frustration because of how good they think it is, and thinking “damn, it didn’t do what it was supposed to do”. But the point of doing what it’s supposed to do is seeing the influence. So just because it does not garner a certain amount of commercial success makes it no less important, or impactful. That’s really the truth of the matter. You can look at it from a standpoint of thinking of widespread commercial visibility, and feel that it didn’t do what it was supposed to do. I find that doing this for 25 years, the exact opposite is true. The impact has been un-fucking-deniable (laughing). It’s been undeniable. As an artist, you have to decide. Clearly we want to be able to eat from what we do, and from the gifts we have.
eat from what we do, and from the gifts we have. Sometimes the meals are feasts, and then other times the meals are crackers and soup. Saltines and a got-damned can of Campbell’s (laughing). Then, still, if you’re doing it as an artist, are you doing it for the commercial success, or are you doing it because it’s going to touch people. Why are you doing it? I do it because I known even in my most doubting moments, or when things are not going so well, or money is tight and you can see so many flourishing ways that make you look at your own self like well damn, i don't know (laughing).. even in those moments, its still undeniable that you do it for the impact and how it touches people.
I’ve been very fortunate over the course of my career that I don’t lose fans. The fanbase has only increased. People, very often, are forthcoming with me about how my music or a show they’ve been to impacted them, or changed them. They’ve thanked me for that. It restores me every time I hear something like that. It pushes me energetically forward a little more, every time.
U.G. Digital Mag: It has to be an amazing feeling because I look at you as an artist who can’t do any wrong. No matter how long you step away, people run for you.
Joi Gilliam: And that’s a blessing. It’s a blessing that people still care, and want to feast on what I’m serving.