The Balancing Act

As we mature in this industry we begin to see things for what they REALLY are yet we still try to do the impossible. We try to be all things to all people. We know what we want but somewhere along the way we have always allowed the needs and wants of others to sidetrack our visions. We do this in an attempt to be unselfish or sometimes out of some weird guilt. Yes guilt. Let me explain. For a musician to be good at his/her craft, it takes long hours of personal dedication. All these ours of being alone and focusing only on what WE want is what has helped us become who we are but there are consequences. All of those hours of practice and dedication to self left some of us a bit socially challenged. (LOL) I mean we find it hard to maintain relationships with people that either don't do what we do or don't serve us any purpose in terms of reaching our goals. So once we realize this we swing to the other end of the pendulum by giving too much of ourselves to others and denying our heart. We become co dependent feeling like we are responsible for saving the world whether it's trying to save some personal relationship or trying convince other musicians how great they are. What I've learned is that we ALL need balance. There is nothing at all wrong with being focused on our goals but it is also OK to relax and have relationships that don't necessarily have anything to do with our career. You would be surprised at how much you learn from people that don't have anything to loose or gain from just being your friend. Balance is also important in helping us keep perspective. We can all sometimes be to close to something to really see the truth. You know, can't see the forest for the trees. Balance helps us breathe and give ourselves a break from self induced stress. It also let's us know that we have no need to feel guilty for our dedication. We just have to make time for other people and things in our lives and demand that those people also value and respect our time and visions. This my friends is the balancing act. Enjoy the journey.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Hurt Feelings

I've often heard people say, "It's just business." Most of the times they say this to justify some insensitive or immoral behavior. We are all told that to be successful you have to be unemotional and cold hearted. There can be no hurt feelings. Well this is a crock. As creative people we are wired to be sensitive, thoughtful and caring. That's why it's hard for most artists to become wealthy because most decisions about money have nothing to do with art or some one's feelings. This doesn't just occur at the million dollar level. I've seen people lie and betray others over a few hundred dollars and when called on it they just say that it's business. Now it's true that every situation, gig, contract or event is a negotiation and like it or not the other party is only concerned about their interest. They are not REALLY concerned about treating you fairly. They will know that you are worth $10,000 but if they can convince you to take less, even if it means playing on your artistic emotions, they will. When you find out that you were underpaid they say yet again don't take it personal, it's just business. I believe that you can be shrewd, honest and caring. I also believe that it is OK to be honest about having hurt feelings. Yes we have to be tough but true toughness comes from being able to do good honest business and have people walk away from the table feeling like they were treated fairly and with respect. We can ALL have what we want but no one can have it ALL so don't ever think that being insensitive or betraying your nature will benefit you financially. We just have to always be upfront about what we want and don't want. No need to listen to a bunch of sob stories about this or that. We have a service to offer and we will deliver on our end so there is no need not to demand the same from the other party involved. Having hurt feeling doesn't make you week. It just makes you human but don't let being hurt make you hurt others. Just know that you can be a compassionate artist and a good business man/woman with heart. Enjoy the journey.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Breathe In & Breathe Out

As another year comes to an end and we make our assessments, it's important not to put too much stress on ourselves. Take a look at what you've achieved this year. Don't weigh everything by it's monetary value but take into consideration the lessons learned. It's also important to remember that we don't exist in a vacuum. What I mean is that as much as we love our art and craft we are influenced by ALL of our relationships, especially our significant others. We can say that it doesn't matter and we only live for our music but when you decide to love someone you no longer live for just your music. This is hard because as artists we can sometimes be selfish and we are not always the best verbal communicators. We are temperamental, moody, jealous, territorial and we wear our emotions on our sleeves. For those that love us it can be hard to understand that as creative people we are affected by EVERYTHING. As we move forward, it is important that we learn the secret to success. . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . the secret is to simply breathe in and breathe out. Just keep living but do so only expecting great things from our art and our relationships. And yes we need both. We all need to know that their is someone in our corner that is exclusive to us and we can't be afraid to say that to the people we need. Pursuing your personal legend is a hard way to go and when you choose to let someone in to share the journey with you, they have to be the right one and you have to be unafraid to share and allow them to help you as you help them. I know some may say that one has nothing to do with the other but trust me. No matter how strong we are, we all need support and someone to trust and love. We are a gifted people blessed with the ability to create beauty that can change the very world we live in. If we are going to inspire beauty, we must live and experience it in our on lives, professional and personal. So as you assess this past year and make plans to move forward, don't do so in a vacuum. Take ALL of your relationships into consideration. No stress allowed, just breathe in; breathe out and keep moving towards your success. Enjoy the journey.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011