Posts Tagged ‘Success’

Interaction is Where the Action is

// March 2nd, 2009 // Comments // House Concert, Success, twitter

 

interaction

In the spirit of the DIY credo, artists have been busily starting accounts on various Social Media web services in effort to promote their wares. MySpace, FaceBook…the usual suspects; Fueled by the idea that now, at long last, the ‘playing field as been leveled,’ and everyone can now find all ‘my stuff.’

The flip-side–no one is interested in being marketed too. It’s spammy and impersonal–so, please,  just knock it off.

These tools, if used effectively, can be used to engage. Not enrage!!

Case-in-point: I have been fascinated by solo bassist Steve Lawson’s amazingly effective use of Twitter to connect with his audience. He even managed to book an entire US Tour via Twitter!

He did this by conversing with people–not talking ‘at’ them.

Inspired by Steve’s success, I set about changing my own approach. Rather than thinking: Promote, promote, promote… I switched to, inform, invite and engage people. This little paradigm shift has had some interesting results.

One is that I’ve connected with some incredibly talented people. Several of whom I would likely never met otherwise. Many are within a 45 mile radius of where I live–but never met. I had the good fortune to meet Ariane Cap, an outrageously talented and versatile bass player. Shortly after meeting via Twitter, we played a gig and will likely continue to do so. For non-musos, you should know, great bass players are worth their weight in gold.

The amazing part is that Ariane and I have lived within 3 miles of one another for four years, and didn’t meet until we connected on Twitter.

Others include bassists Jeff Schmidt and Steve Uccello with whom a House Concert is being organized. 

The point isn’t so much about which tools you use, it’s actually holding a conversation with people. To be ‘real’ and genuine is. Why should anyone care otherwise?I have been cultivating valuable relationships on FriendFeed as well. Whether learning about other tech driven services like Last.fm or finding interested/ interesting people who may be interested in hosting a House Concert, buying CDs or viewing your videos. It’s all there.

Just remember, it’s about the connection, the conversation. Be Social.

Consistent Persistence

// January 10th, 2009 // Comments // Rob Michael, Success

What does it take to get good? How do you manage to succeed in music (or anything else really…).

My students ask me that all the time and my answer is always the same: “It’s simple, if you work your butt off for a really long time, you’re bound to pick-up at least a thing or two.” I know that they’re always hoping for some “Magic Shortcut” or trick that will allow them to skip these steps.

But more than steps toward a goal, I think of success as a lifestyle. If you don’t LOVE the process of working and practicing hard, you’re just not going to arrive.

I learned these things from being around people who had done it before me. I watched not only “What” and “How” they went about doing things, I made it my business to learn about the work ethic. That, it turns out, may have been the most valuable thing. 

Just as I did 20-30 years ago, I LOVE to practice, transcribe the solos of the Masters, play ALL KINDS of gigs with ALL KINDS of musicians. I LOVE to teach. I LOVE to do what is needed to get my gear sounding the best I can. I LOVE composing and arranging. I even LOVE making set lists, writing charts, booking gigs and doing promo work.

Is there something that you find yourself wishing you had a shortcut for? Are you truly passionate about something? Not the idea of accomplishing something, but the process of working. I’m always inspired by hearing about someone’s quest. I hope to learn about yours.