

there are so many great musicians now, people just don't bother looking.

[@nathanieldelrosario1324]

and they dont get the recognition they deserve ._.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

I believe they do get the recognition they deserve. Especially the independent country scene. Colter Wall, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Billy Strings and so on are great song writers and story tellers. Now could they use more spotlight? Yeh definitely! But Sturgill Simpson just released his first bluegrass album and it was number one on iTunes chart, beating a K- Pop album.

[@sabhighton]

People shouldn’t have to look to find great music.

[@corbinm5237]

@@sabhighton right but that’s not the fault of the musician or the listener. That’s the fault of those who promote the music (radio,advertisers,tv,etc).

[@FabulousKilljoy]

exactly.

[@MHZHellGuitar]

It's almost like the relationship between pop artists and fans has turned in to an S&M situation, the artist portrays their narcissism and the people just eat off of their shit! And as you said, the deeper we are going in this downward spiral, more narcissists are gonna join the music scene, and fewer people with good intentions are gonna be inspired enough to become musicians, cuz they'd hate to be associated with these immoral people... it is kinda tragic

[@starrk7158]

Either that or just completely ignore them all together and just do it for them selves. That may be a narcissistic approach in of it self but not for the same reasons. Ego is not inherently bad. It is needed it's just when there's too much of it. It can spill in a bad way and affect the people around you.

[@zacharymiraziz4585]

Some really good points here. The world is becoming more like Detroit from Robocop. I’d buy that for a dollar.

[@MajorUpgrade]

Good observation here

[@sydberetta4649]

The world is indeed more and more like a Verhoovean dystopia everyday

[@Pyrela]

As long as the world doesn't become more like Detroit from real life we'll be ok.

[@axsent801]

Underrated Comment

[@raggaeldestro]

I say that line when I go to great strip clubs. Example: A girl puts billiard balls in her love box and somehow change the order they come out They go in 3 8 9 They come out 8 9 3

[@johnwallace2319]

8:17 he hits you with the Jesus truth, it doesn’t matter what the world is, if people tried harder to be better, the world would be better

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Amen

[@conormurphy4328]

And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love you make

[@johnwallace2319]

@@conormurphy4328 all you need is love

[@daphenomenalz4100]

@Shashwat mishra yeah, these kinds of music also gain publicity by criticism

[@utkarshdubey4529]

I would say that Devin Townsend is also not a self indulgent musician ( I could be wrong). He just seems like a cool guy, has no problem performing locally. He even did a live quarantine show which was awesome.

[@sephikong8323]

Okay so KZbin has altered my perceptions so now when I read "Townsend" I immediately think of nutmeg

[@wormfost5578]

He’s definitely a legit dude. He’s real and what you see is what you got. 👌

[@timberfinn]

Was thinking of him too!

[@kainelivesay25]

I met him at NAMM and he took time out of his day to sing my friend (who is really into him but couldn’t make it) a happy birthday video. He’s one of the most standup and down to earth guys I’ve ever met.

[@kylereece1979]

I loved Devin's Quarentine gigs. Brilliant, meaningful. Full of his awesome humour and well intended pathos. I met him after a show a few years ago. He happily hung out with the group that waited after the gig to say hi to him. Super cool guy.

[@gechuzhao2178]

Another reason for me to love AC/DC. They know their music is simple and they seem to enjoy playing it. Their shows are packed with people and the price is high, but they seem very humble and every time they get on stage they give their best. All members have a relatively clean history (except Phil). And when the world desperately needs some positivities these days, they showed up.

[@MW-3002]

I agree, their music maybe simplistic but they’re self aware of their content which makes them seem down to earth. Also they treat their fan base very well and don’t relish themselves in celebrity status which makes the band very likeable. #PWRUP ⚡️🤘🏻

[@gechuzhao2178]

@@MW-3002 Another thing about their music, it only sounds simple hhhhh, the style and feel are hard af

[@gechuzhao2178]

@Cyberdemon Mike I mean yeah you're kinda right, they earned the status by giving everything on the stage and they aren't throwing money doing shit like some other people tho lol

[@gechuzhao2178]

@Noah Sikorski nothing but love for the maiden!

[@vyce51]

You don’t think the lyrics “I’m TNT; I’m dynamite” is a little ego centric lol

[@alphonsebouquelon9125]

A huge symptom of this over-self-indulgent culture is in the expression “Fuck y’all, Imma ignore all you haters!” The whole idea of viewing any form of criticism as hate is completely obnoxious, yet here we are. Thank you for making this video! Really important stuff to discuss here! Rock on, Mike!

[@theheadbangguy5985]

I'm sorry I only had 3 hours of sleep and currently I'm unable to process your points

[@Jcall9]

😐

[@ColombianThunder]

😕

[@megadouche]

😶

[@Eccentricjuices]

😏

[@slingshotkurt8474]

🤖

[@antoniusk8893]

Never really thought of it like that before but the more you explained it the more I understood. And I totally see it in myself as well. Playing guitar about two and a half years now, I can definitely say that all the reasons I started can be traced back to just being for the benefit of me. And I think that in order to learn how to play an instrument, you do have to like yourself a little bit and be comfortable with yourself to sit in a room for an hour+ each day practicing your instrument. While I wouldn’t quite say that musicians are terrible people, no doubt it is a self indulgent profession. Even an artist putting out an album and advertising it is saying “this is worthy of you hearing it, I am good enough at what I do that you should take time out of your day to listen to me”. Great video!

