Musician = Artist ?

[MeYatch]

was thinking of jumping in on this, but steve's said everything I would. In fact its almost the same stuff I said in the "politics section" thread

[DickShackBass]

I wish my last name was dickhut.

[Killjingle]

I know that many people are going to disagree with me, but it's been in my experience that musicians who have extensive resumes/cirriculum vitaes playing cover material usually write better original material, because they were forced to develop their musical knowledge. On the other hand, many cats who picked up their instruments and went straight to original music usually have something lacking in their music, because they've never really "learned how to play." There are some exceptions (e.g., U2), but that's generally been my experience.

At first I hated this quote but then the more I read it the more I understand what u are saying. And truth be told I have a reasonable resume and did use a lot of it to hopefuly become a better songwriter/ musician.
Another point about cover musicians is that most were original composing musicians at one time or another and then decided that:

1. they were probably not going to be the first rock musicians to get signed at age 40.
2. they like to eat on a daily basis
3. it is not good business practice to spend $50 to make $10

I picked #1 and #3

#3 is the "scariest" and "meanest" reality. U have to be so into what u do to be able to take the chin shot and keep smiling. I never really ever thought too much about playing in a band for extra income; so it never really got to me too much. BUT... I wont say that I disliked the income that I made when I did play in cover bands. Its always cool when u can buy gear and not take it out of your "house" money.

Its such a shame that instead of there being enough nightlife to go around so we could all be playing and doing what we love; we have to be on a forum discussing.

Artist or musician? Guitar player with vocal(mostly vokills) and songwriting ability. Hopefully someday I'll earn a title from my peers when its all said and done.

Covers or originals? Play what the fuck u want; just be proud of what u do.

[bassist_25]

Thanks for diggin' what I'm sayin', Chad. When I reread it, it seemed like it may have been a slam on musicians who have never played covers, but that wasn't my intention. And again, it's been my experience, so I wanted to put it out there.

I love Rockpage. (God, what a Hallmark moment)

[Killjingle]

without the sheet music to Randy Rhoads tribute I dont think I would have gotten off the ground floor

I remember bringing Suicide Solution to my jazz guitar teacher and playing it on my acoustic with 1st position chords. FU*KING CLASSIC!