An artist is who I am

I was recently getting to know someone new, and we were sharing the core basics.
I am sharing this with you now so you understand why I’m not like other artists hoping to ‘break through’…

I used to hide that I was Fyerfly in my general life, because I didn’t want anyone to form an opinion before getting to know me. But after a few years I decided that because Fyerfly is such a large part of who I am, it should be shared straight up so there are no unwelcome surprises, as I never intend to dim my light again.

So the subject came up and this person said something like, “So you’re a musician, tell me a little more about that”… I shared a brief summary of my history (you can read more here) and a little about the timing of the release of my debut album ‘Connect’.

I said that even though there have been breaks, all through my life I have come back to my music, to my songs. I went on to explain that being an artist is who I AM and not what I DO.

I am not an artist for money (definitely not – expenses far outweigh any income) and I’m not an artist for the attention – otherwise I’d be posting selfies every other day, counting likes…

Sadly, I have not been impressed with the behaviours of most of the music or art industry. I almost recorded with a lovely new producer post-covid, but the rest have demonstrated unstable personalities, mile-high egos and unprofessional attitudes that have really gotten in the way. And I’ve sadly found that most industry/musicians only want to support, and be seen to know you IF you can help them climb 🙁 It feels so fake and superficial to me.

I’m raw and real. I want to raise and praise my people. I want to love, and be loved.
So, I have accepted it’s a place I don’t belong.

It costs a huge amount of do$h for the singer-songwriter to create (not just record) a professional album, so why on earth would I (the creator) payroll anyone like that?? For fame? Yeah, no thanks.

So unfortunately in my experience, the music and art industry are not actually so much about the music, or art. And I’m bet to leave it to those happy to play the game.

I will always be an artist, and my music will continue regardless of recordings, releases and marketing campaigns… But it will only be created with people that do it for the right reasons… and when I can afford to!!