The James Bond of Entertainment

Even though I am a musician I don’t care for music videos. I have a few reasons for this dislike of music videos. The first reason is that the video often has the band playing their song in a bizarre situation.  An example of this that is widely overused is the rooftop concert.

I have never seen a band play on a rooftop. It just does not happen and for good reason. If you were passing by on the street, you would never see or hear the band playing on a roof! When was the last time you could see the roof of a building from the ground?

I also think it is funny when artists play music in rain or water. I am pretty sure that musical instruments do not work well when wet. Also, playing an electric guitar in water might just get you electrocuted.

I bring up music videos because I see that many times the artist plays a role in their music video. Many times music videos are mini movies. The musical artist becomes a theatrical artist. Are they qualified to act?

In the entertainment business they call being able to act, sing, and dance a triple threat. I don’t find this threatening at all but I do find it intriguing and it reminds me of James Bond.  James Bond is the secret agent that can do it all on his own.

Years ago I watched a show on TV (I think it was the Discovery Channel) that asked the question what a real life James Bond would be like.  They went through each of his skill sets with a specialist in each area.  They interviewed and filmed a stunt driver, a martial arts expert, a marksman, and a demolitions expert.  Each of these guys had invested a lifetime of studies and training into their specific area of expertise.

At the end of the show the conclusion was made that no one person could be the best in all of these areas. A real James Bond could not exist.

I reflected on this because I see musicians that are also models, and they must act in their videos, AND they must be able to dance.  At the end of all this production I feel the music is what suffers and is left lacking.

For me, beautiful, passionate, creative music is enough.  I believe God has given each of us an abundance of gifts. As an artist, I believe He gives us each unique ways to convey beauty and tell stories. I do NOT think that God wants us to try to be and do everything. When we compare ourselves to others or try to embrace someone else’s gifts we will never be satisfied or find contentment. I do not want to play the games of jealousy and envy.

I believe in this philosophy: Stick to what you know and pour your heart out into your art. I do not want to be the James Bond of Entertainment. I am not the best singer or guitarist. I am not going to dance or act. I desire to live as David Thies, the artist and musician. I believe that to do be enough.