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Also, Dave is an EXCELLENT example of a chill dude that just enjoys what he does, and enjoys making other people happy with what he does. He's just an amazing human being that happens to be an artist. I'm sure he'd be wonderful to work with no matter what he had ended up doing.

[@cassdener8143]

there is actually a shit ton of good music out today it’s just all gone underground at the moment, trip hop, jazz hop etc

[@JohnMrDoe]

+Metal

[@mrcaesar3123]

How it usually is

[@dylanvazquez9374]

Nice profile picture. Love Like Clockwork

[@aryanz66]

Very well said. I'd say there are 3 poles to go for in music: 1. Self; meaning money, fame, ego. 2. Fans. This one's complicated 3. Music itself. Think Radiohead, Bowie

[@mikebliss3153]

Not to get religious, but I'd say God as well. If you're making music (even secular music) with the idea that this is the greatest gift you've been given and it should be given back to the highest power imaginable... Well, that just takes the ego right out of it.

[@TheArtist-v2j]

I will go with number 3.

[@ruBenes94]

The first song I wrote, called shadows in a raindrop, was written in 2014. I was really happy with the first draft, but I showed it to a friend (who was way better than me at music at this time) and he said: "Yeah, I like it, but it doesn't resonate with me because I don't have the same experience". This was pretty hard to get as feedback, but I did some rewrites and it ended up a much better song than it was at the start. The comment I got on this song was what made me realise that I'd actually have to write songs that others could love, not just myself, and some of my songs like "Always kiss me goodnight" which is written for my mother, is probably the one I get the best feedback for. There are some demos (just accoustic guitar and me singing into a mic) up on spotify so if you'd want to hear them you can, but the recordings aren't that great in my opinion. So in short, I always try thinking about other people when writing songs, but still keep myself (my spirit) in the lyrics and melodies I choose. Thanks for reading, and have a nice day.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

That, in my hubris-filled opinion, is the heart of where it should be. An artist should always keep their audience in mind when creating. Because at the end of the day it shouldn't be about us.

[@LordofDiamondsMetal]

Music shouldn't be made and listened to purely for emotional validation. That's how shit like Three Days Grace gets made. It's an art form, and the more it tries to deliberately be "relatable" and understandable, the more the true artistic value of the artist gets abandoned and the music grows dumber in trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator. For me, the most emotional songs are those that let it happen naturally. A couple examples that come to mind are "Wait For Sleep" by Dream Theater and "Nothingman" by Pearl Jam.

[@ruBenes94]

@@LordofDiamondsMetal Agree! The example I used in the original comment was a song that I had written pretty clear and straight to the point, so one of the things that made it better, in my opinion, was the addition of metaphores to hide the meaning of the lyrics, while the last line of the last verse is the conclusion and pretty direct. I wrote it in the week after my father died, so it's a pretty dark song, but most people think it's a lovesong. It kinda is a lovesong, but it's basically a tribute to my father and the enormous void it left when he suddently passed from a heart attack. Always kiss me goodnight is a song I wrote last year, and it basically shows me how far I've come in the last few years, I still miss my dad every day, but now I often look at my mother and how she still lives her life without him. We got through the worst part, but there is still a life ahead. I liked the dream theater song you sent. Thanks for the comment and have a nice day friend.

[@markferguson3745]

Shadows in a Raindrop? Ouch.

[@ruBenes94]

@@markferguson3745 Haha yes, I was in a pretty dark place when I wrote it :P I feel like I've come a long way in these past few years though, but it still hurts to sing this song in particular

[@pergproductions]

"Well, it's odd to me because this is my job. I'm not here to have a good time, I'm here to pay my phone bill" - Peter Steele

[@ricardojmestre]

:)

[@quintonworden6318]

Creative outlets just have a knack for becoming self indulgent I think, especially nowadays when social media and online promotion make such a huge difference in how well people get noticed. Narcissistic traits set people up well for marketing themselves successfully. This isn't just limited to contemporary music either. I played in orchestras through school from a young age and at one point thought I'd pursue it as a career but late in college the toxic atmosphere just became too much for me and made me give up violin all together for several years. I never got how people who are just 1 of hundreds of parts in a full orchestra could still be so self indulgent, it really made me disillusioned about being a musician. Now I am just a hobbyist and I guess you could say its the definition of self indulgent to only make music for myself anymore but it feels like much more of a genuine expression.

[@letBIGGIErest]

Artists with unhealthy egos: Madonna, Cardi B, Kanye West, Beyoncé + Jay-Z, Honorable Mention: Taylor Swift; she gives off this vibe of being a holier-than-though martyr and has suffered so much; e.i. the victim mythology she has created for herself.

[@wojosquad4680]

I would putt T Swift on that Record Too

[@TheEmilyFravel]

She thinks she was broken up with but it's her fault for being a bitch.

[@tose5566]

She absolutely tried to victimize herself and it’s annoying asf

[@sethcashman1011]

From the jazz world, I would add Esperanza Spalding to that shortlist.

[@learic3240]

I don't get how you can compare Cardi B with Taylor Swift especially. I agree that Taylor is not humble but does seem to be a decent human being. She is a bit of a drama queen but, for example, all of the rumours of what happened with her and Kanye and Kim turned out to be true, so I wouldn't say that she victimised herself at all in that situation.

[@rangamsarmah2061]

I'm so happy you used the spirited away footage, what a fucking amazing movie, one of my favs, and for a kids animated movie, it talks about some really beautiful and some even realistically terrifying topics.

