Toeing the Line

On this journey to the top of the mountain that us Beautiful Idiots have embarked on, I find myself contemplating: how much do I give?

A familiar piece of advice that I’ve heard in regards to using social media and digital platforms to build an audience is “be authentic.” My conundrum is that I authentically despise most all of the platforms I’m using. The trends make my stomach turn, I don’t want to be easily identifiable as one thing, my music isn’t informed by the latest hot sounds. I have no desire to be defined, or to be of my time. I do hope to reflect the world in which I live, but in a way that broadens the perspective, or explores the universal nature of our specific conditions. In short, I’d much rather be timeless.

I find myself constantly compelled to say “fuck that” to just about every obstacle or parameter I encounter on our path, but I don’t want to turn people off. So how much of myself do I give? How much of my authentic self do I keep at bay, in hopes of finding people who like the music? Or will the music find the right audience if I lean in, and always do it my way?

There’s supposed to be space for everyone, right?

-J.P.