I was sitting, contemplating the other day. I was deep in thought about how am I going to do all the things that I want to in regards to music. I was wondering if I had the self-motivation to complete the tasks I've put in front of myself. Then I started to think about Self-Motivation. Is it a real state of mind or is it one of those things that you either have or don't have, or is it something you have to cultivate?
I believe it is the latter.
Motivation is something that needs a lot of cultivation. It needs sunshine and to be watered regularly just like a garden. If it doesn't get those things, it withers and dies. I know it's cliche but true none-the-less. Below is a list of aspects that keep motivation an active part of my musical goals. Even though I'm not great at being consistantly motivated:
Preparing the soil = Hone your skills (Practice, Practice, Practice) Dream a little!
Planting = Organize and get down to the nitty gritty, diversify your talents and directions so you have many possible directions. Create goals both short and long term.
Sunshine = Have JOY in the work! If you love music, it will love you.
Water = Faith in your abilities and enough confidence to get past rejection and set backs.
Clearing Weeds = Refining your work, keeping your goals/aspirations free from time and energy suckers
Over the next little while, I will go over each of these in depth and create my own motivation calender so I can chart my own progress towards a particular goal or set of goals. I'll put it out there so anyone can see my failure or success.
Authors Note:
I'm not trying to be some know it all musician. The truth is, I am not famous and not particularly successful (Atleast not in a monitary way) and I am terrible at following my own advice. I know that not many people read my blog and I don't expect anything to come of it. I am writing all of this for MY benefit. If anyone gets anything out of it, that would just be a bonus. So there! Stuff that in your pipe and smoke it!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Performer Business Licensing in Las Vegas
Recently it was brought to my attention that one of my favorite open mics here in Las Vegas has come under fire from the city reguarding Entertainer and Promoter licensing. I have always wondered about the laws here but am shocked at the reality of the situation. Here is what I have learned thus far:
The scenario: Suppose I schedule a show at a local coffee shop. No payment is offered by the establishment but I am allowed to sell my CDs and accept tips. I typically sell 3 CDs at $5 each and possibly make $10 in tips. Gross income: $25 Net: approx. $17.50 due to travel and food costs.
Licensing fees as the performer: Entertainer license-$25 Processing fee-$30 Vender license-$5 This is per show. Not to mention, the yearly business license fees just to call myself a professional musician which is an additional $25 license fee, $30 processing fee and $50 minimum income fee which will be adjusted and paid according to my income every 6 months. Also, because I function from my home there is an additional fee to do business out of my home. (I am unsure about the actual amount.) Total costs to do one show per year under the current policy: $170 plus the additional home business fee.
Costs if caught in violation: up to $1000 per day/show, and/or up to 6 months in jail.
It is hard enough to continue creating music without this kind of extortion going on. My hopes are that this is something the city has not had brought to their attention and through changes in policy can be rectified.
What can you do?
PLEASE GET INVOLVED! Tune in tomorrow, November 10th, on http://www.xradio.biz/ from 8 to 10 AM with DJ Jefferson Montoya as he calls the city offices to get to the bottom of this. You can also contact your city council to ask for changes in policy to keep original music, like mine, alive and well.
Your support would mean the world to me...Thanks.
The scenario: Suppose I schedule a show at a local coffee shop. No payment is offered by the establishment but I am allowed to sell my CDs and accept tips. I typically sell 3 CDs at $5 each and possibly make $10 in tips. Gross income: $25 Net: approx. $17.50 due to travel and food costs.
Licensing fees as the performer: Entertainer license-$25 Processing fee-$30 Vender license-$5 This is per show. Not to mention, the yearly business license fees just to call myself a professional musician which is an additional $25 license fee, $30 processing fee and $50 minimum income fee which will be adjusted and paid according to my income every 6 months. Also, because I function from my home there is an additional fee to do business out of my home. (I am unsure about the actual amount.) Total costs to do one show per year under the current policy: $170 plus the additional home business fee.
