"Music is spiritual. The music business is not"

Van Morrison draws an essential distinction between art and industry by suggesting that music, in its purest form, is a spiritual experience, a means of expression that transcends words and touches the deeper layers of the human soul. Music has the power to evoke emotion, inspire transcendence, foster connection, and heal. It is created from a place of authenticity, often emerging from an artist’s need to communicate truths that are difficult to articulate in any other medium. Listeners find moments of solace, understanding, or unity through the melodies and lyrics that resonate with their own experiences. When music is performed or shared, it forms an almost sacred space, nurturing a sense of community among those present.

In stark contrast, the music business operates on the principles of capitalism and commerce. Its primary purpose is not the nourishment of the soul, but rather the generation of profit and the maximization of market share. Record label executives, promoters, and marketers focus on sales figures, branding, image, and commercial appeal. Decisions are driven by trends, demographics, and shareability, sometimes at the expense of artistic integrity. This side of the industry often reduces art to a product, packaging creativity into units designed for mass consumption. The personal and spiritual nature of music can become subordinate to contracts, negotiations, and marketing plans, leading to exploitation or creative compromise.

For many artists, this dichotomy provokes a sense of conflict or even disillusionment. Their musical journey springs from a deeply personal, even sacred drive, yet they must navigate a world of deals, deadlines, and dollar signs if they wish for their work to reach a larger audience. The interplay between the two realms, one spiritual, the other transactional, reveals the tensions artists face in preserving authenticity while surviving in an industry that may not always honor the soul of their creations. Van Morrison’s words serve as both reminder and warning: to cherish the spirit of music while being wary of forces that can strip it of its meaning.