[@conormurphy4328]

*soon Mike shall become a full blown weeb*

[@randomcoffeetable777]

When I think of wholesome musicians I immediately think Dave Grohl, Devin Townsend, and Buckethead. Some other dude mentioned Devy, so I won't touch on that, but Buckethead really seems to just make music for the love of it and for his fans. I think the manifestation of this is his live shows, where he literally stops the sets and gives out toys to the audience members as a sign of appreciation.

[@hannahkozlovic1715]

i really like a lot of the points you made here. i feel like a lot of musicians that become successful, whether they reached “worldwide fame” like a lot of pop artists or not, have trouble staying grounded and keeping their humanity after being part of such an inhuman world. if you’re constantly seeing aggressively positive reinforcement online, obviously it’s going to be very difficult keep in the mindset that you mentioned (not making art for the sake of bettering yourself above anyone else), if that was even a factor to them in the first place. i appreciate you making this video, because i do find the worship of musicians both in the popular and less mainstream genres of music. i think that kind of relationship between the musicians and the fans is incredibly unhealthy for both parties, and i think having more of a discussion about it instead of letting people talk about it as if it’s okay or normal is important.

[@ElbartoLoco]

Alice Cooper is someone I see as non self indulgent he is very humble and down to earth always has fun at concerts and when we were struggling with quarantine he told us not to give up (Edit): grammar correction

[@TheRyansuicide]

And he is still out there, working his ass off. He could retire off of "School's Out" at this point, but he seems to genuinely love what he's doing

[@harleyhunt6073]

If you ever get the opportunity to meet him, it's well worth it. Great friendly guy who is very intelligent & very personable. Lovely bloke.

[@ElbartoLoco]

I haven’t gotten to meet him but, I have friends who met him and told me he loves what does and even his family gets into it

[@jeremythornton433]

I think you pretty much have hit the nail on the head. I'm not a fan of most pop music for this very reason. Far too many pop stars are so wrapped up in their own sense of self importance that it's beyond nauseating. Don't know about it happening in metal but I'm quite sure that it does. I don't listen to rap but a lot of what I've heard is the "I am great" crap. You're absolutely right. The world needs this conversation but I"m not sure much will come of it. Far too many musical artists are too wrapped up in showing or at least pretending to show just how rich they are and the less than intelligent fans are eating it up. Maybe if the videos weren't just big effing advertisements for their Ferraris and mansions it might be better. I doubt it though. Keep up the good fight!

[@Ahiru77]

6:30 LINKIN PARK.....or atleast Chester Bennington. His song ALWAYS helped a soul in the audience be better. His style of songwriting was always very neutral as to not actually expose himself or anyone in his life, which made kids be able to use them as real therapy. Heroic, noble, successful......amazing.

[@bobjason7540]

His lyrics exposed himself very much, to the point of an open book

[@Ahiru77]

@@bobjason7540 Linkin Park's lyrics are still neutral, even after what happened. Chester never named anyone in his lyrics, he never wrote specifically about, say, a carcrash, a bad woman or ever even mentioned drugs. He never mentions gender or a relationship so we don't know if his struggles were with a lover, a familymember, his coworkers....we don't know. He always wrote 'feelings', something everyone on the planet has. There were only a handful of times were Chester wrote about a specific gender (In Grey Daze with "She Shines", in Dead By Sunrise with "Give me your name", in STP with "Black Heart" and a Linkin Park demo with "She Couldn't") but those are demo's, deepcuts and Chester molding himself info a stone temple pilot. Chester's flagship music will always be Crawling, Numb, Let Down, Sometimes, Easier to Run (Heck the entirety of Hybrid Theory and Meteora.....sorry Mike)......songs that only mention 'feelings', not gossip or personal scandal.

[@kratosdacul7644]

In today's music you must be good looking not talented

[@Darek_B52]

Look up Civil War-Bay of Pigs I love the song but the guy isn't a looker...though I do get what you're saying as they aren't on the "apparent" top 100 list.

[@prateek752]

No not always. Mike has put it correctly. Today's music is not about music at all. It is about the person who is making it. And it is extremely narcissistic in nature. It's hyper-extraverted, openly promiscuous and selfish. Sadly this is the broader global Narcissism wave manifesting itself in the music industry. Especially the pop music industry.

[@kratosdacul7644]

@@prateek752 I just used a term for the people that are making it .Indeed the music is no longer music and things like talent musical knowledge or musical ear is considered an elitist shit In mainstream music because you can not compare the metal scene with the pop one

[@kratosdacul7644]

@JW Dragonborn Or Cardi B🤮

[@Mattsson951]

Fax

[@sethcashman1011]

This is, in my opinion, a topic which was begging to be addressed. Glad someone did so with such clarity and eloquence. Finally subbed.

[@NeedMoreCoffeeOG]

I think in a way our cultural obsession with youth also ties into this. People are encouraged to "chase fame" right at an age when they are most insecure and unsure of themselves, and coincidentally also most marketable. Just adds to the cycle.

[@TheErsram]

Good Points. Three artists that I can think of that have unhealthy egos are Gene Simmons, Kanye West & Cardi B. Rock On!

[@conniethesconnie]

Good Points. Three artists that I can think of that have unhealthy egos are Ted Nugent, Nicki Minaj & Cardi B. Rock On!

[@conniethesconnie]

Good Points. Three artists that I can think of that have unhealthy egos are Bono, Kic Rock & Cardi B. Rock On!

