Between The Covers: Who is Driving Your Bus?
by Torch
Who is driving your bus? A man was flying along and decided to take his life and the lives of 150 other people with him. Life is short and sometimes shorter than expected. You could be sitting in your New York apartment and suddenly the building explodes; now everything you had is gone. I am not bringing this up to try to freeze you in your spot but just the opposite, I want to metaphorically light your pants on fire and see you get off your butt and take the risk to go after your dreams. The music business isn’t going to wait for you to gather up your courage. It is a fast moving train and you have to jump on and hang on.
So you want to start a band, learn an instrument, sing in public, or work behind the scenes. All of that is happening now. You know the difference between those folks that are out there hustling and the ones sitting on their couches talking big while a room full of Guitar Center gear gathers dust? What side of that picture are you on? If you have all this great music on your computer, and dream of becoming the focus of thousands listening, you have to have the courage to try. It all starts with saying your dream out-loud, now say it with me, “ I want to be a (insert dream here).” Say it again and again! Okay did the sky fall? Maybe the voice of a pessimist answered, whether it was a friend, loved one, or the voice in your head, just know it is expected and nonlethal. People will laugh, roll their eyes, and tell you that you are a fool. Did it hurt? Well suck it up! Every time someone tells you that you can’t do something, you just let that sick feeling of discontent turn into a stubborn need to show them up. Smile at them as you mentally flip them the finger and work towards the day when you can make them eat their words. Feeling that spine straighten up, smirk on your face? Yep, attitude is now in check.
This next moment separates the rock stars from the wannabes. What are you going to do today to make your dream happen? Today I will practice the drums for two hours and screw what the neighbors say. Or today I am going to make a plan of action with immediate goals, short term goals, and long term goals, and I will meet those goals. It isn’t rocket science, it is rock and roll. Call the bookers and ask what it takes to get on stage, book a house party or two in the meantime. Practice! Practice your skills of calling, of playing, of learning how to be a professional. Learn how to hear the word, “No” and keep going.
Oh and by the way, “You’re crazy if you want to be a musician. Get a real job!” This is a real job, and yes, I am crazy and you shouldn’t provoke a crazy person…(evil laugh). This is also a real business too, and can be learned, so start figuring it out. Realize what you are trying to do is very hard, and it takes the dog killing the stuffed monkey, headshake. That’s right, sink your teeth and growl. Most people can’t read music, play an instrument, or even keep a steady beat. Those skills take time, practice, and most importantly dedication, apply that to getting gigs, meeting people, writing songs, promoting your band, researching, and talking to the people who are doing what you want to do. Every day you waste not working on achieving your dream, is just time that has passed. Know that every dream will involve doing things you don’t want to do, like sitting in a class learning about contract labor, 1099, and why the band should be an LLC. It might involve selling shovels at Home Depot to pay for gear, rent, and food. As long as you are actively working on the goal, it’s all good, sell some fertilizer to go with the shovels. Keep applying at music venues, or try to get a job doing security, just get your foot in the industry somewhere.
The only person who can kill your dream is you, and maybe a psycho co-pilot. In the end looking back and regretting never having had the courage to try, is wasting your life. Sitting around telling yourself you would have been a great singer IF or you could have been a wicked hot DJ IF. You get one shot at this kids; make it count.
Category: Buzzworthy2
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