Musicians love to perform. For us, trading musical energy between the musicians sharing it with the crowd is how we express so many of our emotions. Anytime I have the opportunity to play a show, whether is a big place to play with Heart, or a smaller one, I’m so grateful to get to fill my heart with love of music and of people.
Starting Ben Smith Music Company with my partner Valda Sarty has just been an extension of wanting to share my love of music, musicians and fans. For those who have experienced this love, you know what I’m talking about. For those who want to learn to create and share recordings, or have successful shows, that is what we do.
Please contact us with any ideas or questions, it’s the people who need to play music that make the connection with the people who need to hear it! And people who love live music are the ones who keep it all rolling! If I’m loading into a local gig or stepping through a crowd at an arena show, the excitement and fun are tangible! The transference of energy comes from the crowd and covers us with their happiness and anticipation that something special is coming!!
Heart has been a rare opportunity for me to express this magical side of life to so many people. I’ve played so many fun shows and met so many great people while playing with these legendary artists and our rockin’ band. We’ve made records, videos, dvds, cds and had an amazing amount of fun doing it. It’s work too, sometimes. The deadlines and travel can be exhausting, but the joy and fun make up for every weird moment!
It’s been great to play with Ann Wilson’s band, The Ann WIlson Thing, and with my band DreamWreck too! Performing with the crowd right in front of a low stage has an intimacy and connection we can’t get anywhere else. I’ve shared many a laugh with fans who tell me about sawdust from sticks, spit from singers and sweat from guitar players falling in their drinks!
So, this is a love letter to performing, I guess. To all the people who support the musicians in the world, who dance or tap their foot, or have to order fresh beverages because of the close interaction between everyone in the place. We couldn’t do it without you, and remember that the energy we bring to a show is your energy we share back to everyone there!!
Photo by Anna Knowlden Friel