Costs if caught in violation: up to $1000 per day/show, and/or up to 6 months in jail.
It is hard enough to continue creating music without this kind of extortion going on. My hopes are that this is something the city has not had brought to their attention and through changes in policy can be rectified.
What can you do?
PLEASE GET INVOLVED! Tune in tomorrow, November 10th, on http://www.xradio.biz/ from 8 to 10 AM with DJ Jefferson Montoya as he calls the city offices to get to the bottom of this. You can also contact your city council to ask for changes in policy to keep original music, like mine, alive and well.
Your support would mean the world to me...Thanks.
Monday, November 2, 2009
One step forward...two steps back
I find myself unsure a lot of the time as to what I am doing with all that I have to offer. There are also all the set-backs and step-ups that affect my choices or lack there of. Last week I played 4 shows in Las Vegas then had a family reunion. I played all of my shows with great enthusiasm and got a great response from the listeners and other musicians. I was even asked to submit some music to a national online radio station. I felt on top of the world!
Well...
At my family reunion, my mother requested that I play a few songs for my family. I played and sang out with just as much enthusiasm as my Las Vegas shows. Lets just say...The Fam was less than enthusiastic. People were talking and laughing, leaving and really just being pretty rude while I tried my best to share my music with them. It really hurt that I got a better responce from strangers in Las Vegas than from my own family. They were more concerned about when I was going to squeeze out a baby than what I have been up to with my music. I got a lot of lines like, "Your clock is ticking. How long have you been married? Etc."
I don't want to be the woman who had a child because she was running out of time and I don't want to be the nobody musician running on fumes with nothing to show for all the hard work. I didn't plan on it being this way and I certainly didn't do it on purpose. I dread the day when I am with child and the "finally" comments and "what took so long?" comments come off their lips.
Everybody needs encouragment, not to be beaten down by their loved ones. That's how they made me feel. Like no matter how hard I try, it will never be good enough.
Well...
At my family reunion, my mother requested that I play a few songs for my family. I played and sang out with just as much enthusiasm as my Las Vegas shows. Lets just say...The Fam was less than enthusiastic. People were talking and laughing, leaving and really just being pretty rude while I tried my best to share my music with them. It really hurt that I got a better responce from strangers in Las Vegas than from my own family. They were more concerned about when I was going to squeeze out a baby than what I have been up to with my music. I got a lot of lines like, "Your clock is ticking. How long have you been married? Etc."
I don't want to be the woman who had a child because she was running out of time and I don't want to be the nobody musician running on fumes with nothing to show for all the hard work. I didn't plan on it being this way and I certainly didn't do it on purpose. I dread the day when I am with child and the "finally" comments and "what took so long?" comments come off their lips.
Everybody needs encouragment, not to be beaten down by their loved ones. That's how they made me feel. Like no matter how hard I try, it will never be good enough.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Thick Skin"
Out of nowhere I have shows scheduled. I have been out of performing for almost a year since I left a show before performing because there was a pornographic film being played at the venue and I had my friend, mom and husband with me. It was an aweful experience to bail on a show like that. I had never, EVER done that before. There has always been a sense of powering through and "the show must go on" attitude for my performing and it was a horrible feeling to leave like that. It really shook me up and discouraged me about performing in Las Vegas.
Now, I have three shows scheduled within a week.
This last weekend I had a home concert in my backyard. It was a test run to see how many people showed interest in seeing live, acoustic music in a home setting as opposed to a business venue. I invited a hundred of my closest friends and family, prepared a mountain of amazing food and played an hour of my music. There was no cover charge but I requested donations and had CDs available as a reward for the donation. 16 people showed up, 5 of which were family, 7 church friends, 2 from Gary's work and 2 music conections. I made $160 in donations, $90 from family and the rest unknown. I believe it was a success! Even though I spent that much on food and wasn't as prepared as I would have liked for the actual performance. I even had some unknown neighbors clapping from accross the fence. Now to play pessimist... Only 10% of my invites showed up to my home show and I prepared waaaay too much food which ate up all of my profit.
