As musicians, we’ve all been there—balancing a packed calendar of gigs while trying to stay true to our artistic vision. Keep in mind, having a filled calendar is an accomplished within itself, so it's certainly nothing to snub. But at some point, we do have to stop and ask: Am I building a career, or am I just keeping busy?
For many, it’s not an easy question, but it’s one we must face if we want to create a life in music that’s both meaningful and sustainable.
Gigs are the lifeblood of a musician’s journey. They’re immediate. They pay the bills, help to hone your craft, and keep you visible. Like many, I’ve often said yes to almost every gig. Big or small, glamorous or gritty, it didn’t matter. At the time, it didn’t matter. I was on the scene, getting my name out there. It's what you do.
But over time, I began to notice something: even though the work was steady, a lot of it didn’t seem to be adding up to anything bigger. The gigs felt like isolated dots with no clear line connecting them. That’s when I began to realize that playing gigs for the sake of playing gigs wasn’t enough.
The bigger question: What’s the difference between gigs and a career?
A gig is a moment. A career is a journey.
When you’re building a career, you’re thinking beyond the next paycheck. You’re asking yourself:
• Who am I as an artist?
• What do I want to contribute to the musical landscape?
• How can I leave a lasting impact, both musically and artistically?
It’s about crafting a vision and staying true to it, even when the day-to-day grind tries to pull you in different directions.
A few words about the dangers of the gig trap.
The danger of the gig mentality is that it can lead to complacency. When you’re only gigging just to stay afloat, you can lose sight of your artistic vision You might find yourself saying yes to gigs that don’t inspire you or align with your goals. And over time, this can drain your energy and make you question why you started playing music in the first place. Mind you, not all of us have the luxury to pick and choose. I’ve been there. Playing some party gig that’s more about ambiance than artistry can make you feel invisible.
Jokingly, I've noted that musicians go through three stages of gigging:
Stage 1: Trying to get the gig.
Stage 2: Getting the gig.
Stage 3: Complaining about the gig.
Where possible, the key is to use gigs as a means to an end, not the end itself. Ask yourself:
• Does this gig move me closer to my artistic goals?
• Will it challenge me creatively or help me grow?
• Can it connect me with people or opportunities that align with my vision?
If the answer is no, you might want to think carefully before saying yes. Every gig you accept takes time and energy away from something else. Make sure it’s worth it.
A few words about building a career.
Building a career as I see it takes intention. It’s about finding clarity in your purpose and taking deliberate steps toward your goals. Here are a few things that have helped me:
1. Define Your Artistic Voice
Spend time exploring who you are as a musician. What do you want to say? Your voice is your currency—it’s what sets you apart.
2. Invest in Your Legacy
Record your music. Compose. Write (as in words). Create something tangible that people can connect with. Your body of work will outlive any single gig.
3. Diversify Your Income Streams
Gigs are just one piece of the puzzle. Teaching, composing, writing books and articles, recording, applying for grants can all give you stability and freedom to pursue your art without compromise. I would even say don't be too prideful about having a non-musical hustle. Many have confessed that they're happier doing non-musical jobs than gigs that drain their creative spirit and cloud their focus.
4. Build Relationships
Networking isn’t just about landing gigs; it’s about connecting with like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge you.
How do we define success?
At the end of the day, the definition of success is deeply personal. Some musicians thrive on the energy of gigging. Others aspire to build a legacy that extends beyond the stage. There’s no right or wrong path—only the one that feels authentic to you.
The real question is: Are you making choices that align with your values and goals? Whether you’re playing a restaurant gig, headlining a festival, or posting musical excerpts on social media, the power lies in being intentional about your path.
The choice is yours.
No comments:
Post a Comment