Just because you write it doesn’t mean it’s going to be good enough to release, but it does mean it was good enough to write.
And getting good (consistent) at writing stuff that’s good enough to write will lead to the best stuff. Which you’ll release.
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I’ve talked with a handful of artists lately, here’s the gist…
“I don’t really know what to do next”
A few things…
The idea of playing live, playing music in front of people is a pillar of the music industry and it’s off the table at the moment. So even for those artists who don’t tour a lot, when a pillar is shaky the whole thing is shaky.
We’re good at processing ‘no touring for three months’. We’re bad at processing ‘no touring till I don’t know when’. Both good news and bad news are digestible. It’s the unknown that throws us.
It’s a great time to release music to your fans…but a bad time to try and reach the unconverted masses. And so often times with new music your goal is to do both simultaneously.
During periods where the economy within the music business is timid, a couple things happen…labels/publishers/promoters are much less likely to sign new talent and for the artists already signed, the label/publisher/promoter all of a sudden don’t do all the things they said they were going to do for you. They’re busy elsewhere.
So yes, the confusion and fear is understandable and you’re not alone.
But a couple other things…
“I don’t really know what to do next” usually means “I don’t really know if what I’m going to do next is going to work”. Be honest about what you really mean. I don’t know if what you’re going to do next is going to work either. But you know how to find out.
Lastly…an antidote I see working in the face of a gloomy music business is: consistent enthusiasm. Initiating an idea and seeing it through with a smile on your face and great communication. Making something extra special for the people who want to hear from you. Asking for help from people on your team with optimism in your voice.
Take action. Create your own magnetic pull by keeping in motion.
Onward and upward.
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It’s impossible to pressure someone into being excited about paying you for what you do.
Willing and excited are different.
We’ll certainly sell to the people willing to pay (and there’s nothing wrong with that) but it’s a lot more fun to develop a tribe of people who are excited to pay.
Enticing excitement removes any need for pressure or badgering or yelling.
It takes the focus from selling to offering.
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It’s fun to be good at something when the people around you care about that thing. The problem is that to get good you have to do it when they’re not around too.
I think about this often with Olympians. Every four years everyone loves that they put in the grueling hours to be really fast at the 100 meters.
But the idea applies to everyone.
The thankless work that no one sees. Late nights you’ll never get credit for. Levels of sacrifice that can’t be put into words. Surrendering yourself to a path most people won’t understand.
It might not be fun but it’s worth it. And it will be fun later.
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Checking the box.
Sometimes it gets a bad wrap. Just going through the motions, checking the box etc, etc.
But checking the box can feel pretty good…and even before that, knowing you have a box to check can inspire action.
So it all comes down to: what are you going to write down to the right of the box?
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You keep checking the window to see if granny is pulling into the driveway yet.
Whenever she comes she brings treats and gifts and good surprises.
So you keep checking the window.
Nothing.
And then all at once, there she is!
For all the times you were checking she was always on her way. She was always getting closer and closer. You just couldn’t see.
Of course granny represents the good things that are coming your way. You don’t see them until you see them but they’ve been on their journey towards you for a long time.
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Drop me an email: gabe@gabethebassplayer.com