The Value of Integrity

Integrity, so exceedingly and decidedly void today, is still something that each of us responds to positively when we encounter it. Integrity tells me that, when encountered as either a response or an offer, it holds the readiest of value to everyone. Oh, there are those in denial -- it implies putting one's neck out. The reasons are theirs, but opportunities are missed, whose rewards are more than affirming. When you speak directly and honestly to the most directly honest part in the other person, the truth of your integrity is more than known. It is felt and that one little effect opens the doors to relationships that affect in a monumentally empowering way.

Time to talk honestly.

I have met more people that are more than ready for a challenge that truly means something. They are looking for that point of personal significance that says their lives mean something. It would be great if it was music related, but anything would be welcome. It is when they are most in need, however, that the survival instinct, conditioned feelings of inadequacy, depression and desperation, or whatever, kick in. Back off and you're safe. But are you really?

As a society, we are bombarded with disempowering messages, accelerating and amplifying by the week, by the day. We let elected representatives, the media, and small, vocal groups take responsibility for getting done what we know needs to be done. The results are always insanely consistent, inadequate, and disappointing. And we still get the bill. So much for buyer's remorse.

As musicians, most of us know what it is like to be unemployed, uninsured, and unfulfilled. Only, for us, it is not a recent phenomenon; it is a constant. We let industry "leaders" take care of our business and what do we get? We let the need to work degrade the standards of our work. We take less substance (read paycheck) and take more crap. Is anybody seeing a pattern here?

In the 70's, I could work a week of lousy pay one-nighters and still cover my bills. Having moved to the top of my game in 2009, I worked more and got less -- and had to travel to do so. Hanging at poverty is not a living. That said, the obvious question is, "why do you do it?". If you're reading this, then you know, but, just in case...

My wife and daughter, both disabled and looking to me for their care and advocacy, have told me how miserable it is when I am out playing or hustling gigs. They have also told me how much more miserable it is when I'm not playing! If you're working at a day job, you know what I am saying.

Yes, I have met a lot of folks, lately, looking for that one thing that will make a difference in their lives. I have also heard their laments, their peeves, bitches and gripes. MyGigNet started out as a form letter with the whole laundry list. The list didn't change, but the intent behind it did. Describing the problem was not enough; prescribing a solution had to be there.

Our solution is deeply thought out. It is our experience -- like yours -- but with one difference. We're putting together the place that will let you put together the place that you envisioned when you first wanted to play. It will be housed in the virtual world, but will be deeply connected to the physical world -- through music, the one language we all understand. Integrity, mine, ours, and yours, is what it's about. We are putting our necks out.

We'd like some company.

By the way, we will soon post a slide presentation -- short -- but deep enough for you to better understand what I have been trying to intelligently articulate in previous posts, apparently to no avail. Hope it helps.