I've noticed a disturbing trend in artist-to-fan communications as of lately. It disrupts any kind of unity or serenity within the community, and that is the mindset that an artist owes us what we want. We helped you to achieve your goals. Now you have to give us exactly what we ask for, right? Not exactly.
It is always humbling for an artist to say, "I owe my success to all of you." It keeps their eyes off of the material aspect of art and allows them to focus on what matters, reaching the consumer. In many regards, you could take this sentence as it stands, but I don't think it's that black and white in meaning.
A consumer/artist relationship is a unique one, and it really shouldn't be compared to a business/consumer relationship due to the nature of what the artist is creating. Bands and artists are in the business of escapism. I can't think of one occasion where music is not appropriate as it is everywhere. It has helped us through loss, and made the happy times even happier.
This allows us to see a stark contrast from fans that say, "I owe you more than you could ever know" and, "You owe us everything." One tends to look at the emotional impact of what they are consuming, and the other is definitely latching onto something. Examples of this tend to exist within early followers of a band or artist who are used to the status quo of a certain time in the band's career.
Bands and artists need to be able to evolve. There is a certain craving and drive to make something new every time an artist steps into the recording studio to make new music. As a fan, you should want them to experiment with new music as one trick ponies tend to become boring and void of soul.
Not to get too philosophical for this editorial, but a way to remedy this is to live life without expectations from anyone or anything. Personally, I find that life's gifts are sweeter when you don't feel as though you deserve it. It allows one to be more thankful and appreciative of the little things. It is for this way of thinking that I've come say: Artists don't owe us anything.