Then, I played a show at a Borders Books in Henderson last night. My fellow performers were several female writers/poets who bore their souls in their writings and inspired me to try to be a better woman. I was truly touched and it was a pleasure to perform on the same stage with them. Back to pessimism... My own husband didn't want to come and support me. I got there at 6:30, expecting to play from 7 to 7:30PM. I didn't go on until about 7:45PM due to sound issues. Borders forgot that the concert was scheduled and had not advertised. There was not a big crowd, half of which seemed PUT OUT by the talents being shared. I got up infront of them and did the best I could. I sold one CD and traded two more. Total made $5, $4 of which I spent on a snack for my dinner.
One might ask, "why do you even bother?" Or, "You must have really thick skin to keep doing this for so little?"
Here is my reply, "Having THICK SKIN, is a MYTH!! I have and will probably always suffer not being appreciated, low CD sales, little pay for all the work I do and endure spirit crushing criticism. I feel it all! It burns and hurts just like you think it would. HOWEVER, it is my unflinching determination and will to stay on a course I believe in that keeps me inviting the pain to get the good that is so readily given in the form of creating and sharing my God givin gifts that I have so carefully cultivated!
I WILL CONTINUE!!!
Now, I have three shows scheduled within a week.
This last weekend I had a home concert in my backyard. It was a test run to see how many people showed interest in seeing live, acoustic music in a home setting as opposed to a business venue. I invited a hundred of my closest friends and family, prepared a mountain of amazing food and played an hour of my music. There was no cover charge but I requested donations and had CDs available as a reward for the donation. 16 people showed up, 5 of which were family, 7 church friends, 2 from Gary's work and 2 music conections. I made $160 in donations, $90 from family and the rest unknown. I believe it was a success! Even though I spent that much on food and wasn't as prepared as I would have liked for the actual performance. I even had some unknown neighbors clapping from accross the fence. Now to play pessimist... Only 10% of my invites showed up to my home show and I prepared waaaay too much food which ate up all of my profit.
Then, I played a show at a Borders Books in Henderson last night. My fellow performers were several female writers/poets who bore their souls in their writings and inspired me to try to be a better woman. I was truly touched and it was a pleasure to perform on the same stage with them. Back to pessimism... My own husband didn't want to come and support me. I got there at 6:30, expecting to play from 7 to 7:30PM. I didn't go on until about 7:45PM due to sound issues. Borders forgot that the concert was scheduled and had not advertised. There was not a big crowd, half of which seemed PUT OUT by the talents being shared. I got up infront of them and did the best I could. I sold one CD and traded two more. Total made $5, $4 of which I spent on a snack for my dinner.
One might ask, "why do you even bother?" Or, "You must have really thick skin to keep doing this for so little?"
Here is my reply, "Having THICK SKIN, is a MYTH!! I have and will probably always suffer not being appreciated, low CD sales, little pay for all the work I do and endure spirit crushing criticism. I feel it all! It burns and hurts just like you think it would. HOWEVER, it is my unflinching determination and will to stay on a course I believe in that keeps me inviting the pain to get the good that is so readily given in the form of creating and sharing my God givin gifts that I have so carefully cultivated!
I WILL CONTINUE!!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Changes
Stop telling me what's expected of me!
Perfection...I don't know how to be?
Your Expectations are Killing me!
All around me My dreams are dying.
The life of a woman poking, prying.
A Husband, a Family, a Career, Self-satisfying...
Which is the most important of these?
If I can't do them all will I know true peace?
This need of achieving, will it ever cease?
