Focus On YOU

I'm in the studio after another great week of sessions and shows. I've had the great pleasure of working with some very well known musicians in last few days. All of these guys have played on some of the most legendary hits in history and have toured and continue to tour with some of the biggest names in the business. The one thing they all seem to have in common is that even though they have played on records that have made millions of dollars and toured with artists that have done the same, they are still basically living from gig to gig. One of them gave me some great advice that I will share with you. He said, "No matter what you are doing or who you are working with, always focus on YOU." I have experienced some of this myself firsthand from being in the Little Richard Band for so many years but I think it was easier for me to stay focused on me because I was twenty three when I joined the band and of course Richard was a senior citizen so I knew that I couldn't depend on just that gig to sustain my career. Remember that we have to always think of every move we make as a business move. I think that most of us will get a big gig and rest on just having the gig and not understand that at the end of the day we are completely expendable. The only reason we are there is to serve the purpose of whoever the artist is and don't fool yourself into thinking that any of them really want to help you advance to doing your own thing. Think about it, if you are helping them serve their purpose why would they really want to help you move away from what they need you to do. Now don't get me wrong, there are some rare occasions but for the most part they want you there for them only. This doesn't make them wrong or selfish. It's just business and we have to look out for our business and career as well. We should always be building our career on several fronts. We should definitely continue by performing but we must also continue to educate ourselves, diversify our talents and brand our name, likeness and image. This way no matter who we play with or work for we will reap a greater benefit from a business end. DON'T EVER INVEST MORE TIME INTO ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAN YOU INVEST IN YOURSELF. I know we have a strong work ethic so for every one thing you do for someone else, you should do two things for yourself. This will insure that you are always building your own business and focusing on YOU.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Professionalism

One of the hardest things to due in this industry is to help people that don't want to help themselves. I serve as musical director in several different settings and I'm also in a position to regularly recommend musicians for a number of things. The most common issue I'm having is a lack of professionalism. A lot of musicians will say that they want to move to the next level or do something bigger but the truth is they are just talking. When some guys get an opportunity at something really big, they end of blowing it because they are trying to come into a bigger situation still using a small time mind set. It goes without saying that you have to be able to play but even the best players take time to prepare before whatever show. If you have the charts or music before hand, take time and study. If rehearsal starts at 2pm, you should be there at 1pm or no later than 1:30pm so that at 2pm you will be in place, tuned up and ready to play. It is also important to exhibit a great attitude. Don't be the guy that is always complaining. If you have issues with a job then just don't take it. You shouldn't agree to do something then turn around and complain about it. It really destroys the mood for everyone else and makes you look ignorant. Your communication should always be prompt. Make sure you have an email address, phone and passport. I know these things seem like a no brainer but you would be surprised at how many musicians don't have these things in order yet they tell me that they want to go to the next level. This is all in love. When everyone in a particular situation operates at the highest professional level, it makes for a great time and yields even greater results. It will also guarantee that you get called again and again. So how do you make it to that next level or that BIG gig? Just be a professional all the time. The best way to learn this is to surround yourself with professionals. See you at the next BIG show.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011

Words & Thoughts are Things

OK, today we get to the main key to success. In this industry you have to exhibit unshakable faith in order to achieve. One of the statements I use in my lectures is " Success is a learned behavior." Simply put, we have a chance to practice being successful everyday just by the way we live, speak and think. We must remember that our words and thoughts are things. You can manifest anything you want just by truly believing it is possible. Now this sounds simple but it can be difficult because most of us like to gossip or spend time in meaningless conversation. In order to manifest the success you want, you have to be focused on living the process with your words and speech. All of your actions should lend themselves toward your goals. Every association should add something to your life. If you are able to master the small daily successes like staying consistent, focused and making sure that you do something everyday that moves you closer to your goal, then those small actions will add up to big successes. The secret is YOU. All of your energy and thoughts have to be pointed toward your goals. This will keep you from wasting time and doubting. As I stated in an earlier blog, "Think It, Do It." Remember that your words and thoughts are as real and tangible as a brick wall so take control of them and use them to move you forward. Everyday new day gives us a chance to practice being successful. Focus and go practice!

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2011