[@conniethesconnie]

Good Points. Three artists that I can think of that have unhealthy egos are Don Henley, Sting & Cardi B. Rock On!

[@conniethesconnie]

Good Points. Three artists that I can think of that have unhealthy egos are Nicole Scherzinger, Camila Cabello & Cardi B. Rock On!

[@lisalegato0109]

I'd say Marilyn Manson too

[@fatboysgarage7984]

One of my favorite artists that everybody said was down to Earth and we'll grounded is Jim Croce. Sometimes, he worked 3-4 jobs just to stay afloat. My grandpa got to meet him in Oklahoma and said he was a super nice guy and treated him with respect. He said there was no big ego or anything narcissistic about him. My grandpa doesn't like anybody, including me, but he said he would sit down and have a beer with Jim Croce any day.

[@HellbillyHalloween]

7:15 it’s the least egoistic in country and folk music because they were raised right, they were raised with responsibilities and were disciplined and weren’t entitled

[@rebeccassweetmusic4632]

You make some good points. Pop is definitely a very narcissistic industry filled with narcissistic people. What I like about Billie Eilish is that she doesn't have an ego boost when you see her perform. She seems very sweet and down to earth. Lady Gaga is another one because she always reminds her fans the importance of kindness AND she founded the Born This Way foundation which helps a lot of teens get through bullying and helps them identify their sexuality. Rock musician Dave Grohl is another guy because he is a sweet man who always likes to balance his indulgence with reality. He doesn't mind playing gigs in crusty areas. In fact, he loves it! Country musician Brandi Carlile is another one. My list of self indulgent musicians: Cardi B Taylor Swift Gene Simmons Mick Jagger David Lee Roth Vince Neil Axl Rose

[@ripit.3457]

@Hot Jambalaya ok, but politics aren’t everything. just because they don’t share your viewpoint, doesn’t mean they’re horrible people. this is the reason that politics can tear countries apart. it’s all just toxicity with no meaning or foundation.

[@stephenwylie1041]

You made some good examples, sorry to say but putting Taylor swift and cardi b in the same bracket or list in any context of those other Rock icons and legends is shockingly ridiculous.

[@rebeccassweetmusic4632]

@@stephenwylie1041 Yeah, well, those rock icons and legends are also self-indulgent too which is why they're on the list. Sorry if you didn't like that they were put in the same bracket as Cardi B and Taylor Swift, but it's the truth 🤷🏻‍♀️. They're all too self-indulgent.

[@georgeantonioandrei8570]

Well yeah, there are a lot of examples of great people in rock/metal, but your examples are totally accurate.

[@kimschuler2906]

I like your list and i think your right. Another good exame is BTS. They put out at every concert how much they love their fans and how their fans got them to where they are. They also promote loving oneself and others.

[@dominofuel8050]

I really resonated with your point about damaging the culture. A lot of people walk around with the idea that as long as they aren't hurting other people, they're doing nothing wrong, but often a purely self-indulgent attitude hurts ourselves as well as others. Any attention pointed inwards is attention that is not given to serving others in our community, and it's more difficult for individuals to thrive in a broken community. It's a vicious cycle that hurts everyone.

[@andyread1382]

Very late to this party, but this is a really interesting discussion point. I agree with a very large amount of what was said and understand the link between the culture and the people it produces but I think linking the culture created by music to the type of politicians we get is tenuous at best. There is a certain level of megalomania and / or narcissism around political candidates (bad, less bad and even good candidates) which history seems to show as superseding any attitudes created through popular culture. In terms of the music and artists themselves, determining art that is bad is generally subjective and very dependant on the scale you are using to measure its quality. If we are using self indulgence as the measure though then pretty much every artist falls into this to some degree. For example, a lot of the more popular hip-hop in the 90's was the first thing that came to mind for stuff that is self indulgent, Snoop Dogg for example, but there was also stuff that was at time self indulgent but with a message such as NWA. There is a valid argument that the self indulgent is more fantasy based meaning it can serve as an escapism or just something that feels good so it still serves the audience. If we move that to the rock and metal world it would be very easy to level self indulgence at any virtuoso guitarist such as Yngwie or Michael Angelo Batio or any prog based act such as Dream Theater or Animals as Leaders based on the potential claim of complexity for complexities sake with no genuine substance (I do not strictly agree but I can see the argument on this). In terms of fantasy pick your power metal band for the same argument of self indulgence - for their overt fantasy lyrics and potentially perceived indulgent playing, Dragonforce seem like a good example here. To demean all of those artists as self indulgent with little substance would also be horrifically insulting to their fans, especially those who use this music for the therapeudic aspects you were talking about. We could definitely use less music using the subject matter of personal gain and that sort of thing, but the reality is if there is a song out there, there is someone who has a level of attachment to it for personal reasons that make them feel good. Whether it is a subject matter close to them or just a beat that allows them to relax. I have no idea how you separate the self serving aspects from music without having parameters to work within which is the very anti-thesis of art - Artistic expression is still going to be the number one aspect for most musicians which will always mean playing to your wants rather than pandering to an audience.

[@jordanarsenault3952]

love this video. couldnt agree more. I want nothing more than to know that my music might one day make a positive impact on others the same way that my favorite artists have impacted me. Cross my fingers.

