Thought of the day: Taking Risks

When I first switched to the soprano, I equated it to being like jumping off a cliff and growing wings on the way down. As artists, we can't afford to wait for safety nets. Being like no other is our safety net. The riskiest thing we can do in today's musical climate is to play it safe.

Thought of the day: Success Through Failure

The problem with many jazz improvisers is not that they don’t play enough great solos, it’s that they have not played enough bad solos. Failure is the surest path to success. Don't try to be perfect. Just try.

Thought of the day: The Status Quo

The status quo has only two rules: (1) keep things the same, and (2) keep those trying to change things out. Now that you know its rules, make up your own. Don't fit in. Lead. Don't conform. Convert. You can either fit in or stand out. Try to do both, you will fail at both.

Thought of the day: Outsider/Insider

When you decide to become an artist, even when you become famous, you’re still an outsider. So get used to it. And for the record: Being an outsider or insider is usually not about the number of fans you have, nor the amount of money you have, but the vision you have. Embrace it. Share it.

Thought of the day: Ruler

Most people live in a world that they inherit. Artists live in a world that they create. And not just any world, a micro-world.  Even though it starts off small,  it can become so influential that it changes the macro-world at large. Don't settle for macro-world citizenry. Become a micro-world ruler. 

Thought of the day: Having a Job

I'm a big proponent of artists/musicians getting 9-5 jobs. It's nothing wrong with paying the bills while continuing to stay focused on your vision. Is it better to be continually gigging and having lost your direction, or selectively gigging keeping your focus intact?

Thought of the day: The Harvest

I release recordings for three reasons:

1. So I won’t forget them.

2. So I can share them.

3. So I can then move on to the next thing.

Focus not on the harvest, but on planting the seeds. Fertile the world with your uniqueness.

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Thought of the day: A New Business Paradigm

Old way: 

• Artist makes demo;
• Artist gives demo to manager;
• Manager gives demo to lawyer;
• Lawyer gives demo to A&R rep;
• A&R rep signs artist to label;
• Label records artist;
• Label releases record to the world.

New way: 

• Artist makes recording;
• Artist makes recording available to the world.

Thought of the day: Hope

Many don’t realize we’re experiencing a music business revolution. That’s because they’re telling themselves a story from the 1980s. This is a new day of abundance, filled with hope, and opportunities to share and connect. Don't squander it.  Start telling yourself a new story.

Thought of the day: Doing the Work

As artists:

Do the work people don’t know needs to be done;

Do the work people don’t want to do;

Do the work people are afraid to do;

Do the work that years later, people will say, “Man, I wish I had done that.”

Thought of the day: Creativity

Creativity is like a parade of ideas marching through the metaphorical town known as our work. The best view of any parade is from the sidelines. Get in front, you might get trampled. Get in the middle, you might get lost. Get in the back, you might get left behind. 

Just observe.

Thought of the day: Success

Four Must-haves for Success in the Entertainment Business

1. Must have friends

2. Must be at the right place at the right time

3. Must have an organization of people in support of what you do

4. Must have lots of luck

If these four things are clicking, your talent will develop just from opportunities to work.

Thought of the day: Storytelling

Musicians often don't realize that the music scene is exactly how it should be. Usually, the only thing wrong is the story we tell ourselves about it. We can be the optimist basking in the middle of it, or the naysayer peering at it from the outside. 

What story are you telling?

Thought of the day: Sharing

Many musicians think that piracy is our biggest worry. That’s 1980's thinking. In this internet age, obscurity should be what we fear most. Don’t worry about people stealing your music. You should be so lucky to have someone want to steal something you created. SHARE don’t HOARD.

Thought of the day: Communities

Many see music as a means to build a business. I see music as a means to build a community. Businesses make money; communities make a difference. One receives, the other gives.