Ambiguity vs. Non-Commitment: Overcoming the Artist's Dilemma

T.L. Mazumdar Author

Sep 25, 2024 |

Navigating inner and outer balance as an independent artist.

Introduction

The lines between artistry, personal integrity, and professional commitments can blur easily for musicians. For many of us, the creative process is one of constant discovery, navigating an ambiguous terrain where the meaning of it all can be fluid, and the interpretation of the same very subjective from one listener to another. 

Yet, when this artistic ambiguity intersects with socio-cultural and professional demands, it can create significant challenges. As independent artists, we currently face a pressure to clearly define ourselves as we navigate the risks of cancel culture, shaky business deals, and poor communication. It feels like an impossible task on some days as we try to retain the fluidity in our art, even while trying to draw boundaries in other activities that are an inherent part of our job.

This tension between artistic ambiguity and the need for firm commitment is a lot more taxing than gets talked about, both mentally and emotionally.

Let’s discuss.

**The Nature of Ambiguity in Art**

At its core, art is inherently ambiguous. Musicians, particularly those who write, perform, and produce their own work, often explore emotions, identities, and concepts that resist simple explanations. The beauty of music lies in its ability to evoke multiple meanings, allowing both artist and audience to interpret the work through different lenses. In fact, much of the allure of music is its refusal to conform to mainstream ‘formulas’. 

Take the music of artists like Meshell Ndgeocellol or Joni Mitchell (two of my biggest inspirations), for instance. Their work is deeply personal yet open to interpretation from demographics they wouldn’t necessarily be interested in grabbing coffee with. Filled with fragmented lyrics and unconventional arrangements that leave room for the listener to project their own understanding. This ambiguity invites engagement, but it also leaves artists vulnerable. Not all of their listeners are in a position to decipher a dichotomy where the creator and their art are deeply connected, but not necessarily one and the same. The music is ‘bigger’. And we artists know that. 

In the music industry though, the demands that are made on us to  “stand for something” or offer easily digestible, binary narratives. Our art’s need for freedom to be fluid can be met with skepticism or backlash. Artists who lean too heavily into ambiguity might be accused of being evasive or indecisive. 

Example: Bob Dylan during the height of his career in the 60’s when his resistance to being pinned down as a ‘protest singer’ was faced with criticism from both fans and critics for not committing to a particular message during the anti-war movements. This photo was from a later phase in the 70's.

**Socio-Cultural Pressures: Cancel Culture and Public Perception**

Cancel culture has become a legitimate risk in shaping how artists—especially those in the public eye—navigate their personal and professional lives. We went from an era of "any publicity is good publicity" to a completely different reality where one misstep, careless comment, or misunderstood lyric can lead to career-ending consequences. 

Example: Taylor Swift during her 2016 feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian over the song "Famous." 

In the song, West included the lyric, "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b**** famous." Initially, Swift publicly condemned the lyric. Later, Kim Kardashian released a video showing a phone conversation between West and Swift, where Swift seemingly agreed to the lyrics. A wave of backlash arose against Swift, with accusations that she was being manipulative. The hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty trended on social media.

FYI: Swift later clarified that while she had approved a version of the lyric, she hadn’t been told about the specific use of the word "b****," which was the part she found problematic. 

Independent musicians though, often lack the buffer that major labels provide in terms of crisis management. They are forced to balance their personal views and creative expression with the ever-present risk of public scrutiny while navigating a mammoth load of admin on their own.

For artists whose work thrives on ambiguity, this presents a dilemma:

How do you protect your personal integrity and authenticity without alienating potential audiences or being misinterpreted?

**Non-Commitment in Professional Relationships: The Business of Art**

Professional ambiguity adds another layer of difficulty. In an industry where independent musicians often operate without the safety net of a record label or dedicated management, we’re navigating a series of fragile and often poorly defined business relationships. Booking agents, promoters, and venue owners will often operate with verbal agreements or vague contracts, leading to a precarious professional landscape. 

Poor communication and flimsy business deals are rampant in the independent music scene. A musician might receive a vague promise of payment after a gig, only to find themselves undercompensated or unpaid entirely. 

Independent artists may also enter collaborations without clearly defined roles or expectations, leading to misunderstandings and fractured relationships. The ambiguity in these professional dealings can lead to burnout, as musicians juggle the creative demands of their work with the constant fear of being exploited.

Studies on creative industries show that artists often struggle with mental health due to the instability of their working conditions. According to a study conducted by the University of Westminster in 2016, 71% of musicians reported experiencing anxiety and panic attacks due to financial insecurity and the unpredictable nature of their work. This lack of commitment in business dealings only compounds the emotional burden, as musicians are forced to constantly advocate their worth in an industry that is undervaluing their contributions.

**Finding Balance: The Importance of Communication and Boundaries**

Navigating these pressures requires a delicate balance between embracing artistic ambiguity and demanding clear communication in professional relationships. For independent musicians, one of the most critical skills is learning how to set boundaries, both in terms of their personal lives and professional dealings. 

This means not only ensuring that contracts are clearly defined and payment terms are agreed upon but also recognizing when it’s appropriate to withhold personal views or refrain from engaging in socio-political debates that could negatively affect their career.

The ambiguity of art is something to be cherished—it is, after all, what allows music to connect with so many people on such a personal, poetic level. 

