3 things I learned (so far) starting a music career
I am finally ready to share some of the story. I say some, because it’s not over. I think as human beings we need a break from things that take a lot of our energy. So I say this with all the love in the world:
There is no room for breaks, but take them.
Ok, there are, but its like being a contractor. You’re building up a business and any pump on the breaks will cause your business to break. When I got started in 2022, I posted like 3 or 4 videos and I was like “Welp! I did it!”
People are counting on more and that’s just the reality. Ain’t nothing wrong about it. it’s that drive and power that usually comes with a job you need a check for, or bodying someone in laser tag. But in the 2020s, music is more accessible than ever! You need to be able to stand out, and that requires more energy. And if you’re balancing work, school, and responsibilities like I did; it will take it’s toll on you.
That’s kind of why I am on a prolonged break. I am equipped but there are somethings that I want to prioritize more. But I would still recommend taking those breaks! Those who are invested with you will wait with you! I thought everyone was gonna leave, especially after I went through a rebrand!
Those countless hours all mean something if you love what you do.
my former artist name, Phatpipes. I was so excited to get traction and I was determined I could do this.
2 . This is a business, first and foremost, always
I remember being in a Timbaland live in 2022 at some point and he asked someone, “Is this for the business or for the love of it”. When he asked that question, it basically solidified what the industry is. I say is and not what it turned into, because it’s always been this way. To see it in person was jarring but it didn’t (and does not) deter me from trying to find a healthy balance between both.
When I’m networking, I always wonder if its for the benefit of the friendship or the benefit period.
There is totally nothing wrong with that, but its less forthcoming, and more hidden lately, and it’s business. If you are going to make this career, you have to have that boundary of “This is Work”. You can still connect, you can still build community holistically, but there is still a check to be made. It’s such a dream to live off a dream, and it can happen for anyone willing, but the more involved you are in the root of business, the harder it is.
The height of COVID really brought more community to the forefront, and that’s why I was personally very excited to get more into releasing stuff, and I think it can still be important part when done with proper planning and community input. Porchfests, Group Concerts, Coalitions, Open Mic with connection opportunities or incentives, it can always happen!
On a rooftop in LA with my mayk.it friends. This was probably one of the coolest opportunities I got to do.
3 . You will have the best of times and the worst of times
And that’s life, isn’t it? I had a talk with someone recently where we realized I had tied a lot of my self-worth to my music career. I always do that apparently lol. I would feel the lows a lot, and not really celebrate the wins because I was focused on keeping the highs, well, high!
I remember why I started it in the first place. I have a long history with music (which I can share about if people are interested). I wanted to be a voice I didn’t have when I was younger. I wanted to hear different sounds on the airwaves, I found so much joy in making a song, and I wanted to share it with others who felt the same way. The way you do it doesn’t matter, it’s the intention. People feel that. People hear it. So after this, I hope people understand that you can be anything you want and use these same topics to apply. There’s always going to be an issue you run into, or you’ll doubt yourself, or you’ll think you’re not worthy. It’s something raw, real, and beautiful. And sometimes thats enough.
one of the many nights spent in the studio making my album, “She’s Out Again”
Here’s my album for those really interested in listen to my psyche on tape! Thanks for reading and I’ll see you on the next post!
