I’m thinking about what is real and what is artificial in our lives with with all the talk of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT lately. I have to admit that I have had a penchant for what is real throughout my life - preferring glass and wood and metal over plastic and man-made materials even though I marvel at what science and ingenuity have created. I feel the same about sound - I’d rather hear acoustic or even electric instruments over synthesized ones. As I think about whether I will use ChatGPT to come up with song ideas or help me write blogs or promotional materials, I think I’m wanting to create these things out of my own brain although I see the value in using them to spur the creative process. I’ve even thought of using AI image tools to create backgrounds for my videos, but I find I’m better off just using a picture I’ve taken. I’m aware that my phone camera now uses algorithms and AI of-sorts to create a photograph, but if it represents what I saw with my own eyes then I’m still accepting of the photo it generates. I realize it’s possible that in a short time these AI tools will dominate our daily lives, but I’m still enjoying the reliance on my own ideas and brain power for the moment. I know that some of that attitude is due to my age and my slowness to understand some new things in our world. Some of you who know me well may be surprised to hear me say this since I have kind of a techy reputation. I think that most of my attitude comes from a desire to maintain a solid link to everyday life and the realities of a physical existence in my environment. That’s why I walk and sing and marvel at the sky - I want to be completely aware of the tactile experience of being in this world.
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What have I been up to?
I had 9 senior facilities last week. Many have had to go back to wearing masks from small COVID outbreaks and other diseases. It’s sure tough on these folks, and there are many singers who won’t perform in a mask, so they don’t have as many folks coming out to entertain them as before the pandemic. It wasn’t easy to sing in a mask at first, but I’ve adjusted now and am fine with or without.
My Wednesday online show doing Lying, Cheating, and Leaving songs was so much fun that we’re going to do it again this week. Yes, there were a few dark and slow songs that brought down the energy, but there were so many that were upbeat and even funny that we didn’t stay down for long. I think it’s kind of the old cathartic model that everyone relates to a song of this type.
My Sunday online show doing Favorites and Requests was also lots of fun with good folks and good songs. This community that my online shows has created has been a blessing to all involved - especially me.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be wonderful. It’s so good to see all these good people and share a little music and joy with them.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Lying, Cheating, and Leaving songs again as I said above. There are just too many good songs of this type to not do another show. Come on out and enjoy the camaraderie and tunes.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will be a sweet and poignant night. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it.
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That’s it for this week. I’m still thinking about my topic up top and wondering what life will be like in the coming years. It’s an interesting time to be alive.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Lying, Cheating and Leaving songs 2
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, April 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Sunday, April 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time