Another lesson taken from one of my favorite movies, Almost Famous.
Lester Bangs: “My advice to you. I know you think those guys are your friends. You wanna be a true friend to them? Be honest, and unmerciful.”
Lester is saying this to the lead character William Miller in reference to bands and your relationship with them as a writer. But this is solid advice for bands and for fans.
Fans… be honest and unmerciful with your favorite band. Be truthful about what you think of the new album, what you think about the show, about their new t-shirt. Don’t kiss their ass. They may not like to hear what you think, but they need to hear the truth. Because you don’t like one specific thing does not mean you hate them. Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you have to say you love everything. One more things for fans, be careful thinking that musicians are your friends. Hopefully the band truly appreciates and values you, but you aren’t their best friend.
Bands… Be honest about what you are, what you are doing, why you are doing it. Don’t try to be what the you think the fans want. Don’t try to be what you think the clubs want. Be honest to yourself and your music, be what you want. You need to believe in what you are doing at your core. Be unmerciful with your career. Don’t take no as the final answer. If you don’t make it in a year and you believe in what you are doing, don’t give up. The game is not over. Show no mercy and keep pushing forward.
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