Meaning: This quote by Diana Krall, a renowned Canadian jazz pianist and singer, encapsulates the essence of musical performance and the connection between the artist and the audience. In this quote, Krall emphasizes the importance of creating an intimate and personal experience for the listeners by allowing them to connect with the music on their own terms. She emphasizes that the songs are not just about her experiences, but rather they become a part of the audience's own emotions and memories.

When Krall mentions "creating an intimacy that everybody feels," she is highlighting the transformative power of music to evoke emotions and resonate with the personal experiences of each listener. Music has the ability to create a sense of shared intimacy and vulnerability, allowing individuals to connect with the artist's expression on a deeply personal level. By acknowledging this shared emotional experience, Krall emphasizes the universality of music and its capacity to touch the hearts of diverse audiences.

The phrase "it's their experience, not yours" underscores the humility and empathy that Krall embodies as an artist. Rather than imposing her own narrative onto the songs she performs, she acknowledges that the audience interprets and internalizes the music based on their own experiences and emotions. This recognition of the audience's agency in shaping their interpretation of the music reflects Krall's respect for the individuality of each listener and their unique emotional landscapes.

Furthermore, Krall's statement challenges the traditional notion of the musician as the sole protagonist in the storytelling of a song. Instead of claiming ownership over the emotions and experiences portrayed in the music, she invites the audience to co-create the narrative by infusing their own sentiments and reflections into the listening experience. This collaborative approach to music consumption fosters a deeper sense of connection and empathy between the artist and the audience.

In the context of live performances, Krall's philosophy has practical implications for how she interacts with her audience. Rather than simply presenting a song as a detached observer, she strives to engage her listeners in a way that allows them to find personal resonance in the music. By refraining from explicitly attributing the songs to her own experiences, she opens up space for the audience to project their own meaning onto the music, fostering a sense of inclusivity and emotional resonance.

Overall, Diana Krall's quote encapsulates the transformative and connective power of music. It underscores the importance of creating an intimate and inclusive space for the audience to engage with the music on their own terms. By recognizing the audience's agency in shaping their personal experiences of the music, Krall highlights the profound emotional impact that music can have on individuals and communities. Her approach exemplifies a deep respect for the diverse emotional landscapes of her listeners and a commitment to fostering a shared, intimate musical experience.