For a music artist, social media is (in large part) a behind the scenes look into the artist’s career.
So if you’re a music artist you need to keep in mind…’Behind the scenes’ can only exist because there is a higher priority that comes before it: the music. Behind the scenes, by nature, can’t be the thing itself. If it is then you’re making a move away from being a music artist.
»» Let’s boil it down…What’s better, your Instagram page or your music?
There are some great deals right now at the best hotels in Paris!
But you can’t take advantage of good hotel rates until you fly to the city. And maybe you’re too busy to take a flight, or it’s too expensive, or you’re afraid of flying, or you’re worried your luggage will get lost, or you had a bad experience with TSA and now you don’t like airports.
So the beautiful hotel in Paris with the stunning views and cute shops and restaurants within walking distance will have to wait.
Some opportunities require a giant leap and maybe right now isn’t the time to make that leap.
But then again maybe it is the right time and you just need to find a way.
You can have a nice house and a nice car without most people hearing of you.
You can make it without making it.
Most people making it in music aren’t famous.
Most people making it in music haven’t had a hit or been on the top of a chart.
Most people making it in music don’t play arenas.
There may not be an endless supply of million dollar per year careers available but there are a lot of careers available that pay less than that.
If you end up with a career in the music business but never have a hit or fame, were you successful?
When you’re dealing with an unsatisfied customer there might be a long list of things you can’t do for them that they wish you could.
But if you’re truly wanting to serve the customer, dig deep and find the one or two things that you CAN do on their behalf.
A helpful hand is always welcome even if it doesn’t bring with it everything they hoped for.
Let’s do another one like that.
Like what?
A catchy headline that got a lot of clicks…or a high quality article article.
A tour where we got a lot of sponsorship money…or one where we put on a great show.
A song with all the same beats so it got added to the playlists with all the same beats…or one that we’re proud of deep down inside.
Both things in each scenario can be true. But when we get some traction we need to be clear about what piece of the excitement we’re picking up and running with.
You trade on the skill level you have.
And that skill level, paired with creativity, opens the door to get the gig. The next gig might be a little bit different from the first but it simply requires a shift in your creativity while utilizing the skills you already have.
Practicing is different than merely learning new material or a new gig.
Practicing is about getting better at what you do or learning a new skill to add to your set.
It’s easy to float from good gig to good gig over the years and forget about practicing or getting better. And you probably have the skills to be just fine doing that.
But the idea of sitting down to practice might be worth revisiting from time to time.
Getting better on purpose isn’t just for amateurs.