Of course you are. We all are.
But your hit, your niche, your style, the special way you do that thing you do …that’s why everyone shows up. That’s what you’re known for and it’s an honor to be known for it.
No one thinks that’s all you are. But that might be all they’re looking to you for.
The chef at the asian fusion place can make great spaghetti.
The professional athlete is passionate about bracelet beading.
And of course…the famous with all the hits wants to be known for their deep cuts.
It’s not whether or not you can play the gig. You probably can.
It’s about do they trust you to play the gig.
And can they trust you to still play the gig when things are not optimal? In-ear problems, set list change, there wasn’t much rehearsal time, broken strings or sticks or keys, a special request, you don’t feel well, dinner didn’t show up, there was an argument off stage, wardrobe puts you in a silly jacket.
(Almost) Anyone can learn the gig. Very few can earn the trust.
You keep listeners because of the music.
You keep butts in the seats because of your performance.
You keep getting to do this because enough people continually add you as part of their story.
Music, performance and people wanting to connect are ideas that have been around for a long time. I would argue they will continue to hang around.