Making it as a musician or a music business person takes a lot of patience, an incredible work ethic and the gift of being able to handle delayed gratification. Artists often put in a lot of time, and many years may pass before they move from a crappy apartment in a bad neighborhood, to a decent one in an ok neighborhood, to eventually a comfortable environment.
To make the choice to be an artist or a creative business person, is to accept that it will take a long time. There are no short-cuts, and when there are they tend to backfire in the long-term. I gave some examples on the myth of an overnight success, and artists being branded as such, in an interview with MusicianWages. When faced with a choice on whether or not to pursue the music business, you have to ask yourself the question whether you really want it, and if you are going to be able to handle all that comes with that choice. If not, then that’s perfectly fine, and you can make music as a hobby and to express yourself, record albums, give them to your friends and family, all while pursuing one of the many career paths that are more secure, more comfortable, less stressful, and more stable. You do have that choice, and it’s one that any would-be entrepreneur in any field needs to make for themselves. Remember that not choosing is a choice too, and usually one that doesn’t work out so well.
Without commitment, patience, and a work ethic to stick with it until you achieve your goals, it will be that much harder to do so. It’s ok to feel discouraged or overwhelmed for a minute or two, but you have to shake it off, keep your eye on the ball, and keep going. Show up to work every day (it is a job after all), and work your butt off until you get to where you want to be. And finally, remember to enjoy yourself! It’s a blessing to be able to affect and connect people in a way that only a music can.
To drive the point home, and get the perspective of a person who’s been there, I wanted to include this great video. Songwriter/producer Rico Love speaks up, and doesn’t sugar coat it much. #Truth!
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