13 Things Musicians (and Creatives) Are Sick Of Hearing at the Holiday Dinner Table
It's Thanksgiving week and the official holiday season is upon us. Tis the season of the Christmas-music-take-over of our favorite radio stations, lists upon lists upon lists (checked twice), meal planning for a crowd, and the inevitable hustle and bustle of holiday events.For many musicians (and creatives in general) it also means entering into a barrage of holiday dinners surrounded by family and friends whom we may not see on a regular basis. There will be food and wall-to-wall bodies and excessive drinking and (hopefully) naps. And, inevitably (as any working creative or entrepreneur can relate) our mundane life and career choices will somehow make their way into the center of the conversation. Evoking the annual "head scratch and question" routine that we all know and love. You know, that sort of forced, Minnesota-nice smile that just barely veils the confusion underneath.Though every lovingly asked and well-intentioned question may seem like a good idea, this year, I thought it might be appropriate to come up with a little list of 13 things that musicians are sick of hearing at the holiday dinner table. I’m sure I've missed some, but this is your PSA for the day, it’s meant to be funny/light-hearted..... if not a little serious. Take it how you will…
The List:
So.... hows the music thing going? You still doing that?
When are we ever going to hear you on the radio?
Hey, my neighbor's kid plays guitar, I think. No, seriously, he’s really good. You should have him play with you.
Sing something.
Did you hear that the Nelson’s daughter is getting married this summer? Maybe you could play at her wedding. I think they’re on a tight budget so that could probably just be your gift or something... BTW, do you think you’ll ever tie the knot? Or. Are you seeing anyone? Or. When are you going to start bringing a special someone along with you to Thanksgiving? (And on and on....)
So, what else do you do for work? I mean, like, during the day.
Have you tried out for The Voice yet?
Did you hear that cousin Jason is going to be having a baby? When are you gonna get on that? Or. Do you think you'll ever have kids? Or. Don't you think that Jonah needs a sibling? (And on and on......)
Well, we should probably put the family reunion on the calendar now because Jessica always has her "music stuff" on the weekends.
Have you heard the new Taylor Swift album? You guys should do more Taylor Swift.
Hey, when you open for someone big you should tell me and I’ll come see ya.
Can you put me on the list?
Your life always seems so interesting and fun. I wish I had fewer responsibilities.
This post was first published in 2014 and has been edited from its original version. Though it was written from a musicians perspective, different versions of these conversations can probably be heard around many a holiday dinner table – posed to every type of creative from musicians to writers to artists to actors and everything in between. If you've followed along with any of our other posts, you know that we are proud unconventionalists and vibrantly celebrate those who identify as "other." Though, whoever you are, if you are reading this, I hope it will provide you with a chuckle this holiday season. At any rate, I wish you the happiest of holidays filled with gratitude, light, love, and pumpkin pie. Cheers!