Why Not
Everyday Music Every Day #14
I was reading Evan Dando’s book, and what stuck with me is that artists don’t ask why, they ask why not. You’ve got to keep that question in mind when doubt creeps in. It’s not going on your permanent record, and St. Peter’s not going to quiz you on it. Just ask why not and try it.
Back in college I spent a night at a friend’s house jamming and basically mimicking the Uncle Tupelo guy’s voice. I was horrified the next day (and hungover), thinking people would notice and be sad for me (artistically of course). It actually took me out of music for a year or two. But the truth is, nobody cared.
No trust in the process, too much ‘why,’ and no ‘why not spend a night singing like that?’
If I put one of my country songs, a blues song, and an electronic song all next to each other, they’re still going to sound like me. I’ve done the work and (happily) can’t hide from my own sound (and I shouldn’t try).
If I’m not asking ‘why no’t enough, I’m giving the inner critic a key to the house. Why not keeps him out.
Maybe why is good for work. But why not—that’s for art.