An olive branch
The relationship between music and other forms of art – painting, video art and cinema most importantly - has become increasingly important. How do you see this relationship yourself and in how far, do you feel, does music relate to other senses than hearing alone?
There is a definite connection between these mediums and they are all good, healthy ways of communicating the things that all-to-often are put into words. Dance would have to be the best example of responding to music physically. Music opens up the senses to things that can pale in insignificance, it brings light to emotional messages and creates a cathartic gateway to access memory. When it's combined with video and painting, music becomes part of a poem that is a full abstract connection to a story of the heart and mind. In this abstract way, these things unlock a deeper understanding of how we perceive things.
There seem to be two fundamental tendencies in music today: On the one hand, a move towards complete virtualisation, where tracks and albums are merely released as digital files. And, on the other, an even closer union between music, artwork, packaging and physical presentation. Where do you stand between these poles?
I feel that technology has been wonderfully liberating for many artists to express there visions and dreams. It is extremely important to me that there is a concept to the work, so packaging and film content are innately connected to the things that I hope to share in the work.
The role of an artist is always subject to change. What's your view on the (e.g. political/social/creative) tasks of artists today and how do you try to meet these goals in your work?
I have always seen music and my responsibility to it as one of being able to respond to reality in a passive and gentle way. Music keeps people sensitive and helps them to feel. It keeps the heart soft so it can hear the truth and doesn’t become hardened to making decisions based on unselfish interest. Music is an olive branch, a way of celebrating and sharing.
Music-sharing sites and -blogs as well as a flood of releases in general are presenting both listeners and artists with challenging questions. What's your view on the value of music today? In what way does the abundance of music change our perception of it?
The value has certainly changed materially as it is almost impossible for someone to exist from an income of music alone. But equally it has become a lot more accessible for people to explore and express themselves through the medium of music. There will come a time when the budgets for recording real instruments and paying musicians to perform for recordings simply won't be available. I hope that there is a way forward for those truly dedicated to music to survive, so that their work can inspire others. I don’t have a solution, but feel excited by the fact that the media has lost control over the exploitation of music into a fashion statement.
How, would you say, could non-mainstream forms of music reach wider audiences?
In my experience you can do this by performing concerts. It has never been an easy path. If you are dedicated and work very hard, eventually you will find a way for the work to be realised and enjoyed by others. It can take years. It has to be a true passion.
Usually, it is considered that it is the job of the artist to win over an audience. But listening is also an active, rather than just a passive process. How do you see the role of the listener in the musical communication process?
I hope the work will move them in some way; wake up something personal to them, make them feel well and free from the at-times draining things that life can bring temporally.
Reaching audiences usually involves reaching out to the press and possibly working with a PR company. What's your perspective on the promo system? In which way do music journalism and PR companies change the way music is perceived by the public?
I feel it can give an insight into the motive behind the artist and the creative process.
Please recommend two artists to our readers which you feel deserve their attention.
Astrid Williamson, classical works coming soon.
Daniel Johns solo works, coming soon.
Visit Lisa Gerrard's website at www.lisagerrard.com
