It’s time to start valuing our state’s musical treasures
New Mexico’s exceptionalism is often characterized by its artistic and cultural communities. There is no doubt that our fair state scores highly in artists per capita, and our visual arts are certainly world renowned. Also stellar, though too frequently undervalued, is the musical culture that has blossomed in our state.
Our music stretches back well over a thousand years, with talented flutists and drummers accompanying many Native American customs and celebrations, as they do to the present. Even the formative years of rock and roll owe much to our state’s artistic environment. Buddy Holly, who recorded dozens of genredefining hits in Clovis, put together the archetype of the modern rock and roll band — two guitars, bass and drums. The Beatles acknowledged that, taking their name from a spin on Buddy’s backup band, the Crickets.
This is all well and good, except for one thing. Being a musician in this state is largely akin to being a volunteer. Very few of our legions of extraordinary musicians can make a good living plying their art form here. Unlike the better organized commerce of visual artists, musical artists are frequent victims of artistic exploitation. That is, basically, many are paid next to nothing for providing services that other occupations would value much more highly.
There is no easy fix to this problem, however improvement begins with awareness. Anyone can see the challenge when a musician who has spent many years honing her craft is faced with situations where she is paid a pittance for several hours of highly skilled service, plus the physical strain of hauling around her gear.
Not to say that everyone deserves to be paid princely sums, just that it would be a better world for musicians if more people valued their skills and fewer saw them as easy marks to play for free or “for the exposure.”
You can contribute to the improvement of this situation by supporting live music. Go out and hear the great music that we are so fortunate to be near. Hire musicians for parties and events. Tip musicians generously when you see them perform at clubs. Sponsor house concerts. Buy their merch (sometimes their major source of revenue). And, most importantly, enjoy the benefits of brilliant live music performance. It will make both your heart and your head feel better.
The New Mexico Music Commission advocates on behalf of the state’s musicians of all genres. On July 21, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, six extraordinary musicians who have dedicated a lifetime to providing musical art will be recognized by the commission in the first Platinum Music Awards celebration. These long overdue honors will include tribute performances by some of the state’s most outstanding musicians. We invite you to come and celebrate our musical treasures. To learn more about this lifetime achievement celebration, please go to www.Platinum MusicAwards.org