Like many musicians, what drives me is my fiery passion for singing and creating music. Looking back, I find that when I wasn’t performing or creating music, I was pretty down. I wasn’t myself, and I wasn’t as happy as I knew I could be. It follows, then, that I need to keep creating music in order to be the best version of myself. This realization helps me understand where the other artists I work with are coming from. Essentially, I think we’re all cut from the same cloth. Though we may have vastly different styles, it is our burning desire to create music that keeps us going and gives purpose to the mundane days. All of us are part of the same community, despite our differences and disagreements, and I do everything I can to keep my fellow artists doing what they love. I know that when we aren’t making music, we lose a piece of ourselves, and if possible, I want everyone to remain intact.
There is, however, one big problem I keep running into. I continue to hear from artist after artist that someone has told them that singing isn’t a realistic career choice or isn’t doable. As someone who has made it work and has helped a lot of aspiring singers make it work, I know that it is possible to have a successful career as a musician. And honestly, I would like to talk with the people who say this and ask them to never listen to another song on their radio, iPod, computer, etc. You see, all of us, even those who don’t make music, use music as an outlet or escape. We use it when we’re going through a breakup and need to rock out to Kelly Clarkson or Taylor Swift to carry ourselves through, or when we’re having an awesome day and want to listen to Katy Perry or Ellie Goulding to celebrate and get pumped up. If we continue to discourage those who want to create, then we may be missing out on that next hit song that will carry us through life’s precious moments.
This idea, this hope that my next favorite artist is somewhere out there, making her way to the open mic night that’ll get her discovered, is constantly inspiring me and driving me, as well. It’s important for me to be the one who says to forget about those people whose favorite word is “can’t” and listen to your heart. Sure, not everyone will win a Grammy or sell out Gillette Stadium, but there are plenty of people I know who use their voices and other musical skills to pay the bills. We as a society have this idea that you’re either famous or you’re nothing, and that’s just not true. I see musicians in bands performing for corporate events and weddings. I see little-known artists touring around the country, doing what they love and not living out of their cars (that’s right, that stereotype isn’t necessarily true).
My point is this: whether or not you end up being a world-renowned rock star, you can still find your own success and happiness by doing what you love. Forget about the haters, make the best of each opportunity, and don't let the words of others stop you.
Maybe you’re the one who will be discovered at open mic tonight.
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