Why we are giving away free downloads: Part 2

I live in Southern California, about two miles south of Huntington Beach, which is also nicknamed “Surf City, USA.” I don’t surf myself, but I have a few close friends who do. I have always been fascinated with that aspect of their life. I am constantly probing them to tell me what their motivation is and what they ultimately get out of it.

So you are probably asking yourself, what does this have to do with being a musician, or giving away free album downloads? For me, the answer is everything!

Surfers are some of the most inspirational people I have ever encountered. The reason is simple. What would motivate someone to put up with the following?

1. They get up extremely early in the morning, sometimes being in the water at 5:00 AM in order to engage in their craft.
2. They schedule their lives around specific unpredictable forces of nature (e.g. – when the surf is up).
3. They subject themselves to uncomfortable physical conditions, which includes cold, sometimes freezing water entering every orifice in their head.
4. They will participate with others in extremely close proximity, sometimes competing for the same wave, and put themselves in front of moving fiberglass projectiles.
5. It takes a great deal of time, effort and diligence to become proficient at their craft.

Surfers aren’t in it for the money. They are not in it to meet members of the opposite sex. They are not in it for status.

So what motivates a surfer to do what they do?

The answer is simple: They just love to do it! It gives them peace of mind; it is challenging, it is rewarding and they are not beholden to anyone or any system. Once again, freedom reigns supreme. It is the sheer love of the activity of surfing, and sharing that experience with other surfers in the ‘surfing community’ that compels people to surf.

For me, there is something pure and noble about the person who does something for the sheer joy of it, finding fulfillment in the process, and having great relationships and community with like minded people.

That’s the type of musician I want to be.