So I'm sitting down here, watching "More Music @ The Moore," and it's literally painful. It's not because these kids don't have talent, but it's because, with the exceptions of Daniel Romain Humeau, who isn't even a teenager (but took me to a higher place with his playing), and ConunDrum (a group of drummers who played on trash cans and were so in time it was absolutely beautiful) they're not original at all. They're trying to be Aretha Franklin, or Pearl Jam, or Norah Jones, or 50 Cent. The songs seem rather empty and soul-less, like the entire purpose of their being written was so that they could be tossed onto the radio. They're not built to last. I couldn't stomach it. It was horrible.
The sad part is these songs were written by kids around my age (although who knows how involved the "professional mentors" were). If this is the future of music, empty, soul-less, and un-stomach-able, then I might as well kill myself now. To tell you the truth, I applied for a spot at this show. And to tell you even more truth, I am now quite glad that I did not get in. If I had gotten in, my music might sound like a well-packaged bottle of bleach! I'm not saying I'm super good, or super original, but at least I'm not a rip off of someone with just a few little things changed. I hope.
I almost have a feeling that these kids wern't being themselves. Like they were creating this music for other people, not for themselves. I will stress that you cannot do that. Good art is created for yourself, to comfort or please yourself, not anyone else. At least, that is not how it is for me. If it pleases other people, go Team You! And if not, don't give up. After all, you made it for yourself. Good art comes from a heart, is inspired, and is work.
So I ask you, no matter what people say to you, please, please, PLEASE do not create art for them. The more personal an art is, the more succesful it will probably be. Do not let them boss you around. Your art is your art. Be yourself in that. And if no one will sign you to a label and release and promote your record, or no one will hang our paintings or photographs in their gallery, or no one will show your wierd-ass little films, then DIY, baby. If people find you through that (even if only a few people do!) then you'll probably get a hell of a lot more respect and it will be like a big "fuck you!" to all the people who said you couldn't do it. Don't let what everyone else is doing and saying make you think that you suck, or let that influence your art (therefore making it into art for them).

To quote the movie Empire Records: "Damn the man! Save the empire!"