http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLONgF8a_Ig&feature=g-hist
The idea fleshed out over a latte and ridiculous french chocolate mousse dessert at the local late-night cafe, in the company of my sweet other half who munched pear, walnut (appropriate) and goat cheese bruschetta (and is known for a shared affinity for Wally's music.)
What happens when someone stands at the precipice of a future yet unknown-one which could make them a legend that lives immortally amongst those artists in our history who created canonical work? The U2's, Beatles, Madonnas of the music world? The legend's ledge, you might say?
What does it feel like, to stand at the anxious edge of that cliff, yet unsure what shall come if one's fate is to step over the edge and dive into the ocean? Is there fear or joy in that space? Is there even an awareness by the maker that they stand in that moment, at the brink? What if we have already witnessed the high watermark of Wally's career, and he slinks back into the role of a 'one hit' musician? Which path would be the more pleasant for the artist? For the fans? I know what many have expressed as their preference.
After initially mulling this over, I returned to the recent ABC1 interview (thanks to sister fans from regions with rapid access) wherein Wally talks about the detached feelings about his hit song, as well as how his life has changed, sometimes in overwhelming fashion. Arguably, the path has been especially steep for near a year now, and perhaps even as far back as his emergence as a musical force in AUS with the hit "Heart's A Mess."
Fewer than two weeks from today, Wally and co. embark on the largest tour they've ever produced via his Gotye moniker. Four months of immersion in the work of years prior will be displayed across the world, to ever larger and more hungry throngs of listeners.
What does this shift mean for the 'fans,' do we stand behind him equally liable to tumble over the cliff as he does? Who will fall into the waters behind him? Will we sink or swim? Will he?
Will we be little grey geriatrics reminiscing on the days when we watched a legend being born to a bright and treacherous world? Will we recount the glories and hazards our 'favourite boy' survived, becoming the vocal strains of a generation? What does it mean....how does it mean.....to be immortal? Has Wally already sealed himself as such in some way, with the force of one herculean hit? Will he become a perennial presence for the next couple decades, as some of our most recognized artisans, with a string of reliable works that speak with similar force to their predecessors?
Are we witnessing the birth of a musical mythos that will have been part of the essential soundtrack of our lives? Will we gather one day-those of us left-and mourn his passing, as have so many before us, on the final breaths of our musical master? Will Wally leave this place, as we all must eventually, having changed the world? I certainly think so. Then again I am biased, and willing, nay, happy to admit it!
Is this the end of innocence for our beloved musician? Is it the end of a life more ordinary, more calm, more private and peaceful? Could it be the end of the open-hearted artist we've come to respect, in may ways for his genuine tone and apparent immunity to fame? If his tone changed it would only seen rational, with greater access comes greater oppression, comes greater need to protect ones self.
On the shoulders of giants, do we lose our innocent perspective from the days when we stood solid on the ground?
I suppose I ask more questions than I seek to respond to. I am unable to do so-I know that. I haven't the barometer. I am still down here on the ground, looking up at the giants and occasionally tapping their toes, asking how the weather is all the way up there in the clouds.
~~~ c. Paige 2012
***thanks nut Cynthia for locating the above brilliant pic!
As always, lovely ruminations--a bit wistful here, but these are legitimate questions and concerns I think we all have--as human beings, artist, fan, both or none of the above.
ReplyDelete(And can I plug my own semi-related reflection on a similar topic? You're cited here, Paige: http://certainhalf-desertedstreets.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-tightrope-walk-innocence-artist.html)
That being said: I wish Wally the best of luck in growing, shifting, changing, and learning--maybe flying up to greater heights just a little--but still managing to keep at least one foot on solid ground. Perhaps a "hover" more than a flight. ;-)
I like that you mentioned a whistful tone here, Cris. I think you're right there, and that's something that comes from my own occasionally conflicted feelings about the role of a fan/listener and how to sit in that space. Glad you took it and considered it from other angles as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother great topic, Paige. Before I found your blog, when I admired a musician, I never thought about how the 'fame' affected them. Especially an "overnight success" musician that is thrust in to the public awareness as suddenly as Wally has been. (At least in the eyes of an American audience it seems sudden.) Now I have a different perspective on the subject. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteI have great admiration and enthusiasm for Wally and his music. I plan to continue to be a fan regardless of whether he releases any more albums or not. Whether he is a long term success on the music charts or not. For me it's all about the music. Being able to enjoy and admire who the artist is - is a wonderful bonus. And there is a lot to admire. Thank you Wally for making it so fun to be a fan.
Thank you Paige, for providing the home and gathering place for fans such as myself.