We've all heard or seen critics, journalists and fans remark about how many actors get better as they age and it's something we can probably all agree on that definitely does happen. Many actors don't really start getting recognition until middle age and beyond and many still start getting awards in later life.
Musicians, on the other hand, seem to be more hit and miss. They don't seem to have the mid or late career moments of excellence that occurs in the film world. Sure, Iron Maiden have just put out an album that many concur is their best since the late 80's but nearly every band's fan base maintains that the best stuff is in the earlier years.
So, is it about ability?
Both actors and musicians continue to learn and grow as they get older. That means both groups have a wealth of experience to put into their art. The more you see of life, the more you can give to expressing it. Who can deny that Mickey Rourke or Robert Downey Jr are better now than they've ever been? What about musicians? The old songs get so ingrained in their DNA that their fingers go to the notes like an old friend, their stage performances are as natural as breathing. The art of recording and stagecraft is a lifetime's journey of experience.
So no, I don't think it's a question of ability. Generally, if one keeps up their interest in their art then they only get more experienced and natural at it.
So, why can actors get hit after hit well into old age and musicians are stuck with "play the old songs"?
It suggests it's about the material. Actors work with the movies they get. Actors generally don't gave to write their own masterpieces. (unless they choose to; Mel Gibson with Braveheart etc) Actors don't have to write an album every so often. The inspiration and creativity side of the movies can come from anywhere. As long as there's a great script, a middle or old aged actor can have a hit on their hands.
For musicians, they can still have the chops but if the creative side of things isn't as happening as it once was then typically it's not going to have the same sort of effect. Exploring and changing styles and sounds over the years may also have a negative impact on their overall reception. So, both actors and musicians can get better over the years and are both reliant on having material that resonates with an audience. For the actor, that's usually someone else's job but for the musician, it's normally theirs unless they work with outside songwriters.
Working with songwriters and producers who are "in" is a way that musicians can have a similar late renaissance (see Cher) if they get the right track.
But for musicians who are not in popular selling genres, it's all about using their own creative energy. What do you think?
You are at GuitarMasterClass.net
Don't miss today's
free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with
free content!
Ben Higgins Actors Get Better, What About Musicians? Sep 19 2015, 01:11 PM
