Authenticity

I recently read an interview w/ Marcus Miller where he said “the worst thing you can do is try to out-authenticize somebody’s native music.” and I thoroughly agree, but I feel that it’s deeper than that. Just ‘cos someone grew up in, for instance, Thailand doesn’t mean they should try to play “authentic” Thai music. I feel that just leads to sounding like you’re trying to be something, rather than just playing the music you hear. And if there’s some Thai in there, be fine w/ it. And it it doesn’t sound like stereotypical Thai, then be fine w/that (I’d suggest even being elated over it). I feel too many people today judge other musician’s on how “authentically” they play whatever genre they’re in, and I feel real authenticity is when you sound like yourself.

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• Tagged: Authenticity, Coincidence Machine, Genre, Jimi Durso, Marcus Miller, music, Native Music, Piltdown Man, Twang!