[@jaysons7395]

thanks for the topic. you struck a nerve that i havent had plucked in a while. i agree and have felt it first hand, without service life is rather empty. and its to easy to forget. what is new for me is i have never thought about this for music specifically. my lyrics tend to be social commentary which hopefully can be useful. anyway, your video was successful in topic an affect on me and im sure to keep in mind moving forward.

[@luke_Citino]

Honestly, there needs to be more artists like John Mayer, he was a bit cocky and had an ego problem when he was new to the music scene, but in the past few years he has become a really chill guy who just loves playing guitar and making music, and also does Instagram lives spreading his guitar and music wisdom to fans.

[@Highrollinhunter]

Yep Jason newsted is another cool dude Metallica picked on him so bad because he played bass with a pick it is his style man newsted is the guy who got me into buying a bass along side Cliff Burton and Fieldy it seems like the bassists are always the humble dudes of big time rock and metal bands

[@joshmastiff1128]

@Brindle Chihuahua Nikki Sixx has left the chat....

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@Highrollinhunter I don't understand why they chose him in the first place, if they had so much to complain about.

[@Highrollinhunter]

@@MrClassicmetal yeah they should of chosen someone like Cliff Burton if they were going to bully Newsted.

[@MrJoManFu]

@@Highrollinhunter I think that’s probably why they didn’t choose a finger style bass player. Too similar to cliff, it would have probably been worse to him. They also probably didn’t want to be reminded of him being so close to his passing. Jason was the best choice at the time.

[@MUZIXHAV3R]

Soo true man. To be frank one of the better names in the "POP" industry today is probably ED Sheeran. he's a down to earth guy and will stop to talk to you in the street. He's not one of them arrogant, self centered musicians. I believe one of his quotes were "Once i've written the songs, the song don't belong to me it belong to the fans, i love to see people covering the music i have written". Great lad.

[@kendrarasberry3078]

He’s literally one of the only pop singers I’ll listen to.

[@tose5566]

And he’s actually got some soul and emotion in his songwriting, even if it is just a few chords

[@cloudcorby420]

As a 25 year old musician ( guitarist & song writer) massive respect for saying something that hasn't been regurgitated by everyone all the time. Very creative point of view. And opinion.

[@emersonsosa4530]

Still waiting for the “Why WAP is terrible video “

[@conniethesconnie]

The video made people interested in a crappy song. This is Cardi B proving that she is an innovative artist and in no way ripping off Robin Thick, Miley Cyrus and all the other autotuned celebs who have turned to using tits and ass when trying to sell the public on a song that totally sucks ass.

[@fajaradi1223]

WAP doesnt need further explanation.

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

@@conniethesconnie I actually like the song.

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

@finger speak nah, I like the rapping and beat too and I'm actually happy something written by women celebrates female sexuality and is blatant about it.

[@chodori2041]

@@Iyashikei-t4u It's not a novel or compelling gesture. Female musicians have been covering this topic for decades without resorting to superficial or self-congratulatory takes. Hell, Meg Myers had a far more intriguing, unapologetic portrayal of raw female sexuality with Desire (which debuted 8 years ago).

[@Thrano]

Musicians strive for gratification. That is why the only place we don't have anxiety is on stage. We want to be on stage. Always. An endless gig.

[@CraigKeidel]

Great Gig In The Sky

[@marcelocastro6992]

Dave mustaine back in the 90s and early 2000s was a good example of that type of self indulgent musician

[@amirrezajavadian2458]

10 minutes of wisdom. Really enjoyed that.

[@jackriot100]

I think overall you're right, but everything in moderation. You rightly point out the problems with one extreme and then decide the solution is to go to the other extreme. You say ideally everybody in the world would do what they do because they want to help people and their own satisfaction is just a bonus, but that mindset has its own set of issues and it's just not realistic. If you aren't doing something for yourself, you risk your own happiness in much the same way doing something solely for yourself does. That's not an improvement on the other extreme you criticize.

[@slydakota8143]

I definitely agreed with this. I also wonder where corporate heads come into play. Because the way the industry is ran itself I question if it’s actually harder for people to stay genuine, like I know that’s a trope but it must play some truth. not to take accountability away from the individuals, but I wonder what percentage that plays into the whole ideal

[@jhardyrules]

Great video and input on why people make music but we need to get our roles straight here, Mike. Calling Conor out on his perversion (and being a sexy bastard) is my job

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Oh it's not just yours

[@MarvinCZ]

@Shashwat mishra Mike did several videos on that topic already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJa6matmZ7ebosk kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LPZnuFh7edfLs (and mentions in several others, just search for it)

[@conormurphy4328]

👀

[@corbinm5237]

I think that Yenn takes care of that too

[@valirupe]

Yeah there are some musicians out there that are bad but not all of them are like that. Look at Varg for example. He is a carring father, -definitely did not stabbed someone- , lives a peaceful life , -definitely did not burn any churches- and cares about his enviroment. So there are some musicians out there that aren't that bad.

[@freedomphillippe5602]

I think, when it comes to "self-indulgent" music, it's more about the fun of it, it's escapism, which is a neutral thing, it can be good can be bad. Bc it's a form of escapism, that can help someone through their day-to-day, which would be that artist helping people, helping their fans. I personally just see it as it is, it's fun and enjoyable, and not as deep as most of us make it out to be. You get that self-indulgent music in EVERY genre from everywhere in the world, I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing at all.

[@cosmicgregg]

One of the best videos dude, you just earned a shotload of respect from me. Writing for me is about this. I'm not gonna be famous, but that really isn't my goal. I want my music to help people. Anytime I write with a purpose of reaching out I feel more complete. I also think this can spill into your daily life as well.

