Greatness Takes Time - Part 2
Recording 101 – Greatness Takes Time - Part 2
Artists and their Personal Lives!
In Part 1 we brought to you several points to consider when starting your career as an Artist; one very important component that, believe it or not, we tend to forget is our Personal Lives - Family and All!!
Yes, your personal and family life can and will affect your "Artist" life.
Life Happens!
People have lives that do not work around your "Artist" life; it's a tough pill to swallow, but it is the truth. For example, if you have children and they are still in school, well there is school functions, school supplies, school clothing to buy, school concerts to attend, school breaks, sick days, the odd trip to the hospital because "Sally" had too much fun playing sports and needs a cast on her arm, and much, much, more! If you have a partner or family to help you, then that is wonderful, but what if your are a single parent with no family to help? What happens then?
You work harder is what happens! You don't lose sight of your dreams! You will do some soul searching as to whether or not you can handle everything, but in the end, perseverance is what makes your dream a reality. It's hard work! You start building your network of friends and build your very own support group.
Also, believe it or not, parents and grandparents are not always supportive; some may think you are chasing a "pipe" dream, while others will be there day in and day out to help you, no matter what! Don't take them for granted; life will happen! Again, this is another tough pill to swallow, as life eventually goes full circle and you will be called upon to perhaps now look after your parents or grandparents; what do you do now?
You work harder, you build your "village of supporters", you reach out to businesses that can support your career (marketing, social media, etc.), and you never give up! This is why, it is important to not only support yourself in your dream, but "welcome" and be "grateful" to those who can and will help your career in the times you may need to be elsewhere due to "life." Having proper steps in place now, will make life and your dream easier to manage if you find you are in this position one day.
Where there is a will, there is a way!
Guess What?
Life happens to those that are hired to help you with your Recording as well; yes, believe it or not, they have sick days, they have family, and they also have lives that sometimes dictate and throw curve balls at them as well. This is where you put the "shoe on the other foot!"
This is also called "unforeseen circumstances" and trust me when I say, "don't burn that bridge when circumstances are out of everyone's control". That is one regret you sincerely do not want. Show compassion, empathy, and understanding, knowing that is not their fault. By showing understanding, this will gain respect and that is something you want in this industry. Respecting each other makes the process great regardless of the challenges.
Then there is good ol' Mother Nature who likes to throw in a good Winter Storm, Tornado, Hurricane, and whatever else she has stored inside of her that will knock out the power to the studio and yes you will have to re-schedule! You will start to think, "does this ever stop!" Yes, you will have breaks when you think, "this is going to well" and you are waiting for the bomb to drop, but like we say, be grateful for each day. Gratitude will also help you to overcome a lot of what we have been sharing with you in this post.
There is more in life that could happen, but we feel we have given you enough for you to get the hint.
Just remember the word, "Patience", it will help control the anxiety! Trust me! If you start practicing your breathing techniques now, the odds are, you will be able to handle pretty much anything that could cross your path. This industry isn't just about the excitement, it is also about the challenges.
Don't forget, it is in our experiences that helps to create great songwriting and music! Welcome it all!
Life Happens!
Photo Credit: Brett Sayles