What Goes Around...

I’ve never been a fan of TV talent competitions (aside from the occasional ridiculous first round of American Idol), mostly because they create a false narrative that makes contestants believe a win means eternal fame and success, and a loss means the immediate end of their career.

I shake my head both in awe and sorrow, as singers cry hysterically after not making the cut, as if their one shot at success in life has been completely destroyed.

But we know that’s not reality. If an artist works diligently on their craft for five years, they’re only part way through their journey, and one moment is not going to make or break their career. And any of us who’ve had that moment performing on a festival stage, winning a contest, or opening up for one of our heroes knows that’s just one necessary step out of a thousand.

But I try not to judge. Because I too remember being young and desperate, feeling like I needed to make it before my career expired at the old-ass age of 25.

I’m serious. I thought anything after that was too old to be taken seriously. And although we are in a young person’s game, the truth is, I hadn’t even lived enough life at that point to grasp how little I actually knew.

Over the years, one of the main things I’ve come to understand is the importance of constant growth, because growth feeds the soul and keeps us happy and motivated. You see, I actually feel bad now for people who peaked at 25. It means they may have had four good years, and now the rest of their life is spent trying to recreate those golden memories.

So I cherish exactly where I’m at in life, no matter the age. And I’m so glad I didn’t make any rash decisions back in the day that would have given me instant gratification, but would have cut my career short in the process.

Believe me, I have been so many moments in my life in which I felt the urge to move quickly; to force things that weren’t there. And I sympathize with those of you who feel like you need to take advantage of any meeting with someone who could help your career, because that might be your only shot. I was once in your shoes— trying to break out of Portland, Oregon, where my exposure to successful artists, managers, and record execs was extremely limited.

But trust when I tell you— you will have more opportunities with time and growth. And because of that, the first meeting is probably not even be the right time to approach someone with a half assed pitch.

If you don’t believe me, put yourself in the shoes of the person you’d like to approach… A stranger comes up to you and starts spittin’ bars and saliva all up in your ear backstage at a club, or they immediately go into a nervous pitch for an app idea they had. But the only person the conversation could possibly benefit is that person who’s pitching you. They want to tap into your audience that you’ve worked so hard to build, but they have no money to pay you for your services.

Sound tempting? I didn’t think so.

Same goes for the person you want to approach about building a relationship or working together.

Are you bringing real value to them, or is it only beneficial to you?

Now imagine you’ve continued to work for another three years, and you run into the person you want to collaborate with again. But now you have some sales history or a solid following of your own. And maybe you even have a mutual friend who would cosign you that you can mention in conversation. The opportunity sounds much more appealing presented this way.

To give a personal example, one of my clients is a legendary artist, who I met 5 times before working with him, either backstage at one of his shows, or even as an opener on his show.

Fast forward five or so years, and I was introduced to this same artist through artists and managers who recommended me as a potential agent to him. These mutual connections spoke so highly of me, that he and his team received me with open arms. We had went out to a dope restaurant with the team, broke bread, and had some drinks- it was a blast. But did I feel the need to mention all the times I’ve opened for him or other times we met in the past? No. Because it would actually bring down my value in his eyes, and at best, he’d politely pretend to remember me, solely as a service to my ego. But I’m in the artist’s life to bring value, not the other way around.

It’s that simple.

So make your meetings matter. And if you don’t have anything beneficial to bring to the table yet, then just introduce yourself politely, and keep it moving. The opportunity will come back around when the time is right.

Thanks again to everyone who’s shared or commented on this newsletter. It means the world to me. Let’s keep growing the community, and I’ll keep sharing real life knowledge and experiences in the music business.

I’ve had a few great zoom consultations, and I’d like to keep it going. If you’re interested in winning a 30 minute free zoom consultation with me, fill out the form —> HERE.

Please note: You only need to fill the form out once to be eligible.

Til next week.