We have a tendency to be skeptical of someones kindness but not skeptical of unkindness.
When someone is nice we wonder if they’re up to something, or hiding something, or have some ulterior motive.
But when someone is mean or cranky or critical we are certain they’re being exactly who they are and doing exactly what they mean.
What if we flipped it and simply accepted kindness…and then when someone is critical we figure there must be something else going on that we don’t know about.
It’s not a career move but it will mean a lot.
Play your songs, do your thing, show your expertise…a little recital, whether formal or informal, for the people you love.
Your family cares a lot and doesn’t care at all at the same time. They don’t think you’re cool but they want to share in the magic you can bring.
Don’t reserve the best of what you can do only for work. Bring it home.
A big perk of being a musician in Nashville is that there are a lot of other musicians in Nashville. And everyone loves to get coffee and talk.
While acting like I’m minding my own business, here are some things I’ve overheard the past few months…
Is he still running monitors
We’re gonna do the fall run
Did the Warner thing happen
I just released it two weeks ago
Is it a fly or bus
It sounds freaking amazing
Does he write
Backline was crap
I’m super excited about it
We’re following the bus in a van and trailer
Who was the drummer
It was good it was just so hot (probably a festival)
I’m doing a thing here in town next month
These are phrases and questions that you don’t hear many places. It’s the best. So if you like these conversations, go to the place(s) they’re happening.
You don’t have time to read the book, but buying the book makes you feel like you did something, and it only takes a few seconds.
You don’t have time to work on your song, but buying another plugin makes you feel like you’re closer to your goal, and it only takes a few seconds.
You don’t have time to write the thank you note, but emailing them something ChatGPT wrote for you lets you check the box, and it only takes a few seconds.
If you’re going to choose the latter, just don’t mistake it for the former.
When a problem arises and you get curious and are generally quick to adjust, or find an answer, or know who to call, or figure out a better way…you’re in a great place.
Every step up the ladder we’re trading one set of problems for another…so pick a ladder where you like that set of problems.
You’re working on a song in the studio. It’s a good one. Everyone knows it’s a good one but it’s just not coming together in the right way.
Here’s a few seemingly small ideas that have made all the difference…
-speed it up a click
-add a vocal pick up to the chorus
-slow it down a click
-re sing the lead vocal
-double the lead vocal
-triple the lead vocal
-add tambourine
-add an arpeggiator
-stack some bgvs
If you have a great song you’re most of the way there. So it’s worth it to find that last bit of extra energy.