I have been hosting a folk music based radio program for the past 25 years. In the early days, it was fairly easy to pick LP's to play on the show - most were from established performers. I remember hanging out at Speakeasy, a folk club that used to be in the Village, and watching artists like Suzanne Vega, David Massengill and Rod MacDonald and WAITING for them to have an opportunity to record. The only way I could share their music was to have them perform it on the show.   Artists paid their dues and MOST albums that I received were from artists who I had seen perform, or at least knew of by reputation.

Today, I receive about 10 CD's a week - most from artists I've never heard of. Some are quite good, others are simply a waste of time and money.   This past summer I was the committee chairperson for the formal showcase at NERFA (North East Regional Folk Alliance).   Over 150 performers applied for the 12 slots we had available.   Frankly, the majority of submissions were "green" - artists with good intentions but not yet seasoned to the point where they could put on a reasonably cohesive performance.

One of the problems that I see is that there are fewer venues for musicians to try out their songs and develop as performers. I've noticed fewer open mics, venues that no longer have opening acts, and generally fewer audiences for this style of music.    I am fairly sure that many of the artists who record CD's have received very little feedback from their peers - or maybe they have received ONLY feedback from their immediate peers.   Artists should seek out objective opinions of their songs from people other than family members and close friends.

It is very simple to create a CD. But before spending time and money to create and duplicate CD's that you inflict on the public, make sure you are ready.

With that said, I do think we should encourage artists - especially young musicians, to keep at it. Folk music has developed a very stodgy and closed-door mentality as far as I'm concerned.   I've watched events at conferences and festivals where audiences and musicians will walk out - and even once close a door - on performers. Take a few minutes to give objective criticism when it is appropriate. Perhaps walking out is a crticism, but I do think we can be more constructive.   We need fewer curmudgeons and more mentors!