On the Spot

Have you ever been placed on the spot to sing, act, or play an instrument? This feeling can be very overwhelming if one is not prepared, but it also can be a little uneasy for someone who is prepared. Why you may ask? It puts your preparation time to the test and determines whether you are ready or not for the opportunity. This is all too familiar with me because I was going to volunteer for a show recently, but by the end of the night, I was casted as an understudy for the play that opened that Friday. I was okay with this because I was not going to be in the show, but just prepare in case the actor could not show up. The next day at rehearsal, the guy dropped out of the show. You could only imagine my nerves and discomfort. However, I would not let FEAR overtake me because this is what I dreamed of doing, but also prepared for. Therefore, I practiced, practiced, rehearsed, and practiced some more until I became the character (in three days).

            Would you be ready if L.A. Reid had a contract for $5 million based upon your singing abilities? Could Steven Spielberg cast you in his next film dependent on your acting capabilities? Are you in the right place to grow in your gift? If the answer is NO, then you still have time to get to that desire skill level or place.

1.Know the strengths and weaknesses in your gift. There is no need to waste time on the things that you do great. Instead, focus on those problem areas until you see a change from when you first started to the current date. The more you practice, the better prepared you feel.

2.Treat every opportunity like it is your big break. The first opportunities may not be your ideal gig, but you treat it like the entire world is looking at you. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. Don’t downplay any gig because it develops a mindset that you are too good for that opportunity. Do not plant the seed of arrogance.

3. Be in the right place at the right time. I know this is cliché, but it is very true. You cannot expect to become a singer or actor if none of these activities are happening. Muster up the courage to move to Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles to follow your dream. If these places are too big for you at the moment, go somewhere that would put you on the path to your dreams. SAVE YOUR MONEY. The above-mentioned places are expensive.

      4. Do NOT doubt your gift. If you do not believe in your gift, you cannot expect anyone to believe in you. Confidence exudes from a person who is prepared. Remember, not to be too confident because people who have been in the industry for years can pick up on arrogance. Believe in yourself. Remember, there is no one on Earth with a gift like yours. 

Think Globally

Music connects different cultures around the world with a single push of the play button. The listener becomes a part of the thought process of the singer and songwriter through the understanding of the lyrics and vocal delivery. This was me the past couple of months as I interned at a major country record label in Nashville. Who would have thought this Arkansan who loves mostly gospel music would intern for a country record label? Although the internship was in the Contemporary Christian Music Department, majority of the music that was played was country. It was awkward at the beginning of the internship, but my mind began to change because it forced me to get rid of small mindedness and indulge myself in something new. Two weeks later, I found myself singing “Tornado” by Little Big Town, “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge, and watching the Country Music Awards.

What was happening? A global mindset was being developed. As aspiring business owners, music industry professionals and artists, we must be sure to take part in areas that are not common to us because this industry is global. Who wants to work with someone who has limited knowledge about global information? Below are a few ways I found helpful in learning about the country music industry that can be applied to any situation.

1.     Subscribe to major publications in that area. Ask people who are familiar with these publications what are special about them. Why did they subscribe? Read as much information you can and ask questions.

2.     Connectwith a professional. Go to LinkedIn or do a Google search for an industry professional, connect with them, and ask for an informational interview. Oftentimes, people are willing to talk about themselves and what they love to do every day. LISTEN to these people, and learn all you can.

3.     NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Although this may not be an area of interest to you, but the person can help you somewhere down the line. Never feel that if they cannot help you at this time, then they are useless. Look to nurture the relationship because major opportunities come from relationships.