Instead of asking why aren’t you to a certain level…playing theaters, arenas, stadiums, the SuperBowl.
Ask: For what purpose am I at the level I am?
It’s easy to get really really busy ascribing purpose to the NEXT level.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
Pressing the UP arrow a bunch of times while waiting for the elevator doesn’t make it come faster.
But it sure does feel good.
Makes us feel like we’re affecting the outcome.
Pressing the Facebook icon on your phone to check your band page AGAIN doesn’t mean you’re doing work.
But it sure does feel good.
Makes you feel like you’re affecting your career.
In both cases, it’s probably better to just sit in silence and think about what actually needs to be done.
And then do it.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
“Jake! Jaaaaaake! Get inside right now or else you’re in big trouble!!”
I heard this yelled from a few houses down last night.
The thing was, I didn’t actually hear any of the actual words. I just heard that rhythm, that cadence, the slight swoop up on the word “rrrrrright”, the emphasis on “big”.
I’d heard that phrase yelled a million times so I know what it sounds like. It sounds like Jake’s better get inside.
Our minds do an amazing job of filling in words and meaning when we have a good handle on context and know what to expect.
So when you’re on stage and you say “This next song is called Twister on the Midwest Plains”, what people actually hear is
“Th ext so is call ocklesod oseopejsf psdfoplk”
People’s minds will fill in the first part because “this next song is called” is a normal, expected phrase to hear at a show. But the title? There’s not a chance anyone will even be able to tell what you said….unless you are incredibly articulate, enunciate, and know how to talk into a microphone the correct way for people to understand you.
The next show you go to, some lead singer will say “this next song is called…” from stage and after they say the title, watch several people in the audience turn to the person next to them…they’re asking if their friend heard the title.
The audience has a list of things they expect to hear at a show. So if you say those things, the audience doesn’t even have to hear you to understand you. This is helpful.
But if you venture from that list (and I think you should), you need to venture into learning how to speak clearly.
We want to hear.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
I know I’m going to have to exercise, and yet I’m subconsciously obsessed with seeing how long I can delay it. And I’m not talking hours or days…the lazy part of my brain wants to delay weeks, months, seasons, and years.
How long can I go without doing the thing I know I’m going to have to do?
You have a list in your mind of things that you’re going to have to do in order to get to where you want to go, be who you want to be, live how you want to live.
On that list, there is a top. And the top consists of one thing. The thing at the top.
Stop gambling with how long you can delay doing it. Why try to get so close to the edge?
Yeah yeah, I know, you’ll get it done when the pressure is on and the stakes get super high.
But waiting till you’re under the gun to come through is robbing you of more opportunities to do the thing(s) you going to have to do.
Because the “under the gun” only comes once a week, month, or lifetime.
The opportunity to do the thing you have to do comes everyday.
Don’t ask how long can I delay (and wait for the pressure), ask how soon can I start……..today.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
Last month I hosted an artist leadership meeting and had a fantastic conversation about fans.
There seem to be two main types. People who like your band and people who love your band.
From that meeting, along with conversations with others and my own experiences…I’ve turned it all into a short eBook exploring the topic of fans.
You can download the eBook (PDF) from my website for free by clicking: Likers & Lovers
If you find this information helpful, please pass it along to others. They need it.
It’s vital that bands, artists and their teams take some time to understand their fans, where they’re coming from and how they need to be communicated with.
You’re on the right track.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
Well, something worked. If Taylor Swift caused the change, I’m all for it. I would have voted for Apple to pay during the 3 month trial period too.
But if her album 1989 is front and center when Apple Music launches on the 30th, we don’t even need to see behind that curtain to know that there’s been a plan and a lot of chit-chat all along.
We’ll have to wait and see.
What’s interesting now, is that Apple has satisfied Taylor’s reason for not putting her music on the streaming service.
But she pulled her new album off Spotify because she said they didn’t pay a big enough royalty rate.
Apple Music pays less than Spotify!!
Now chances are she’s negotiated a higher rate for her own music, because of course she’s going to wield her power for her own benefit and profit. But the indie acts that she claims to have a heart for are getting paid out nearly 10% less on Apple Music than Spotify.
So the saga continues. Politics, positioning, PR. And money.
Taylor has a plan, and all this Apple stuff is just a part of it.
What’s your plan?
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com