Ambiguity in business and public discourse, on the other hand, could lead to harmful misunderstandings. And learning how to navigate these waters requires strong communication skills, a clear sense of boundaries, and the ability to build a support system that can help manage these challenges.

In a study published in the *Journal of Creative Behavior*, researchers found that artists who cultivate supportive networks—whether through friends, fellow musicians, or professional mentors—are better equipped to manage the stress and ambiguity inherent in their careers. 

For independent musicians, forming these networks and seeking advice from industry professionals can be invaluable in learning how to balance the ambiguous nature of their art with the clear-cut realities of the music business.

Actionable steps

Now that we’ve recoqnised that there is a serious risk we’re all dealing with here, what are we going to do about it?

Here are five actionable steps I’d like to suggest to navigate these challenges 

1. **Clarify Professional Agreements**

   In an industry filled with informal promises and verbal agreements, try to ensure clarity in your business dealings. Having clear, written agreements with collaborators, booking agents, promoters, and venue owners protects against the risks of non-commitment and exploitation. These agreements should detail payment terms, roles, and responsibilities to avoid any confusion or future misunderstandings.

   **Actionable Tip**: Always request written contracts for gigs, collaborations, and deals. If not provided, draft simple agreements outlining the terms, and make sure both parties sign off on them. At the least keep a form of written communication in your archives (even emails/texts help).

2. **Define and Communicate Personal Boundaries**

   In the era of cancel culture, we need to be incredibly mindful of how we engage with social issues and the public discourse. While it’s important to be authentic, make sure you define the boundaries of what you’re comfortable sharing or advocating for publicly. Your voice counts. Use it sensibly. 

   **Actionable Tip**: Take time to reflect on what issues matter most to you and how you want to engage with them in your public persona. Create a clear strategy for communicating your values without over-exposing yourself to unnecessary controversy.

3. **Build a Support Network**

   A solid network of friends, collaborators, and industry peers can serve as a sounding board for ideas, statements, or even business decisions. Before releasing new music, making a public statement, or signing a deal, getting feedback from trusted individuals can help prevent miscommunication or oversights. Having this support network also makes it easier to manage the mental and emotional toll of balancing creativity with public and professional pressures.

   **Actionable Tip**: Cultivate relationships with fellow musicians, producers, and professionals. Regularly check in with your network to get feedback and advice, especially when facing tough decisions.

4. **Work on Your Communication Skills**

Honing communication skills to clarify facts is essential for artists. For a lot of us, it's way out of our comfort zone. So many of us create art to express ourselves and prefer not to have to engage in more 'conventional ways. But learning how to express your intentions clearly and effectively—whether in interviews, social media posts, or during collaborations—can minimize the risk of misunderstandings.

   **Actionable Tip**: Consider taking courses or workshops on communication, public relations, or even crisis management. Practice writing clear statements or explanations for your music and public stances to prepare you for misinterpretation. Invest time, energy and money into this. Hire people to train you if you need to.

5. **Seek Mentorship and Coaching**

Hiring mentors or coaches, whether experienced musicians, industry professionals, or creative advisors, can provide crucial guidance. Mentorship helps musicians navigate the often ambiguous terrain of both their artistic journey and business decisions. 

Coaches can offer personalized advice on managing public perception, improving communication skills, and avoiding pitfalls in professional relationships. This can also provide emotional support in handling pressures like cancel culture or misunderstood public statements.

   **Actionable Tip**: Reach out to established musicians or industry professionals in your network for advice. Join online communities or local music organizations that offer mentorship programs.

**Conclusion: The Cost of Ambiguity and the Necessity of Commitment**

For independent musicians, the tension between artistic ambiguity and the need for professional and personal commitment is real and ever-present. The pressure to define themselves clearly—while staying true to the fluid and often ambiguous nature of art—can take a significant toll. From the risks of cancel culture to the shaky ground of non-committal business deals, musicians face challenges that demand a high level of resilience and adaptability.

But these challenges also offer an opportunity. By setting clear boundaries, advocating for transparent communication, and leaning into supportive networks, independent musicians can navigate the complexities of their careers without sacrificing their artistic integrity. Ultimately, the key is learning how to embrace the uncertainty of the creative process while demanding commitment in the areas where it truly matters.

References

1. **University of Westminster Study (2016)**: This study, titled *Can Music Make You Sick?* by Sally Anne Gross and Dr. George Musgrave, explores the mental health challenges faced by musicians, particularly due to financial instability, lack of support, and the volatile nature of the music industry. It found that 71% of musicians surveyed experienced anxiety and panic attacks. This reference illustrates the mental health toll on independent musicians caused by professional ambiguity.

   **Reference**: Gross, S. A., & Musgrave, G. (2016). *Can Music Make You Sick? A Study into the Incidence of Musicians' Mental Health*. University of Westminster.

   **Access**: [University of Westminster Press](https://www.uwestminsterpress....)

2. **Journal of Creative Behavior Study**: This study emphasizes the importance of social support networks in the mental and professional well-being of artists, helping them navigate the inherent ambiguity and stresses of their careers.

   **Reference**: Perry-Smith, J. E., & Shalley, C. E. (2014). The Social Side of Creativity: A Static and Dynamic Social Network Perspective. *Journal of Creative Behavior*, 48(3), 239-257.

   **Access**: [Journal of Creative Behavior](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co...)

Categories: : mental health, music business