[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]Wow. Did I miscalculate.
Last week’s show was incredible, but there were two things I never saw coming.
First, I didn’t think that people would love my original music right out of the gate.
Second, I never considered that many would be so excited by my performance that they would rush to purchase my CD at the merchandise table at the back, not pausing to realize that what I played and what they would find on my “Origins” album were vastly different performances.
When I tallied up my sales and comments before heading to lecture in Phoenix last week, I was shocked – and dismayed. I had sold a bunch of CDs… and I knew many of those people hadn’t known what they were buying.
Truth in Advertising
This quandary sent my mind spinning during my six-hour desert drive.
Determined to keep my integrity – and my fans’ respect – I tossed around a number of possible solutions in my head.
I figured I could give everyone his or her money back. But, this had the drawback of leaving them without what they had wanted in the first place – my music.
My next idea was to make a demo of the three most popular tracks from the show and give it away to all those who had purchased my music last Saturday. This was better but still had a hollow feel… for who really wants a ‘demo’ CD?
The most logical option then loomed large before me. I could also just record the music I performed and release another album… soon, like in the next month (before my fans filed me away in their memories as a phony).
Why Not?
I have the studio. I know the music. I can make the time. And I have the resources to help me mix those terrifying drum tracks into my cello soundscapes.
The only thing left is to tame the little voices that are loudly shouting that I must be crazy, I am a newbie composer, I’m supposed to be focused on scoring a film, and I have my March wedding to plan.
However, while all of this true, it is also irrelevant.
Time is relative – especially in this case. I know from my last album project that I will seize every second I allot myself to agonize over every possible detail.
And so I will not give myself time to obsess or attempt imaginary perfection. I will commit to completing my album in the next 5 weeks – by March 1.
Why not?
Let the games begin.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her latest album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
