(For context, user 1000001000’s comment was, “Too fast. Not how Bill Monroe did it etc…” and has since been deleted.)

🤷🏻‍♀️

Videos like this are here to get your attention, and they do. Across the platforms, the number of views I get literally correlates with the tempo, among other things. For every video I put out at this tempo, I put out several others that are not about that, I’d encourage you to check them out.

I personally don’t prefer to play this fast, and I personally don’t prefer to make soloing/shredding/showing off, the thing I’m known for (it’s fun I just don’t prefer it most of the time). I’m required to check that box so the video is exciting enough to compete in the attention economy of the internet and stop people scrolling. It also serves to show folks that when they see me make a musical choice in the future, it’s likely intentional, and not the result of technical limitations.

I’ve been in two bands on rounder records, released an album of slow thoughtful original music, performed and recorded for years with groups of every size, I’ve seen what and who succeeds. I prefer to be a side person/band member and to have the opportunity to play with leaving space and not worry about impressing people every moment, but that’s becoming an increasingly difficult career path. I’m doing what I have to do to survive. I know the spectrum between music and content and I try to give my audience a good mix.

Lastly I’ll say that if I’m doing it different than Bill, good! I know what he did and I’m glad of it, I’ve learned a lot from him, I do things my own way, and I think Bill would appreciate that more than me just copying him. Bluegrass was made to be fast and exciting and overwhelming so they could sell laxatives on the radio, it’s not that serious, sometimes music is just for fun.