We play music unlike anyone else
We create a genre unlike any other
We are a completely new band
Almost everyone uses these mottos, with slight variations, not just musicians. Most people copy others’ expressions without realizing the meaning they put into their words.
All three statements above are completely false. I’ll talk about this at the end.
A deeper understanding of such phrases can conceal an inferiority complex, a desire to conceal naturalness. And when people start talking about uniqueness, in my presence, I offer logical arguments to the contrary.
If you’re not like everyone else, that means you’re unique. Right?!
But here’s the problem: everyone claims that they are not like everyone else.
So, are they unique, too?!
And if everyone is different from everyone else, then we are all unique.
Major misunderstandings in a group arise over time only because you define part of your group’s concept by talking about uniqueness. If it’s built on your rarity, you’ll inevitably fail, since we’re all rare specimens.
It’s difficult to surprise someone with an exotic instrument, unusual vocals, or supposedly new music these days. The only thing you can focus on is rare skills or abilities honed to perfection.
There’s no one else on this planet like you, but everything will change if you become part of a team. Then, what unites you will become truly exceptional. Then you can talk about uniqueness, not as individuals, but as a community.
In sports, especially team sports, clubs are formed from different teams, with different numbers of players and different, often drastically different, characteristics. In football, for example, teams select players with a variety of skills and abilities. The world’s best clubs have a few individuals who excel at at least one outstanding skill. It would seem that everyone can kick, pass, cross, and score, but professionals do these things better than the average person, and “stars” are an order of magnitude better than many professionals.
Let’s return to uniqueness. A club that has an outstanding player who wins and makes money with his help will be popular and in demand. Other clubs, however, without outstanding performers, will very rarely become popular.
No, they won’t lose their uniqueness. They’ll simply be like everyone else, at their own level.
If the metaphor isn’t entirely clear, I’ll put it bluntly. Your band without great musicians, without constant training and professional development, won’t be in demand. Exclusivity won’t go away, but it also won’t help you become a popular band.
to be continued…
