It’s Alright
Hello everyone, things have been moving along somewhat steadily for the past few weeks or so. I came up with the concept for this post over a year ago but I kept putting it off in favor of other topics and sheer procrastination (or what I usually refer to as "sloth"). Right now seems like the best time since I need to remind myself of this. A week before another Birthday and an event I have been trying to bring to my area for sometime now, Bravofest NJ. Even ticket sales seems to be going very slowly. But I have to tell myself "It's Alright"
I am not one to try and mask when things are bad, I just wait it out and do my best to find a solution. But I do expect nothing less since it has happened to me before. Busting my hump to prepare for something only to find out that I was the one of the only people that really seemed to care. And on other occasions thinking that I performed terribly only to get praised for hours or even days later. This may seem like I am on some downward spiral, but if lasted this long reading this you are most likely not of the average Tik Tok mindset and will keep reading to find out what I am trying to say.
Last year when I was first thinking of ideas for this entry. I was looking on and seeing other bands with a full tour schedule playing in almost every major city. Thinking, maybe next year I can get things going more consistent or even to this level. But, alas that has not happened again. Is this me comparing myself to someone else in envy or wondering what they did right that I did wrong or overlooked? No, because there are too many answers to that question. And I came to the conclusion that lots of success, (no matter how hard someone has worked) is based on luck. I am not saying people who are successful didn't work hard for what they have. But there is a plenty of the good old "Right place at the right time" involved. And of course there are ways to increase those chances of being in the right place. Which is why many people looking to pursue a career in entertainment move to major cities like New York or Los Angeles. It's a hard fact that as talented and driven as you are the chances of becoming a big star on TV or movies are in a small town in Midwest are slim to none. Not to mention many of the other major changes people are told they should make to increase their chances of being successful.
But what about when you make the move, the changes, pay for things that increase your chances are you don't end up with a star of the Hollywood walk of Fame? Do people look back regretting all these things or do they keep their head and keep going, and if so for how long? When I figure it out I will tell you. The thing there there are many of levels to success. People don't realize that fame and success are two separate things. There are plenty of working actors, who make six figures that you wouldn't know if you passed them on the street. Think of all those scenes where there are crowds, those people came from somewhere (those roles are known as being an "extra" and it's good way to get into acting IF you're in or willing to travel to a major city). Not to mention fame can come instantly and effortlessly for some . Think of the girl who is now famous for getting interviewed randomly and boldly saying a Woman needs to spit on "it", who is now known as "the Hawk-tuah girl". The good thing is She has reportedly been using her fame to help others. Did her good looks and bold statement play a part in it? Absolutely but, lots of that was being in the right place at the right time.
So what am I trying to say?
What I am trying to say is "It's Alright". Learn about self forgiveness, there are so many ways life will take us. I am not sure what would be worse, preparing for all that huge success and fame and never getting it or getting it and absolutely hating it when it does happen. People on a "household name" level of fame have their lives changed for good. Of course I think the most extreme cases like the Beatles, Michael Jackson or David Cassidy. Who have all encountered fame at the level of no longer being able to walk around in public freely or many of the other things we "regular" people take for granted. But I am reminded of what is believed to be Cassidy's last words : "So much wasted time. Think of all the things you have wanted to do… but never did". In pursuing your dreams you may find your true purpose, the love of your life or something else that fulfills you. I for one realized that some of the most rewarding events I've been a part of are when I am using my talents to help others. Hence why I started Bravofest. Instead the usual headache of trying to get a show or tour planned without losing money and dealing with the usual scams we are accustom to as an independent band, we could get together with like minded people and lend our talents for a good cause. Using the skills I learned from booking shows for myself and past clients, I started planning the events and getting publicity so as many people as possible are aware of the events. Music festivals in general are great to play at since everyone there is there to play music or watch a band play. And many are open to discovering new music. For me besides discovering new music, I often I have my camera in tow (I may do an entry with some pics I have taken at different events) snap some photos and make friends with fellow musicians. Doesn't hurt right? After all we usually of the strength in numbers mindset and in most cases (unless they are one of the occasional douchebags that don't get it) willing work together.
To reiterate my point, It's alright. There are plenty of ways to do what you love and still be able to pay your bills. In other words, it's not always "Feast or Famine". There are ways to make a living through the arts and not necessarily be wealthy. And if you are doing it for that, you are doing it for the wrong reason. For myself, I feel that in order to create to the best of my ability I need to be able to be afforded the time to do so by making a living from what I create. Which is why once upon a time record deals made sense. But the artists usually don't see any substantial money until the record label makes back the money they spent recording, manufacturing, distributing, marketing and promoting an album which is more commonly known as "recouping" or getting a return on investment (ROI) There are many more layers to that, but I won't bore you with all of it. I'm sure most people reading this are not involved with music or came to these conclusions on their own. But those who are still trying to make it happen for themselves (in any field) despite the discouraging climate remember that "It's alright". You didn't give up so you have not failed. And there are plenty of resources and ways of making things happen if you allow yourself to be inspired by what you and those around you have accomplished thus far and discouraged by thinking about what you haven't accomplished. If you want some tips I suggest you read my some of my past entries starting with the Musical Artist’s survival guide part 1: the music business and promoting yourself , there maybe a few outdated resources there but it is still a good start. After all, the music business has a ever changing landscape with changes in trends, laws, technology and things making a comeback (such as the reemergence of Vinly LPs) another reason to not compare yourself to those who were successful in the past. It was a different time and usually place , see that theme takes on many forms.
Where did I come up the name for this Entry?
It was a song off the solo album by Paul Stanley of Kiss. Like many of their songs, meaning behind it was about a relationship he was having at the time. Not to take away from the depth behind the message of the song in any way. But in actuality it has always been a common them to frame songs with this dynamic so the listener can relate to it and get pulled in. With the recent passing Rock Legend, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys , I wanted to give another example of how this theme fits in music. There was a scene from the Mini series about the group where Brian and his Cousin/co songwriter Mike Love are starting to write what would become the song "Good Vibrations" where the universal Boy-Girl theme is mentioned and gets included in the song lyrics. Back to "It's alright". I think that the whole vibe of the song really comes together with this fan made video I saw on You Tube awhile ago. So I hope you enjoy it. Thank you again for reading.
Comments
Post a Comment