[@Shoxic666]

This is why I generally avoid knowing anything about the artists I enjoy, I don't look up their names or life stories, politics ect, not even their faces a lot of the time, my whole perception of many of these people is the art they've created, this way there is no focus on celebrity worship or weird parasocial relationships. It's just some beautiful art without attached scandal, identity or history. I made the mistake recently of finding the lead singer of Lustravi (the only black metal band I enjoy) had a KZbin channel and now my enjoyment of that band is soured because it isn't just music anymore, there's opinion and ego and all that other shit attached, what was formerly just a voice or an image is now an aspect of some shitty black metal elitist bullshit from a video.

[@d3athperception828]

M. Shadows is very down to earth. Same with all the guys at A7X.

[@dominicwainaina3960]

This is probably a huge eye opener for me as an aspiring musician. I personally try to remove all ego out of the equation and do for others joy. Thanks Mike for awakening something that's not really touched on

[@Straitsfan]

A large part of the problem is the change in the purpose of art, which was traditionally to make things beautiful/inspire virtue. The concept these days is about the artist as iconoclast, etc.

[@davismiller3769]

I love Megadeth, but Dave Mustaine has been in it for Dave Mustaine and Dave Mustaine only since "killing is my business."

[@michaelflorczyk1394]

Very true! They only band I worship that has an egotestical member is Pink Floyd (referring to Roger Waters). Ego in general can cause bands to split apart, just like Floyd.

[@vitnemec8365]

Sure, Magadeth is a spite-band. That’s their blessing and curse.

[@davismiller3769]

@@michaelflorczyk1394 Hence the revolving door of Megadeth members. Imagine being so toxic that you force Dave Ellefson out.

[@sephikong8323]

That's what happens when you create your own band out of spite of being kicked out of your old band because of egoism (and alcoholism). The fact that Dave Mustain is the only permanent member of Megadeth shows that despite being an excellent guitarist, he is terrible a person (and bad singer but that's a given), at the very least with his band members. Doesn't make the music bad, but Megadeth still is the embodiment of an ego trip in Metal

[@Highrollinhunter]

I like Metallica but ulrich is a little Danish egomaniac by turning down the bass on and just for all and etc.

[@roywall8169]

Totally agree. Find artists who are good people, and support them.

[@nbdwhy5923]

Mike criticizing capitalism... thats something I didn't expect

[@BecomeTheKnight]

It, like anything else, needs its healthy dose of criticism.

[@s2sHoXXs2]

you become stuck when you feel like you cant criticize something. no one and nothing is perfect.

[@MarvinCZ]

@@BecomeTheKnight Slaughter all the sacred cows.

[@tatskamaster]

Capitalism is like democracy. The supply is controlled by the demand of the masses. The dumber the average person, the worse it's going to work.

[@markferguson3745]

It's always been imperfect, and as foreseen since the beginning, it has a natural progression towards abuse and failure, - " late stage capitalism".We are THERE, and it's time for some adjustments.

[@wisecarverjon]

Dude I’m loving this series, thank you for breaking it down like this. I came from that world and left, moved to Nashville and now I’m in a solid rock band here and happier than ever!

[@msmoniz]

I'm commenting on this a year and a half after you posted this, and I gotta say you're bang on. Funny thing is I just listened to a podcast interview with John Mayer where he's admitting to finally dealing with those issues about himself you raised. Love or hate him(I came around to loving him, especially after his undeniable Continuum and Trio period), at least he's gained enough self awareness about himself and the perception of himself in culture to start to question his motivations. And ditto on the commenter about RUSH! Those guys have always publicly had their egos in check when it comes to their music. Speaking as a fellow Canadian to them, maybe it's hoser thing ,eh? 🤣

[@zimiani]

"Why do you do what you do?" is the question that kill 80% of the musicians. This is really hard!

[@riverscuomo994]

It surprised me that I'm not the only one that thinks that the majority of the music industry doesn't know what art really means. I started even hating music because of that; and I always search new music... I just know when an artist did something just for the sake of it instead of being determined or inspired to do it.

[@darkdudironaji]

I know a guy that was signed for 1 album. He told me, "It doesn't matter if you've got 2 people or 2,000 people. You've gotta give them your best performance. It's all about them."

[@ianbraswell]

This is a really great vid, I've kind of had some similar thoughts recently and I'm glad to see you make this, becuase while my friends disagree with me, it's nice to know someone does agree! (Bonus points bc this is one of my favorite YT channels ever) Thanks Mike 🤘

[@davidrustylouis6818]

Based advice & points Mike.

[@acak5449]

"musicians" in HEAVY quotation marks

[@dashiellsisson9263]

Steven Seagal-The most self indulgent sensei, monk, cop, musician, actor, philosopher, director, karate man...

[@dakotadunlavy2426]

Your advice really helped me and thank you

[@johnvicaireiii5537]

Very good video man, I appreciate this.

[@wraith1117]

There is just something about playing live that really hits home with me. Add to that, being onstage others that get the same grove together. Be it originals, or covers. There is just something about jamming with a couple of others that really get it, really get those groves. The audience always picks up on that, even if they don't know why.

[@cedricvandeputte3549]

Can I just say, love the improved video quality: Editing and lights.

