If You're An Recording Artist, Would You Ever Regret Your Past Eras?

[RAMROD 117,049]

 

I was rewatching Madonna's ROL era clip. And she just went thru a huge change in her life entering this era, and that seems to change her perspective on things at that moment. She expressed her feelings on her past self, and mostly seems like she is regretful of it. From calling her past self as neanderthal version of her, not wanting to sing her hits such as like a virgin, material girl and vogue, to even shameful of her iconic hair styles from those eras.

And madge is not the only one, of course we know Miley Cyrus is also infamous for that too, among many others. 

Some people may think this attitude is rude to fans, and while other thinks it's valid since people grow, and as how Madonna refer it in this same clip, it's like tattoo which represent a time in your life, and if you have moved on from it, it is hard to sing it with feelings.

But let's say if you're a recording artist like them, would you likely do the same thing? Or you have different and more encouraging and positive perspective on your past creations?

[Lucas 31,125]

Straight up regret them hopefully not, but being embarassed of your past or disagreeing with your older self means you're evolving, imo that's a good thing

[AVeryGagaHolyDick 31,991]

You never really know... If I always stuck to my intuition, probably not. But if I ever forced myself or ended up being forced to do some things, then maybe...

[Anderson123 42,693]

I think most artists usually go through that "current album syndrome" thing that they really believe in the work they're doing at that time that they see their past work as inferior or just not worthy anymore. Kind of like Gaga with the whole Joanne persona during that time and a couple years later we find out that the more she wanted to step away from the Gaga persona and be closer to "Joanne" the more she felt away from her real self. Or how Chromatica was very personal and felt like therapy and now she says that she just wasn't in the best place and now with Mayhem she's making the best music she has done in a long time (truth).

I think Madonna knew she was making something special with Ray of Light that looking back at the controversial Erotica or her first couple of albums, she wanted the attention to be on her new music so people wouldn't be stuck in her past hits and that's really good too.

Can't speak about music but I have looked at some Facebook or Instagram posts I made from 15 years ago and I'm like "damn this was cringe" so can imagine what artists would feel like listening to their early work now that they're older and have changed their perspective.

Edited May 10 by Anderson123

[DESTROY UR DISEASE 19,752]

well that depends what those eras would be like but I hope not  I wouldn't wanna have something in my discography that I'd regret 10, 20 years later... but also you never know

[Alxjcgn 2,196]

17 minutes ago, AVeryGagaHolyDick said:

You never really know... If I always stuck to my intuition, probably not. But if I ever forced myself or ended up being forced to do some things, then maybe...

Totally agree... it is like looking back and cringing at your younger self. Unless I did something that had drastic and long-term consequences, I would stand by everything I make because its true to the moment. 

People are always growing and so will their music (if they are a recording artist). I personally love going back and seeing the growth of an artist through their music, P!nk is an artist where her discography really demonstrates that. 

edit: As someone who is currently recording their first EP, this is my mindset going in because I can't overthink a certain sound if it feels right in the moment and true to what I'm creating. and the beauty of it all is I can always create more music

Edited May 10 by Alxjcgn

[JohnPokerface 749]

The music industry is very shady and also hectic and everchanging, so I'm sure every artist with a long career has some regrets. I'm sure it's bound to happen so I would be no different.

[Hadrian 2,632]

I'm not famous but I've been a musician since 2009, and I absolutely regret past albums

Some just because they were bad, some because I dislike the guys the songs are about... Or they're just not up to snuff lol

It's normal to hate your past eras, just try not to vocalize it too much/harshly because that album of yours that you hate could've saved someone's life.

Edited May 10 by Hadrian

[MACATL 2,128]

Nope.  Every “era” is a learning experience and a stepping stone to get you to where you are in the current moment.  Embrace it all lovingly.   

Edited May 10 by MACATL