I was sitting enjoying the fall weather here in Vegas. October is the most beautiful month of the year here. Temperatures in the 80's, things green up shortly before winter and there is a crisp cool bite in the air in the morning hours. Perfect for a walk in the park or a bike ride. It seems to happen instantaneously. In a few days the weather changes from the searing heat of summer to the respit of fall and on to the wicked winter.
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "The only constant is change." If that is true why does it still come as a shock. Like your best friend just SLAPS you in the face for no reason. I'm sitting here wondering, "How did I get here? How did time pass so quickly?"
I know I'm being cryptic and sounding very negative. That's not my intention. The things going on in my life are not bad or wrong. They are just changes that need to be made. Patti Griffin is singing out of my speakers about "swimming with snakes in the bottom of the well". Just a guitar track and Patti cutting through the air. It sets the mood so well with it's sound that I wonder if it's just a coincidence.
Things change weather we want or not. Time moves on so seemingly seperate from all of us. We have a choice, go peacefully or be pulled behind.
Right now, I'm just trying to keep up...
Friday, October 9, 2009
New Toys
Just when I think I thought I had everything I want in my studio list, digidesign comes out with the Eleven Rack guitar recording solution. Anyone have an extra $1000?
My music career has been full of wants and needs over the last several years. In the beginning, it was all about writing and performing but now I tend to focus more on writing and recording. The internet seems to have taken over the music world. Sometimes I find myself wondering, "Why bother? No one will ever find me in the sea of music on the internet," Yet, I have spent thousands of dollars on recording equipment. At the rate I am going, it will take 20 years to make enough to come close to breaking even with the costs of all this stuff. My toys...I love them and I enjoy them but I desperatly want to have a taste of success, or I want to not care any more.
I am to the point where I don't feel an urgency to get to some imaginary point of success. The unreachable dream of music world domination is more of a turn off than an unrequieted love. I would really like to feel that I do a job that rewards both my pocket and my ego.
My music career has been full of wants and needs over the last several years. In the beginning, it was all about writing and performing but now I tend to focus more on writing and recording. The internet seems to have taken over the music world. Sometimes I find myself wondering, "Why bother? No one will ever find me in the sea of music on the internet," Yet, I have spent thousands of dollars on recording equipment. At the rate I am going, it will take 20 years to make enough to come close to breaking even with the costs of all this stuff. My toys...I love them and I enjoy them but I desperatly want to have a taste of success, or I want to not care any more.
I am to the point where I don't feel an urgency to get to some imaginary point of success. The unreachable dream of music world domination is more of a turn off than an unrequieted love. I would really like to feel that I do a job that rewards both my pocket and my ego.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Diversifying
The answer is: Diversifying. As a singer/songwriter there are many possible paths to follow. Before I actually got into it I was of the mind that "how hard could it be, I write the music and I sing the music." Someone else will see how talented and great I am and do the rest. It's as simple as that. Isn't it? Boy! I had a rude awakening!!
The fact of the matter is...NO!!!
Here are the questions I ask myself now. Who is going to get people to come see me sing my music? How are they going to know where I'm doing a show? How will I get them to remember be, to come to another show? How will I make enough money to keep travelling for shows? When will I have time to write more music amidst all this other stuff?
The answer is complicated. I don't have money to pay for publicity, advertising, booking agent, recording engineer, producer, street team, etc...So who's going to do all of these various jobs?
ME!!!
The fact of the matter is that it is physically imposible for me to do all of these things at the same time. I don't have the time or the skills to do them all perfectly or completly. However, I have no choice but to do my best and it has to be good enough. So I write the music, practice and perform the music, I invested in studio equipment and went to school to learn to use it, I build my own websites and blogs, I keep my own emailing list, I book my own shows, I sell my own CDs and on and on and on.
Am I known all over the country? No. Do I sell a million copies of my CD? No. Do people flock to see my shows? I wish! But, I do all I can and try to forget the things I can't do. In the hopes that one day, MUSIC, will take care of me the way I have tried to take care of it.
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