The future... (musings on life & music)

I hope that you are all doing well; I've been thinking about all of you quite a bit lately, and about how blessed I am. To be honest, I've been wrestling with some issues related to you, and how I treat you as listeners and friends, and how I want to treat you from now on.

You see, I'm not a businessman, and I really don't want to be. When I started learning how to play guitar, it was because of my love of music, and my love of the guitar in particular... and that hasn't changed. What I've been finding as time goes on, is that there are all of these "necessary evils" to the music biz that I don't particularly like, and some ideals within that world that I really don't want to associate myself with any longer.

The most important thing to me is writing and performing my music, and sharing it with as many people who are nice enough to give me the time of day as possible. For those who know me well, you know I struggle quite a bit with selling my CDs to people, and if they are unable to purchase it, I have no problem with giving away my music. In fact, it makes me feel very good. I give away a lot of cds. I receive a lot of wonderful letters and emails about my music inspiring people, so I feel that it's time for me to walk my walk, not just talk the talk...

This is a very long-winded way of saying that I'm trying to find the best way to give away my music from here on out. Times are changing, and I feel that if you want my music, I want you to have it. Period. I don't want my friends and family to remember me as someone who has sold a lot of cds (which I definitely have been fortunate enough to make that claim), but as someone who wrote music that people enjoyed, and that they were able to share with their loved ones. After all, music is meant to be shared.

I'm not trying to invalidate musicians being able to make a living. Far, far from it. But in my opinion, there is too much of a focus on that and making a profit then enjoying the artistic process itself, and trying to write music that will outlive the artist. I have songs that I want to share with you the second I record them, instead of months (or years) later, based upon a recording schedule or album release. I want you to be part of these special moments.
The sad reality is that there are costs involved, and I'm not wealthy. I'm not greedy either, though. So, here's where I need your feedback: If I made the music available digitally (or in a cd format for a little more than the cost of the cd), would you be willing to pay a little to bring me to your town for a concert? Would this be something you'd be interested in? What about other merchandise, like coffee cups or t-shirts? I just want to be able to see all of you in person, recoup recording costs, share my music, and eat occasionally ;)

I would love to hear what you think about all of this.
Love to all,
~ Jonathan