CUSTOMER COMPLAINT

On Sep 9, 2013 (name) wrote:
Hi Phil,
I’ve been wrestling with something since your show in Portland on Friday night. I’ll say right up front that I can’t imagine a way in which this won’t be slightly awkward. Okay, here goes.
First of all, I really enjoyed the set you guys played. I found it beautiful and deeply relaxing. After the show I bought a copy of (album name), which I have since listened to and, while I’m sure I would have enjoyed it at a certain point in my life, I was sort of hoping it would sound more like the set that night.
By now you’re probably at least mildly annoyed. I’m sure this email represents some kind of cliche of about musicians and their fans, but $20 is a lot of money to me and I was really hoping to be able to enjoy some of your music at home. Is there a different album (or two) that I could possibly trade my copy of (album name)? It’s still in perfect condition. If so, I would really appreciate it
Thanks and sorry for the awkwardness of this. I like your music a lot.
-(name)

On Sep 9, 2013 Phil wrote:
Hi (name),
Your email was well worded and gracious, and you are clearly considerate of the awkwardness of the situation.  That said, I feel compelled to give you some “straight talk”, so please pardon any abruptness. 
Basically, I feel like you need to adjust your perception of our exchange.  You need to treat me like an artist, not a store that sells pants.  What I am doing is making art and selling it.  A fundamental aspect of art (music, visual, whatever) is that it is wild and unpredictable and meant to transport you somewhere beyond your present spot.  I presume you would not ask for your money back at the movie theater if the movie didn’t match your expectations.  You would not send your food back at the restaurant if you weren’t into the flavor (I guess some people actually do this but if you do, please stop.)  Putting your money towards art, music, film, etc., even food, is a gesture of interest that you are making towards being shown something new.  You are not purchasing a reliable product like pants.  You are voting “yes” for mystery.  I know that I might resemble a store, with my website and merch table and all these commodities, but I am an artist and I believe that music should remain unpredictable and occasionally frustrating, and ultimately rewarding, magical. 
I’m sorry you didn’t care for the CD you bought, but that’s part of existence.  Hopefully you’ll realize that you like the album someday.  Or perhaps you will permanently dislike my music now.  In any case, I hope you can see some sense in what I say and remember that art is not certain and not ask other musicians the same question.
Thanks for being into my stuff in the first place.
Sorry if I’m mean.
Phil