I don't wanna make you bouce, I wanna be loved and hated in equal amounts

Wise words. Awesome song. Maybe not wise words, but relevant to the middle class. I am not in the middle class, to I imagine that I'll be at the very least hated by someone.

Anyway, it's a new year (well, as far as 19 days can be considered new), and as usual I don't know what the fuck is coming up next. I've got plenty of unpaid film work (well, not plenty, but enough to keep me occupied over the first few months of the year), one more semester of study (gotta do a bunch of theory, but Centrelink are finally going to pay me again, so I guess it sort of balances).

Actually, I have a beef with Centrelink (OK, not out of the ordinary) about going back on youth allowance. I am continuing the same course of study, but because the course is only just recently approved for payment, I don't actually receive any money until the semester starts, whereas if I was already getting paid, the money would continue over the holidays. WTF? I've been studying full time for a year with no money and bugger all income (other than occasional cover band gigs and the few times I would be paid a meager amount to be on a film). What am I supposed to do? Get a job for 2 months? OK, fair enough, I could do part-time/casual work that I can scale back when I'm at uni again. I did try to look for work (not particularly hard), but I don't want to be someone who puts aside my aspirations just to earn a god-damn living. Don't tell me I can get a job to save up for stuff I need to do what I want, because so many people fall into the trap of getting stuck in their shitty jobs and lose all motivation to get creative.

So, here's what is potentially cool about this year (now and future):

Just about finished mixing an EP for a band that I recorded a demo song for late last year. They seem to have some interest, which could work to my advantage if they go anywhere and like what I do (which they seem to, and I don't think I'm doing too shabby a job with just the bare essentials at my fingertips). Even if they don't go anywhere, it's something that if I have my name attached to it and someone likes the sounds, they might want to know more about me. I'm hoping this is a good inroad to the studio side of things.

Feature film looking for attachments etc. I had this brought to my attention by the lovely Jules at the Screen Academy (where I currently study, albeit the fact that I should have finished by now), and I've promptly gotten my CV ready to go off. Getting paid (even if it's a reduced rate) to be on a film (one that is being shot up north somewhere) would be an amazing experience. I will do whatever job anyone needs to get on a film set and shmooze away. I can put up with heat.

World's Greatest Shave. This is a big step for me, having been with the hair for about 7 years, and having never really done any charity fundraising before. I really hope to get plenty of support for this, so I can feel good about doing it and throwing a big event at the tav to mark the occasion. Please visit my page and donate some money by credit card, or leave me a message on my facebook/phone/email telling me how much you want to donate, and whether you want to save the hair, or shave it. I have an official receipt book that I can whip out when I get your money so you can claim it on tax. Just make sure you have the money, and that I will be able to see you before the big day (or that you're able to bring money on the day).

So, yeah. Good times, I guess.

The blog behind the breakdown

So (facebook friends), I'm sure you're not really wondering why I decided to bag out people for not coming to my shows. I'm going to detail it all in long-form, anyway. Don't take this as a blanket accusation, just a critical analysis of events with a personal touch, and an open essay on the notion of friendship.

Basically, I've been in bands since 2006, and since then I've been trying to convince the people I know to come and see our gigs, largely to no avail. It's not like I expect miracles, just a little help from my friends. The music may or not be your cup of tea, but does it hurt you that much to come out with me and have a laugh? I'm sure you understand how fickle the Perth music scene, and just original music in general, is. New bands have to rely on a rent-a-crowd to fill out the crowd so that venues will have you back, or other bands/promoters will take notice until you can draw a crowd of randoms. I am frustrated and jilted by slogging in shithouse dives playing to 10 people, none of which have paid to be there. 4 years of it is a little long to make it a sustainable option.

Even the relatively simple task of listening to the songs on myspace, or rating them on Triple J Unearthed is too much for 90% of you. You could even do that without listening. The internet doesn't care if you listen to it or not, just that you clicked (although I would prefer you to listen).

So, we reach the crux of the issue: Why don't my friends care enough to come to my shows?

1.) They aren't my friends and don't like me - I hope this doesn't apply to anyone that I would consider a friend, but please let me know if it's how you feel. If it is anyone with whom I've had a professional relationship then I'm sure it won't be affected.

2.) They are acquaintances and feel uncomfortable rocking up to a random gig - Fair enough, but isn't this what social networking is about? Bring a bunch of your good friends along and have a good time with them and hopefully you enjoy one of the bands.

3.) They like me and don't want to come in case it's bad or they don't like that genre - So what? Should that affect our friendship? I can take constructive criticism, especially in music. I love a good musical debate. I'd actually rather you had something to criticise. You may have noticed I don't take praise too well. Also, I see live music as a separate art to recorded. I love to perform and entertain and make you laugh/cringe. This carries through to all bands I'm in, so even if you don't like the music you'll have a good time.

4.) They're ALL too busy ALL the time - Understandable, especially if you don't really know me. If you do, then consider ways in which I've supported or helped you (this may be very high or very low). Friendship is a 2-way street (this applies to me, too. Feel free to call me out as a hypocrite on this).

5.) You don't want to go because you don't know any of the bands - You're the reason why live original music sucks in Perth. Get out there and diversify and participate in discourse with your friends about bands you've seen.

Thoughts in general? Specific comments for me?
Bring it on!