To many folks, performing live for the first time as a self-identified “non musician” probably sounds like a nightmare. To G. Gordon Gritty, it’s just an opportunity.
An opportunity for what, exactly? No one will know for certain until the tunes start flowing this weekend at the Conference of Non Musicians, a DIY gathering and forum for the outliers — and curious onlookers — of the art world. The conference takes over The Lilypad in Cambridge on Sunday (January 28) with an evening of discussion and performances among music professionals, DIY creatives, and people who have likely never played a note in their life.
That’s the beauty of the term “non musician” — it has no one meaning, even to Gritty, a Somerville artist and the conference’s organizer. Sunday’s event is a concept that’s been 15 years in the making for the writer, “no budget filmmaker,” and proud non musician, as his Bandcamp page states.
“It started with my own early efforts at making music,” he tells Vanyaland, reflecting on his relationship with the phrase. “I had been hanging around other kids my age; many were musicians with training, lessons, classes, all that. But honestly that seemed like much more than I wanted from music. Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to the idea of punk and doing it yourself.”
That’s when everything clicked for Gritty. Upon entering the DIY sphere, a non musician was born — and he craved to connect with likeminded artists.
“I always thought something was a little off with the way I sang, played guitar, drums, keyboard, anything I tried,” he elaborates. “‘Musician’ didn’t feel like a comfortable association so I identified as a non musician. I love actual music and all that entails — don’t get me wrong — but the raw, amateur creative process really really clicked. There are tons who’ve operated with this approach or mindset and I’m convinced there’s millions more out there.”
The Conference of Non Musicians is Gritty’s bat signal for kindred local creatives, encouraging them to emerge from the underground and congregate in an accessible, non-commercial, and judgement-free environment. Emphasis on the judgement-free aspect, which will be key for the “first timers” performance portion of the night. The name says it all — the conference will conclude with a slew of green musicians performing in public for the first time. Gritty hails it as the “capstone” of the evening, emblematic of event’s experimental spirit.
A brief keystone speech from Gritty and open discussions are also on the docket, as guests “listen, discuss, create, destroy, learn more about creativity, music, and noise in seconds, or minutes — than most ever will in a lifetime,” per Gritty’s description,
“I know many of my peers in the local underground music community are pumped for it, and there will be some people that come in green with no music or scene associations,” he notes. “The one connecting thing probably for everyone will be a love of music or non-music, along with an openness for different perspectives. I imagine some music industry professionals might find this event to be insulting or scary. They are welcome, too!”
Gritty’s invitation isn’t lip service. In large white letters — even larger than the title of the event — the event flyer states “We want everyone.” For newbies and critics alike, he’s certain that Sunday’s experiment will offer every guest a kernel of inspiration or perspective.
“I hope that this event will spread positivity, creativity, and fearlessness in the arts and life in general,” Gritty concludes. “I’m sure everyone’s going to get something a little bit different out of it — but at the very least will get something. And I can’t necessarily say that about all the music events I’ve attended.”
CONFERENCE OF NON MUSICIANS :: Sunday, January 28 at The Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA :: 7:30 p.m., $10 :: Pre-register
