The article reads to me as much more about coming to terms with what happens when you fail to realize your dreams than it is about creativity or even aging. That said, I like Mike's attitude about...
The article reads to me as much more about coming to terms with what happens when you fail to realize your dreams than it is about creativity or even aging. That said, I like Mike's attitude about it and enjoyed the article.
On the subject of creativity and success, I watched a couple episodes of Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars last night and one of the seemingly throwaway comments was something like, "Ideas aren't good if you try to make them interesting." (I think this was the Lewis Black episode, but I don't remember clearly so that could even be a complete misquote). Regardless, I think there's a lot to that. Ideas like Kondo's "spark joy" and PG's "Do things that don't scale" have been ringing around in my head for the past couple weeks as I'm in the midst of a pivot in my business/creative pursuits. On reflection of the past year, "making a successful business" has muddied my own industrial pursuits. My takeaway, similar to Mike's, is to focus on delight and trust others to worry about success. As he put it, "The context changes but the passion remains."
As someone in their mid 20's trying to do what he did around this age, this was nice to read. Admittedly, I probably won't even reach the moderate success that he was able to achieve, but it's...
As someone in their mid 20's trying to do what he did around this age, this was nice to read. Admittedly, I probably won't even reach the moderate success that he was able to achieve, but it's always nice to see other people worry about the same things you do. If you're playing in a rock band right now, there is certainly a limit as to how "successful" you can be. If there ever will again be a time in music history in which rock bands can push into the mainstream, this is not it. I like that he never really gives an answer to what you're supposed to do, other than just "move forward" with your passion. Because what else can you do? As much as you'd like people to be passionate for {insert any rock sub-genre from the past 50 years} again, you can't force audiences to do anything. There are so many great bands creating interesting takes on old genres that haven't and probably won't reach the amount of success they deserve. The author indirectly touches on it but what success means is a discussion all on its own. I think anyone starting a musical project should seriously consider this question before releasing music. Even releasing "just for fun" projects can be mentally taxing. It's good to think about what realistic things you'd like to see from your newest release and kind of go from there. You don't need to be making a living from music to be able to consider yourself successful at it.
I'm with you on this. I really enjoyed this article, but my perspective is from a young 20 something who is only just starting to take music seriously. I've been struggling with the idea of what...
I'm with you on this. I really enjoyed this article, but my perspective is from a young 20 something who is only just starting to take music seriously. I've been struggling with the idea of what makes my music "good enough" - is it good enough for myself or will it be good enough for people to like it? I am constantly reminding myself that what truly matters is that I enjoy the music that I am making and believe that I did a good job on it, but like the author, I can't help but feel like success will only come if other people enjoy it. So to hear you elaborate on it, it gives it some more substance. It helps me realize that this is not a unique occurrence written by someone who, despite this well-written and relatable article, I can/will not relate to since he has been through things I can't possibly imagine doing (touring, performing, having a family - I'm not there yet). But rather this is a common thing. It's okay to have a day job and do music, it's okay for only a few people to listen, and most importantly success is not defined by the size of your audience.
I'm going to listen to Mike's music now, @somewaffles, are you willing to share yours? I love discovering new music and maybe you'll just get a new fan! ;)
Yeah, exactly! To be fair, if you're definition of success is to sell out arenas that's fine too, but you will, almost without a doubt, be let down. Unfortunately, you meet a disproportionate...
Yeah, exactly! To be fair, if you're definition of success is to sell out arenas that's fine too, but you will, almost without a doubt, be let down. Unfortunately, you meet a disproportionate amount of local musicians who have unrealistic goals like this, and they act like it. At least for me, the balance of having a career and being a creative works most of the time (though sometimes can be kinda hectic.)
But yeah of course, here's our newest release!, if you have anything you've put out, please share!!
The article reads to me as much more about coming to terms with what happens when you fail to realize your dreams than it is about creativity or even aging. That said, I like Mike's attitude about it and enjoyed the article.
On the subject of creativity and success, I watched a couple episodes of Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars last night and one of the seemingly throwaway comments was something like, "Ideas aren't good if you try to make them interesting." (I think this was the Lewis Black episode, but I don't remember clearly so that could even be a complete misquote). Regardless, I think there's a lot to that. Ideas like Kondo's "spark joy" and PG's "Do things that don't scale" have been ringing around in my head for the past couple weeks as I'm in the midst of a pivot in my business/creative pursuits. On reflection of the past year, "making a successful business" has muddied my own industrial pursuits. My takeaway, similar to Mike's, is to focus on delight and trust others to worry about success. As he put it, "The context changes but the passion remains."
As someone in their mid 20's trying to do what he did around this age, this was nice to read. Admittedly, I probably won't even reach the moderate success that he was able to achieve, but it's always nice to see other people worry about the same things you do. If you're playing in a rock band right now, there is certainly a limit as to how "successful" you can be. If there ever will again be a time in music history in which rock bands can push into the mainstream, this is not it. I like that he never really gives an answer to what you're supposed to do, other than just "move forward" with your passion. Because what else can you do? As much as you'd like people to be passionate for {insert any rock sub-genre from the past 50 years} again, you can't force audiences to do anything. There are so many great bands creating interesting takes on old genres that haven't and probably won't reach the amount of success they deserve. The author indirectly touches on it but what success means is a discussion all on its own. I think anyone starting a musical project should seriously consider this question before releasing music. Even releasing "just for fun" projects can be mentally taxing. It's good to think about what realistic things you'd like to see from your newest release and kind of go from there. You don't need to be making a living from music to be able to consider yourself successful at it.
I'm with you on this. I really enjoyed this article, but my perspective is from a young 20 something who is only just starting to take music seriously. I've been struggling with the idea of what makes my music "good enough" - is it good enough for myself or will it be good enough for people to like it? I am constantly reminding myself that what truly matters is that I enjoy the music that I am making and believe that I did a good job on it, but like the author, I can't help but feel like success will only come if other people enjoy it. So to hear you elaborate on it, it gives it some more substance. It helps me realize that this is not a unique occurrence written by someone who, despite this well-written and relatable article, I can/will not relate to since he has been through things I can't possibly imagine doing (touring, performing, having a family - I'm not there yet). But rather this is a common thing. It's okay to have a day job and do music, it's okay for only a few people to listen, and most importantly success is not defined by the size of your audience.
I'm going to listen to Mike's music now, @somewaffles, are you willing to share yours? I love discovering new music and maybe you'll just get a new fan! ;)
Yeah, exactly! To be fair, if you're definition of success is to sell out arenas that's fine too, but you will, almost without a doubt, be let down. Unfortunately, you meet a disproportionate amount of local musicians who have unrealistic goals like this, and they act like it. At least for me, the balance of having a career and being a creative works most of the time (though sometimes can be kinda hectic.)
But yeah of course, here's our newest release!, if you have anything you've put out, please share!!