The Road to Terry - 063 - Why Don't Musicians Age Like Comedians?

Last night, Trinera and I were invited to see a bunch of 30-something, teacher comedians perform.   The show features Katie Nguyen, Don Gavitte, Todd Basil, Amanda Lynn Deal, Jaren George, and Rachel Aflleje.  The show was great, especially with a room full of exhausted K-12 educators in the room.  The room was definitely full.  As I sat there, I thought to myself, “why can’t Hip-Hop artists be 30 years old and fill a room like that?”

Does the music industry not allow it? Are the fans too old to care for it? 

Comedy has an ability that independent music does not.  Everyone loves to laugh. 

But doesn’t everyone love music?

Getting people out to an independent, Hip-Hop show feels like a joke.  Yet, we know people with jobs, kids, and responsibilities love the music.  The challenge comes from knowing that most people will come out for someone that is either famous or remarkable.  These comedians aren’t famous though. They are remarkable. Fans are willing to take the $15 gamble on a decent comedian, but maybe not a decent musician.

It could be that independent artists are TERRIBLE at letting people know they have shows.  I don’t know.

What I know there are missed opportunities to connect with the audience.  There is a lane to open.  There are eyes that are willing to unglue themselves from devices.  Tribes exist for artists like me.  It’s time to find them.