From NPR, Douglas Wolk on reclusive singer-songwriter Jandek:

“There’s not an obligation to be famous,” Wolk says. “We live in a culture that has impressed on us the idea that everybody not only can be famous, but should or must be famous, and if you’re not famous, you’ve failed, and if you’re making art and the world doesn’t cheer you, then it’s a failure, and that’s just a lie. And it’s a lie that Jandek realizes is a lie, and he’s gotten around it his own way.”

Quotation via Derek, via Scott.

Part of me wants to tattoo this quotation in reverse on my forehead so I see it each morning in the bathroom mirror.

When it comes to the music, it’s like I’m two people. The first guy is the one who likes to play music, jam with people, write songs and generally just do and make stuff. He doesn’t care if anyone pays much attention, but he’s kind of a slacker.

The second guy is still compensating for all the football he didn’t play in high school and all the Ds he got in math, so he’s waving his arms and shouting. He is constantly in the other guy’s face for not wanting it bad enough.

These guys hate each other.

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