Am I an idiot? No it’s not supposed to be a rhetorical question… let me explain…
I got some good news today, there was a song competition that I entered recently, covers and originals were allowed so naturally I entered one of my songs “Midnight in the Afternoon” and I was quite happy to be chosen to go through to the final 8 and perform at the final in Sydney.
Oh, did I mention that the first prize was $3,000? - not too shabby…
So they just needed to give me a few details. The final would consist of the 8 finalists playing one song and having scores created from judging and audience reaction.
The only real rule was that I MUST play a cover in the final
[record scratch]
Hold up… what? I made the final on the strength of my original but I have to play a cover in said final?
All within in my power of course, I am capable of playing a cover, I don’t know that it would be any good… I’ve tried once or twice for local radio and the results have been mixed at best… the truth is, for better or worse, it’s not where my strengths lie.
I told the person who had originally given me the good news that I would give a much better performance of one of my songs and that I haven’t seriously performed covers in 15 years (busking on a Newcastle street as I remember).
Still, I was told, it wasn’t allowed. End of. Anyway, if I didn’t want the spot there was a waitlist.
So I gave up my spot in the finals, it’d serve someone who is serious about covers better anyway, and as such gave up my 1 in 8 chance of winning $3,000… but it’s not about the money, it’s about being true to what I’m trying to do.
Maybe I’m too stubborn for my own good? Maybe I truly am an idiot to pass up such an opportunity… maybe I just want to create, which is after all what 2017 is supposed to be about.
I love making original music and helping others do the same and in the end, that’s more than enough for me.
Thank you, for listening, and supporting my music
Clint