The instant success world fooled me.
I started believing that everything was supposed to be here yesterday. I started forgetting that great things need an incubation period. Everything needs to be developed before it becomes truly good.
I watched a video on RollingStone.com about White Lies. They’ve been getting much buzz in the last few months and as a “new” artist you’d think that they’ve been around for only a short period of time. Yet in the interview the band reveals that they’ve been around for six years!
After six years you’re not really a new band anymore, but often it can take that long for your music, your band, your identity to take shape. You try things out, make mistakes, put out music that doesn’t hit, but you keep going. You pay those dues because that’s what it takes. It takes some time. It takes a commitment to music. If you want this to be your life then you need to realize that truly good things take time. Don’t believe our instant gratification world. Paying your dues is the best way to get your career off to a good start. Bring on the gigs with 5 people in the audience. All you need to do is connect with one to make it worth while. Paying your dues is a prerequisite.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ2uJcETFhQ]Take Control of Your Music
Voyno
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Too right my friend! The thing is though that….the press loves a good memorable story.
It is far better to sell the story of:
“that brand new band that became instantly famous”
rather than
“those guys who slogged it hard for 6 years then got their marketing and timing just right to make it”
Thanks for the reminder…can never be overstated! And while I’m at it, thanks for all the amazing information and insights here, always connected to the MUSIC – outstanding format…check in most days and always look forward to it – and pass ya along every chance!
Couldn’t help but think about Billy Bob Thornton on Q today. He acts like a fuckhead and gets all pissy because Ghomeshi mentions that he is an award winning actor, director, and screen writer. His point – bands don’t just blow up like Billy Bob’s did without that kind of career trajectory behind it. But Billy Bob would prefer to leave that stuff out, pretend he’s done the stuff you’re talking about, and live in a fantasy world where he is and always has been ‘all about the music.’ Gimme a break!