Where Art and Business Collide... understanding the honesty of Constructive Criticism. It is tough working in an industry that incorporates creating "performance art" for business. Whether it's acting, dance, script writing, video producing, and especially: writing and performing music, we, as artists, have the responsibility to deliver a product that entertains and/or conveys a message for our audience. "Convey a message? It's this my art, man! They should love me!" Absolutely. Art is your unique expression. How do you artistically roll your uniqueness into something more than tolerable? What about your art performance is so fantastic and infectious, that people should miss "Must-See TV"? Since I'm in a "music" frame o' mind, let's ponder 5 questions from a regional performing artist's perspective. The Mobilization. Do you have 1,000 close friends that you can mobilize each month in every city you play? If so, stop reading. This article is not for you. The Art. Do you know why your fans like you? If yes, do that more. If not, why? The Performance. Do your fans react to your hooks/lyrics/showmanship during your performance? Why/Why not? The Mood. How do you want your audience to feel after your show? How does this affect your performance? The Ugly Comparison. Who is your favorite performer? How do you differ from them? Assess Yourself. If you are comfortable with your answers to these questions. Congrats! You've found a level of success with your "performance" that you can handle. Change nothing. But! For those that wish to grow in their art with a larger audience... accept criticism, and more importantly... learn to grow. Last Words BUSINESS. At the end of the day, the business is about posessing the integrity and popularity to mobilize a market to do *something*. ART. Grow your expression to be something your audience will enjoy more than their 3rd favorite television show at home, or different band for that matter. AS A FAN. Touch me. Thrill me. Show me something new... I'm ADD. ... and I love a great show. peace- seanrox