[@LordofDiamondsMetal]

The phrase "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" is a meaningless bullshit statement, especially when referencing music. It's not wrong to inform other people of their faults and it's not wrong to be aware of your own faults, otherwise how can you get better? I saw a clip from this movie once, and it had a guy telling some music students something like "The worst words you can say to a student are "good job". I've lived by those words for quite some time now. No, you're never doing a good enough job. You can always do better. So try to do better and never feel like you're at a point where you're "good enough". A world without negativity and criticism would be a world without improvement. So if you try to make it so you only receive praise and avoid negativity, then you won't be aware of your faults and won't ever get better.

[@letBIGGIErest]

omg this comment is so important. especially when the culture is all about "self-love" and "you're perfect the way you are" and "be confident!". Certaintly, we shouldn't be cruel to one another, but if we aren't willing to admit our faults, take criticism, and work on self improvement, we're all going to fall victim to our own entropy.

[@hamsandwich6685]

The movie that was in is called whiplash, jk simmons' character, fletcher, said it

[@tromboneman4517]

Why can’t you say good job while also admitting you can do better?

[@blazejecar]

I'd say it's more that with the internet and all that, it's a very competitive environment. Narcissistic egomaniacs are going to be much better at promoting themselves and getting their name out there than someone who's making art for the sake of art and being passive when it comes to self-promotion. The current structure of media and the industry definitely encourages the former and thats why you see artists like that become very successful while the "good" artists will never make it on the radio or perhaps not even out of bar gigs

[@seanjohnson7348]

I’m trying to come out of my shell and start releasing original music/ takes on things and just wanted to say this video helped me tremendously. My biggest issue is dealing with judgmental/hateful comments by users that make dedicated videos on how to deal with haters. Just the hubris is what really gets to me. Again, thank you for helping me compartmentalize all of it

[@Zneiero]

They are! Especially with high ticket prices it makes it MUCH EASIER to ignore and pass on them!

[@Farmboyz72]

The first group that comes to my mind for the least selfish is “The Hu” they just seem like generally wholesome dudes.

[@wrathchildd6218]

These videos are fantastic. I’ve been watching all day since I’ve discovered him. There is a lot of wisdom and a lot to learn here. As an aspiring artist I’ve definitely had a shifted view due to these videos. Very good! Keep producing awesome videos!

[@sergeantdeath]

Well said, every single word that came out from your mouth is true and musically correct. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU

[@doomslayer3418]

I started teaching ,,,it keeps me very happy ,,,,

[@donaldw3231]

Cardi B is so bad that she's inspired many people, not to try making music, but to criticize music, culture, and celebrity, and rethink the kind of people they want to see as "famous musicians."

[@Straitsfan]

Great analysis, if I may say so.

[@prometheustv6558]

Music doesn’t require talent anymore

[@oliverrudolphi2818]

In modern music you still need to be able to right hooks that are catchy have a delivery that's cool and unique, not saying it's as talent necessary as it used to be, but in hip hop there is still a talent gap to a degree

[@superrookie-1]

@@oliverrudolphi2818 yeah, but no I know it takes tallent and work to write music, but it's the same as playing an instrument, and writing music using that instrument The difference between a computer & human produced sounds us huge, and you can notice the difference very easily

[@michaelflorczyk1394]

Correct! But the question is who's fault is it. The artists themselves being narcissistic, or the evil music industry holding them at gunpoint to give them what they want creating arrogant self-absorbed fuckers in the process?

[@vitnemec8365]

It does, just different kind of talent. Music is a secondary element of today’s artist package.

[@putridabomination]

Talent is subjective and somehow at the same time optional in today's market place sadly.

[@jonathanbanacky5955]

This is a unique insight. Good video.

[@jaimeflor4181]

I 100% agree about helping others as a main motive. That was why I became a musician. However, being a songwriter that eventually chose academic work & the helping professions, I can’t help but see the arrogance in some artists. A few are cool & I happen to be acquainted w/ some. However, some are totally self driven & arrogant, especially in regards to social media. I can’t help but lose respect for them, which sucks when they’re actually good. I just refuse to feed peoples narcissism.

[@falconsii1031]

Love watching your thoughtfulness on these subjects. I've often thought similar things but didn't know how to do all my research and how to word what I meant. Love your videos

[@robm5583]

Man, just subscribed and started listening... A musician for many years myself I relate You got my respect🎸

[@FoxVyars]

I never thought it would be an issue before moving to Nashville, as I always thought musicians were in the same lot with painters, poets and similar ilk. That said, I now officially retract when I hear that someone is a musician in this city. I know in that moment they are more interested in having fans than solid friendships. You'll show up for their shows, but when you need a friend around they're "in the studio" or "doing a photo shoot/collaboration." I have now learned my lesson. Do not befriend a musician in Nashville unless you want to be stuck in a one-sided narcissistic arrangement with a person who speaks of absolutely nothing else....but music. Let me clarify that music, isn't the enemy, however, becoming a one-dimensional "fame zombie," with no other skills or interest....that makes for a pretty lousy human.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Damn man. I know a lot of musicians who are some damn good peeps here in town. I definitely know those people you're talking about, met plenty of em. But don't give up hope. There's very real peeps here who are making great tunes.

