"When I was coming up, we weren't trying to get a hit or get paid, we were just trying to do our thing. The only thing we were really trying to do was to be recognized for our originality"
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Bootsy Collins' quote explores the values and motivations of musicians throughout his formative years, highlighting a distinct contrast with the goals frequently associated with the music market today. The essence of his words suggests an authentic enthusiasm and dedication to the craft, where the main goal was not industrial success or monetary gain, however rather the pursuit of originality and imaginative expression.
Collins reminisces about a time when musicians were primarily driven by the desire to establish a special voice and contribute authentically to the creative landscape. This suggests that the innovative environment he came from valued creativity above all else, a sentiment that seems to have actually been eclipsed in today's music scene, where chart-topping hits and rewarding offers typically dominate the narrative.
The phrase "doing our thing" suggests an individual, almost intimate relationship with music, where artists were concentrated on cultivating their own styles and pressing creative borders. It's a technique that focuses on development and authenticity over conformity, recommending that real recognition comes not from commercial metrics like sales or awards, however from the respect and acknowledgment of peers and fanatics who appreciate genuine artistry.
Further, Collins' emphasis on "being recognized for our originality" speaks with the intrinsic motivation artists had to contribute something brand-new and unique. Originality ends up being not just an objective, however a form of legacy, an enduring mark on a constantly progressing market. It's a pointer of the power of individuality and the classic value of imagination that transcends short lived trends.
In summary, Collins is assessing a purer time in music history when the pursuit of innovation exceeded commercial considerations. It works as an effective suggestion of the importance of authenticity, motivating both aspiring and developed artists to cherish and prioritize their imaginative originality over mainstream recognition.
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