Re: [microsound] Re: Alternative performance devices

[macrosound@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

> But, music is noise... noise is music.  I don't see the distinction.
>
> -Michael

The distinction lies in the ear of the listener.  I have this quote on the
front page of the music section of my site:

"Wherever we are, what we hear is mostly noise. When we ignore it, it
disturbs us. When we listen to it, we find it fascinating." - John Cage

The difference between noise and music is meaning.  And meaning is largely
dependent on awareness.  When we stop our busy brains for a few moments
and simply be aware of something, anything, it begins to have meaning.
Washing dishes seems to help put me in this state.  Also, meditation.

The failure of music today lies in people's inability/unwillingness to
open themselves to the mystery of meaning.  We are a culture of busy-ness
and it's effects are widespread.  Suicide, depression, constant searching
for ever more immersive stimuli.  The answer to the search for meaning is
simple.  Stop looking for it and see it, it's everywhere.

It is useless to expect people to adapt to a new type of performance
scenario when they've forgotten how to let go and experience something. 
It doesn't matter whether it's guitars, laptops or garbage cans.  The
barrier is one that each person must overcome.  Using gimmicks or trying
to explain what you are doing before a performance is like giving 3d
glasses to a blind person.

I think that the only way performers can get over this barrier is to make
themselves as vulnerable as possible thereby setting an example for the
audience.  This can be done many different ways but ultimately it's the
individuals decision whether they open up or not.

Of course, if you just want to freak them out then play some really
obnoxious noise as loud as possible.  I've done it, it's fun.

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