Peace Of Mind

      I’m Damian, I’m a Starving Artist. Which I think is a good thing, folks. First I should clarify that I’m not literally starving. I simply mean my creativity doesn’t pay the bills. I sometimes believe I wouldn’t have it any other way. Other times, well of course I wondered what that might be like.

      But fame seems hollow to me. It’s when bad shit can happen at any given moment. I got a friend of mine who asked if given the opportunity to monetize, Backstage, would I do it?

      First off, he’s putting the cart before the horse. Secondly, I think having ads and sponsors is a pain in the ass. I’m not a business man, I just want to create, not be beholden to some corporate entity. If you follow?

      I’m talking about music, something I’m passionate about. I don’t want to have to read an ad about dick pills, and growth hormone. I realize that’s an extreme example, and you can choose which sponsors to do business with. Also, I know that there’s ads that don’t have to be read. It’s just the disgusting vibe of even talking about it.

      I only bring it up because we’re going on a journey, people. I’m allowing you into my mind, because I need some therapy. It’s time to vent, release some steam, ride the tidal wave that crashes into the mountain.

       Capitalism is a disease in most cases, simply for the reason every situation has a profit margin. That’s what’s wrong with Health Care, Education, Politics etc. It even spills into entertainment and creativity. Everything in this world is a potential commodity, and revolves around supply and demand. Even Religion, and people. Nothing is immune from it’s grip.

      Even you. Even me. Unexpectedly, it could enter life as a dream we’ve had since we were young. Realistically, I’m not looking for that kind of success, I’m not seeking out fame and fortune. But what if unexpectedly it turned into an opportunity, gradually doors open that were once closed.

      As far fetched as it seems to me, things can change quickly. Before the Black Sabbath episode of Backstage. I was at 12 subscribers it was just a creative adventure with my DU brothers & sisters and a few others. Then I drop the episode. Give it a few days, get a few likes, a few comments. I reply back it’s an ordinary week, just normal everyday stuff, for another week or two.

      Boom! On a random Thursday, I get a call from my friend, the one I mentioned earlier. He tells me the episode has blown up, synced up to the algorithms, or whatever bizarre twist of fate has just occurred. Sabbath has over 300 views, suddenly I have 30 subscribers out of thin air. I’m shocked, stunned, bamboozled, verklempt, and in sudden disbelief.

      Once I pinch myself, and realize that I’m not dreaming the whole scenario, I celebrate. I’m on cloud nine for the next couple of weeks. But the episode keeps growing, and growing, slowly but surely. As of tonight, it has 87,000 views. I know have 392 subscribers.

      I’m not mentioning the numbers to gloat, it’s to say that in three months the channel has grown that much. It goes to show that no one can predict when something is gonna take off. In that time since the channel exploded I’ve released 3 more episodes. The first two got decent views and comments. Then I thought maybe I’m just a one hit wonder.

      Then the third has over 30,000 views. My point is if that can happen, who’s to say a few years from now it might be bigger yet. That kinda makes my skin crawl, because I could monetize then with significant gains. Then it’s not a hobby anymore, it’s a job, it’s a brand, it’s possibly profitable. It puts me on my guard, got me standing on my toes. I’m thinking if I monetize at all, I’d go the route of YouTube standard ads, if that makes a few bucks that’s ok. But I don’t know, folks.

      Then again. Maybe, it should just remain exactly as is. I don’t want a boss, a sleazy corporate entity sticking it’s nose in my freedom. I don’t need the constant headache fucking with me. I’m happy remaining a Starving Artist, it guarantees me peace of mind. I feel better, how ‘bout you?

      Thanks for reading. Appreciate you. Peace, Love, and Lennon. Damian