This is a discussion post I wrote for "Seattle Music & Opinion"
This article or “note” is not in any way intended to promote myself or my music (I never wanted SM&O and “Annie Lockwood” to be BFF’s), OR to appear presumptuous, stupid or otherwise too cool for school…..It is simply an “opinion” or “observation” of sorts. In order for me to communicate my point, I have to let Annie Lockwood outta the bag – in the utmost non-promotional way, of course (just between you and I, Annie Lockwood is kind of a bitch anyway).
Anyhoo, I write songs and sing them. They’re musically very simple and the meat is in the lyrics, the sound is pretty raw (I come from a long line of folks who played music on their porches). I am not in the least, musically trained and in lieu of training spent massive amounts of time listening and practicing (as anyone would need to do to learn anything, right?!). I was an Autoharp player first – needless to say, you’ll never come out to see Annie Lockwood for her sweet hot licks on the guitar…..Hot licks, no – smidges of sweet protest, yes.
My songs are entirely based on my feeling at the moment they are written – no rhyme scheme, no planned song structure, etc. That being said, it took a long time to get to the point where I could actually perform my music for people because the thought of it made me want to puke - but at the same time felt like one of the only ways I could (and do) communicate the things that really get to me. I’m introverted and can be intensely shy – yet my communication takes place in front of people - another joke on me, thanks World for your laughing birds – right back at ya.
My songs can sound fairly dark, sad, or like a vivid joke lyrically but are all about peace and love in the end. I will be forever boggled as to why only about 10% of the time people actually “get” what I’m saying – or rather, listen to what I’m saying (no, again, these are not cover songs – I write them). I think that’s really weird, especially because my songs are so simple and quite frankly – my voice doesn’t suck. Which forces me to ask myself this: why do I care if people listen? Why do I care if peeps “get it”?
These questions force me to nail down my intention as a musician. Let’s go over the basics, which are completely contrary to what I “should” be doing as an independent musician according to “them”.
1) I do not like promoting myself aside from the announcement of shows (makes me uncomfortable).
2) I do not and will not participate in music contests, or any other “vote for me” facebook status updates, I do, however support folks that I like if they choose to compete. For myself, I just flat out don’t feel the need to compete musically and have no interest in doing so.
3) I generally prefer benefit shows – by choice. I’m beginning to understand that this isn’t normal.
What is the point of this, exactly? To be heard. To give back. To not have pressure such that I feel I need to alter any aspect of my art to “fit in” or show a little tit to make up for any weakness others may think I have as a musician – I don’t care if I never improve at my instrument because I will never stop singing lyrics such as “go buy yourself a rendezvous, and in the morning, go buy you some Jesus”…..and that’s what it’s about…..for me, anyway.
It’s not about me posting a link to your website from mine expecting some kind of reciprocal link sharing deal – I genuinely support what I like – period – no need to “get me back”. It’s not about status update subject matter that is 100% music promotion ALL THE TIME….
Doesn’t anyone ever want to just vent a pet peeve, share a story - maybe you sat next to the drunk guy on the bus today or maybe he wasn’t drunk, maybe he was just lonely and he looked like your Grandpa – who knows.
As a “singer-songwriter”, without a shit to give about the fact that all of my songs are in the positions of E, A, C, G, D, Am, Em – and maybe always will be (Autoharp player x-ing) – it feels damn good to do something I believe in, do it my way, and have it come from deep down – and not waver, two chords is enough.
In conclusion, Annie Lockwood is recording her first album (written by Andrea Lockwood), she will be writing about that interesting experience shortly...
http://www.annielockwoodmusic.com/
Thanks for reading.-Andrea “Annie” Lockwood
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