Economics vs. Creativity

In the previous "Shareholder's Report" I gave an overview of studio budgeting. But the purpose of establishing an environment for music, writing and graphic arts is to create music, prose, poetry, painting, drawing, videos! Unfortunately, economic needs tend to constrain the amount of time one has for pure art. And economic shortfalls constrain the materials, tools and instruments available to the artist. So what's the status of Profunk creativity in light of the tight budget?

Obviously, some gigging must be accomplished due to the simple fact of a monthly budget shortfall of about $200. But there is a Profunk vision and any time out of the studio takes away from that work. A pickup gig provides instant gratification, maybe $50 and only 6 hours away from the crib. Anything less than $50 is not worth taking. Better paying offers require rehearsal time, so I turn down invitations that lead to adopting new arrangements and repertoire.

There's an area in the middle. My history with the Bingtones and Cool Fire means much "value-added" that shouldn't be thrown away. The Bingtones will be back, with a CD release party scheduled for Rasella's in San Francisco on November 8th. One night a week rehearsal at a studio 10 minutes away is an acceptable price to pay, and there's a terrific benefit in associating with the 2-3 dozen artists, engineers and other talents Bing has assembled.

But I'm not getting any younger, and my personal taste and inspiration involves a reprise of historic rhythm & blues and early saxophone instrumentals using modern instrumentation and recording techniques. My model is the Blue Note jazz sessions of the late 50s and all through the 60s. I would rather record live than multi-track. And I hope to create a movement for less polish and more soul in the recording. I'm saving marketing for last. First step is to develop product!

The Profunk goals are difficult to communicate to other musicians. Believe me, I've tried! But I'm spinning my wheels with outside involvement, economic imperatives, and inability to share my vision. This leaves me with a projected lonely path of solo writing, arranging, and multi-tracking. Thankfully I invested in equipment during my years in engineering, computer sales and audio-visual. This leaves me with the conflict between economic necessity and the need for time.

The solution is simple, brutal: 1) Cut expenses to the bone, 2) Minimize outside effort, 3) Get to work in the studio!