How many times do we get asked that question in a week? And how often do we think the person asking really wants to know if we’re okay? Sometimes, we feel like we have to give a true answer to that everyday question.

In the last 10 years in the UK, I’ve often replied to this question with funny and sarcastic responses. I’m not sure if people really get my Italian humor, but oh well. But seriously, how are you?

I think most people in the UK haven’t been doing well since 2020 and the challenges that followed—the war, the recession. It doesn’t make sense to talk about the big difference between how much things cost and how much we actually make. But really, how are you?

I’m a musician, and my whole life is about music—playing, teaching, and recording. In 2013, I had to start all over when I moved to another country with no connections. Seven years later, it happened again, on a smaller scale. I had to leave London and start fresh in a different place, once again with no connections. But really, how are you?

With over 20 years of experience as a guitar teacher, recording and performing musician, it’s still hard to make enough money. That’s shocking, right? £350 per gig sounds good, but when the term ends, students leave, and you have a couple of gigs that hasn’t been cancelled, here you are, with £1200 left in your bank account and upcoming rent. But really, how are you?

If you don’t have to deal with this constant pressure, and if nothing really bad just happened in your life, you might be doing okay—maybe a bit stressed, but okay. Otherwise, I want to know, how are you?

Maybe some of my photos below might relax your mind for a bit…

http://federicoaccardo.com/visual/