[@FoxVyars]

@@BecomeTheKnight I agree with you, but for now, I'm interested in well rounded folk who do not instantly identify as a musician. Tell me you're a beekeeper/martial artist/ homesteader/ historian...then work in the fact that you make music. Lol

[@patrickgambill9326]

Perhaps, but I think this has been the case for a while though for Western art in general. Even in classical music, we can see how this idea of self indulgence and creating art only for the artist led to masterpieces. Paganini created his caprices to show off and to challenge himself to play violin in a way that no one else at the time could. Chopin had an ego about his works and playing as well, to the point that when Liszt added embellishments to one of Chopin's work in a performance, Chopin made Liszt apologize for not playing the piece as written. I agree that we need to be careful to not fetishize artists. They are people too, but I think that historically this has been the case for Western music for centuries.

[@James-lq8ir]

I 100% agree with you man!!!!

[@SINGHDASLAYA]

When it comes to self indulgent what comes to my mind is Cardi B, Adam Levine and a recent plague known as YUNGBLUD

[@Malkil75]

Cheers sir. Thank you for investing so much thought and energy into creating thought provoking content. I admire your philosophical nature and appreciate your concise articulation. Best to you.

[@kingzuna8007]

I agree with what he’s saying, music has become very egotistical and self centered. It’s always been people like this in the music industry but now it’s not just a few individuals it’s basically every artist that gets radio play and streams. This is a problem because we also are living through a very easily influenced time period and people are adapting the characteristics of these artists that they listen to because they see them as successful individuals and they want to have the lifestyle that they live for themselves. This usually wouldn’t be an issue to want to be like someone who is successful if it wasn’t for the fact that these artist promote a unrealistic lifestyle for the average person and toxic personality traits. These are things that have always been present in music but then again it wasn’t as bad as it is now. Everyone wants to be at the top of the social pyramid and they’d do anything to get there by any means, weither that’s violent pranks that go viral or prostituting your body on the internet or constantly hoping from trend to trend to try your hardest to keep up and hopefully find something that will blow up for you. The internet has birth so many over night sensations that everyone is chasing fame and not everyone is chasing it because they just want money, people are chasing it because they want the ego boost and social status and being treated like royalty by others. All of this is also partially due to the fact that celebrities make it seem like it was extremely easy for them to get into the position that they’re in and that’s not exactly true, it’s not as easy as they make it seem. People drive themselves crazy chasing fame

[@basslightyeah]

Even the ones outside of the music industry play a huge role in this. The idea that feeds into narcissism the most, that the bigger you are as a musician the more appreciation and fame you get, has a very negative effect on musicians. To stop this, we need to stop idolising people. What is the point of Rockstars, ranking ypur top 50 favourite musicians, praising people for their talent? All it does is to put them on a pedestal and stripping attention from other musicians who are just as capable at their job. Essentially that's all it is and musicians are no more valuable than cashier's at Wallmart. Yet you don't see them on Late Night Shows.

[@kaninesenses]

What I really hate is people give so much attention to household names that sell out so much to the point of over saturation rather than going out of their way to support underground artists that are unique and incredibly talented.

[@jessitabonita]

The passive thinking like, “do what thou wilt,” and “…as long as you’re not hurting anyone…” is precisely why there _is_ so much more selfishness and increasing narcissism, thus actually hurting individuals that make up our sick society.

[@Mattthetip]

How many times have you heard great musicians saying in interviews that they were just making music that they wanted to make and weren’t trying to please anyone? If it weren’t for that self indulgence we wouldn’t have lot of the great songs and albums that we have today.

[@ontaka5997]

It's just the mass consumerism society we are in. The music business has just been producing tons of music to be consumed by the masses, and its "shelf-life" is getting shorter by the year. The so-called artists are just the "Packaging" of the product, and many of us ignore the "flavor" of the contents, which is heavily processed and oversaturated with sugar, salt, fat, artificial flavors, and coloring. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of "Good natural flavored" products out there, but you don't find them much in large supermarkets, but mainly in small local grocery stores.

[@chrisleguen2813]

The music industry has been so corrupted that most of the talented artist don't get the recognition they deserve, people are selling their souls for fame and fortune and it's turned the whole industry into a circus

[@pardwayne]

Music is an art. Study history. Art flourishes the most when times are hard. Gen-Xers and millenials have had it too easy. We just don't have enough inside us to bring out in an art form.

[@SovernGaming]

As a bit of a counter argument (and devil’s advocate), since most here people agree with you, I don’t care why a musician makes their music as long as I like it. Be egotistical all you want, I just want something to enjoy. If I only sought out music made for the right reasons according to my worldview, I would have a very hard time. I think the attitudes of record company execs matters much more than the artists.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

This requires a deeper teasing out of terms than I have time to in a quick comment. But I appreciate the devil's advocate stance and I think it's a position worth considering.

[@amandadockery4457]

Musicians aren't awful people they are awesome people

[@Hilariumosis]

This was a really interesting video and topic. Not gonna say I've actively noticed it and ain't gonna lie when thinking about it that I might be part of the problem but I'm glad someone brought it up for conversation and should really be discussed. I will say though I'm doing a good job not sexualizing artists too much and I'm picky about my music, I'm open minded but doesn't like what I hear just for nothing. And I take any music made through hard work, talent and skill over software created music generally speaking. Though I can appreciate a good song or vibe for different reasons. Mood play a part in that ofc. Looks are irrellevant for taste in music.

[@conormurphy4328]

I would say I’m doing a good job not sexualising artists but there’s far too much evidence against that on this channel alone.

[@downthebarber]

I know this is an older video but I'd like to mention Three Days Grace, Seether, and Breaking Benjamin as a few bands with genuinely good people. They write very deep and emotional music that's very personal, and yet they are always very humble and caring to the fans.