Being in the music industry is difficult. This is something on which most can unanimously agree. In some ways it’s easier today than it was 20 years ago: (1) the business side is more democratic, due to the internet explosion, and (2) we don’t have a select group of gatekeepers deciding who gets picked and who doesn’t. We can pick ourselves.
Today, it’s more difficult in that we now have more folks who've tossed their hats into the build-a-career-for-themselves ring--with the filtering process fully removed. And with more competition for performance and recording opportunities comes more bitterness towards those who are indulging in "our" slice of career pie.
Today, it’s more difficult in that we now have more folks who've tossed their hats into the build-a-career-for-themselves ring--with the filtering process fully removed. And with more competition for performance and recording opportunities comes more bitterness towards those who are indulging in "our" slice of career pie.
None of us want to end up like this. And you don't have to.
I’ve found that there are three (3) ways NOT to end up a bitter lemon in the drink of life. This is a regressive rabbit hole none of us want to find ourselves inside of. Oh, and I'm speaking from experience.
I’ve found that there are three (3) ways NOT to end up a bitter lemon in the drink of life. This is a regressive rabbit hole none of us want to find ourselves inside of. Oh, and I'm speaking from experience.
No. 1. By becoming more successful than your peers.
No. 2. By doing your own thing so that you don't feel like you're competing with others.
No. 3. By enjoying the journey. Focusing more on the life lessons learned than the pocket money earned.
No. 1: This seems like the most obvious and maybe the most difficult to pull off. If you are considered as being at the top of your field, then you’re are less inclined to feel bitterness towards and jealousy of others. Nothing gives one contentment like having gotten yours. But here’s the kicker: For this to work, you have to stay at the top. This can fluctuate at any time, due to many variables, especially if you’re using metrics like critics polls, reviews, record sales, and concert bookings. The downside is that in your effort you maintain your number 1 status, you might lose your way.
No. 2: This might be the easiest to do as far as implementing, but the most difficult as far as developing the courage to do it. Those who follow this path are usually too focused on their own thing to care what someone else is doing. It’s like parenting. If you’re really doing your job, you’re not much focused on what’s going on in other folks’ homes--unless it begins to infringe on yours.
No. 3: I’ll admit, this is difficult but doable. It’s not easy aiming for something and being content with only the process. The key is to focus on the micro-goals and have the macro-goal be the icing on the cake.
Macro-goal:
- winning a race
Micro-goals:
- physical conditioning
- team comradery
- representing your organization with dignity and pride
None of these are the supreme law. But each does offer a unique perspective on internalizing our issues regarding success—ours and those of others.
* If you'd like to hear more about this type of thing, do yourself a favor and read this post by the wonderful singer and pianist Champian Fulton. 5 Tips for Coping with Rejection as a Jazz Musician.
* If you'd like to hear more about this type of thing, do yourself a favor and read this post by the wonderful singer and pianist Champian Fulton. 5 Tips for Coping with Rejection as a Jazz Musician.
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