Why make music when nobody cares?

Howdy! Today I want to talk about the big ugly question: what's the point in releasing your music when nobody cares about it?

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0:00 Intro
1:52 Thanks UVI
2:37 Howdy

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[VenusTheory]

Heading off for vacation this week so let's pray the algorithm gods don't spank me on this one! 🏖
Your assignment in the meantime: give me some new music to check out when I come back.
▼▼▼ Special Thanks To ▼▼▼

[normannutbar]

My teenage band recorded in 1999.
It took me over 20 years to buy all the gear and learn to mix and master the music.
I eventually released it to the world, 2 years ago.

I bought the only copy that was sold.

I’m currently working on my next album.

[MarnixMohrmannPiano]

I've stopped releasing music because no one cared.
I've now started releasing music because no one cares.
It's honestly quite liberating.

[davebbeats]

I was diagnosed with terminal cancer 6 months ago and told I only had 5 months to live at age 38.

Throughout the fight to stay alive I’ve been through every emotion you can imagine and the toughest of them all was simply ‘what’s the point’

In the last short while I have lost my creative side and the passion to make music.

This video has truly resonated with me tonight and I will wake up tomorrow with a different perspective on not only making music but what is left of my life.

‘It’s about living your life and enjoying it while you still have it’ ❤

Thank you.

[catatona]

this is why i found it so much better to work on music with a group of people. working solo just builds self doubt, working with a group there’s more ideas thrown around and there’s ppl there to pick you up when you have doubt, because they’re relying on you to contribute with them.

[neoplumes]

In my decade of releasing music, the most meaningful experience was an 11-yr-old who said to me, "I made my mom subscribe to you on Spotify and my favorite song of yours is Smile." She is the only person outside of my family and friends who has intentionally listened and given feedback.

[garrickpeterson]

Making music is an art. Not caring whether anyone likes it or not is also an art.

[singingfedexmanjoshcampbel]

This is why playing live is so important
You get to see real time how your music and ideas affect people.
Music is therapy for those listening AND creating.

[callumalston]

If you’ve ever had a broken heart and had songs pour out of you you know the catharsis they bring. To me that catharsis is enough, it’s me understanding myself

[ocardaugh]

I've written and published almost a hundred books, but none of them have sold many copies. When I switched over to music, I stopped publishing books, but I still write because I find the act of writing cathartic. None of my creative endeavors have ever made any money, but they did, and still do, fill a gaping hole in my life

[GreaTeacheRopke]

I've always felt privileged to have a job that I love, completely unrelated to music, so that I can make my music without worrying about money, recognition, algorithms, etc. I see far too many people crushed by the weight of having to be creative constantly and try to be on the top of everyone's feeds and it's gotta suck. You said what I've felt in my heart for a long time here.

[SarahHaynesMusic]

Urgh I felt this. I go from euphoric bliss of creating something from scratch, to the darkest drop once I put it on social media. I even have trouble getting family interested in my music, so what hope is there to get a stranger to? I’ve been wrestled with that. But it’s like a drug. Can’t live with or without it. So just keep plodding on hoping to one day being seen. Even if just in a small capacity! Thanks for this video. Beautifully edited.

[jonathanwingmusic]

I lost both my parents within the past 4 years (to separate terminal illnesses), while still in my 30s, and it's had a profound impact on me. On the positive side, it's really kicked my ass into high gear, to create like there's no tomorrow. I've probably written and produced more music in two years than I have in 20 years before that. I started learning instruments I've put off for years (I always wanted to learn cello, and just started 6 months ago! didn't realize you play as well), and taking on projects and finishing goals which I procrastinated for years (always telling myself "maybe one day..." or "I can start that tomorrow..."). Now I don't allow excuses and just get to work. It's been incredibly empowering, cathartic, and in many ways a journey of self-discovery and healing to grapple with losing two of my best and most supportive friends in life.

On the other hand, I get pretty depressed at times feeling as if I have no proper outlet to share the fruits of my labor. I've uploaded to soundcloud/bandcamp/etc and at first I was very excited to see how quickly I would receive likes, comments, reposts/shares.Validation for all my hard work, finally! But over time I've discovered 99% of those were bots and spammers, which has been pretty disheartening, and as a result I quit putting stuff out again. "What's the f*cking point?" indeed.

I don't necessarily need to play to an arena full of rabid fans to feel validated, but I like to think that the art I create is enjoyed by fellow humans, and not just a few bots somewhere in Russia (the country I get the most plays from lol). It can feel really hopeless to put in all that effort and go through so much emotional digging to create something you believe in, only to put it out in the world and feel like not a single soul will ever notice nor care.

If anything, what I wouldn't do to be able to share all my new music with my parents. They put up with a lot of noise from me as a kid, and they'd be so proud to hear how far I've come. But on that note, I can just hear both of them rooting me on to keep going and do it for the love. So I will keep doing it no matter what and enjoy the ride.

[safetinspector]

10:20, “we don’t create to not be heard.” This is the truth that brings me the most despair. Every time I talk to someone about my sadness that even close friends won’t listen to me and they trot out the “create for yourself” cliche I just feel ashamed at myself for wanting attention at all without seeing any way out.
I keep making more pieces and every time I am convinced that THIS time someone will like it. I am fortunate that my spouse is there for me, the only fan I have, who hums my Melodies when no one else does

[Chilldeck]

Making music is like dancing with your own soul. Music has turned me away from a path of self destruction and endless and pointless days. Being honest, I hope my music can bring some joy to others, but it’s not necessary. The process and sheer enjoyment of learning Music Production has been life changing for me. Btw, I love your content and Benns, thank you for all the inspiration.

[shelltopay]

as a singer-songwriter who puts a lot of effort into my work and often comes out the other side with nothing, i think this video is exactly what i needed. i find it quite hard to promote my songs, (even on tiktok) and i often feel like most of my work hasn’t paid off yet and i often feel discouraged. but now i’m realizing that as long as YOU are happy with what you’re creating, then you have done your job as an artist 😊

[kylegallagher]

This is the most well made, articulate, motivating, and beautiful video essay I’ve come across on YouTube. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Thank you for your voice. And your music is great!

[OriginalRaveParty]

I don't make music, I buy instruments and look at them with great intentions 😅

To be honest, whilst I've heard some of your music and enjoyed it very much, I really come here for your "YouTube artwork". You are a great filmmaker and a charismatic speaker, and that's more than enough to be a real and worthwhile connection. Cheers 👍

[CarlosEzequiel]

I’ve been in international tours several times, played with some of my heroes, gotten awards and etc… and still feel like you describe in your video. The massification created by streaming is simply insane - unless you release stuff all the time, you’re soon back to square one. The album format is gone, creativity surrenders to shallow marketing strategies. We make music because we love it and need to do it, but recording or putting up a concert is such hard work that you kind of expect a little recognition to feel like it’s worth it. As Hunter Thompson said: “the music business is a shallow money trench where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs”. A new collective relationship to music will have to come up sooner or later.

[AvantiMusicNJ]

Making music and just putting it out with no pressure is actually pretty cool. When you just make what you want to make, the real fun starts