IT’S YOUR CHOICE: SUCCESS OR FAILURE
You ever notice how life isn’t perfect? That sometimes it’s downright unfair? This especially seems to be the case in the music business. We’ve all known artists and bands that should have made it but didn’t, while others not nearly as good have achieved success. What’s up with that?
Well, you could simply conclude, “Life is unfair.” Or, you could even think, “They were lucky.” But that’s not the whole story. Some peeps like to blame the music industry in general, particularly A&R and music execs. But, it’s way too easy to dump on the industry, calling it a shallow pit filled with soul-killing vipers. Sure, those types exist, but their influence can be greatly overrated. Because, you know what? Sometimes, believe it or not, it’s the artist who’s to blame.
Whoa! Did I just say that? I’m an artist-loving journalist. I’ve even been an artist myself (in another life). But, every now and then, artists – particularly talented ones – can drive you to drink.
Why do some artists succeed where others fail? Putting aside timing (which is a factor), it usually involves the artist’s mind-set and work ethic. The most successful acts have a driving ambition to succeed. They don’t just dream about it and wish it happens — they DO things to make it happen. If that sounds like “work,” it should. If you really want to make it in this biz, you have to treat it like a job.
It’s almost traditional for artists to have day gigs that suck the joy right out of their souls. Jobs that are exhausting, boring and depressing. But that can’t stop you. The most successful acts work on their careers EVERY SINGLE DAY. They’ll come home, after hours of menial labor, and spend 2 to 4 hours on their computer, contacting people, updating their websites, and generally taking care of business. No matter what… Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to do whatever it takes? If so, you’ll get a jump on 90% of the wannabes.
Knowing something about the biz is also essential. Learn about marketing and promotions, and get as creative as you are with your music. Ask for advice, listen to pros who can help you, and then apply what you’ve learned. Don’t think you know it all. If you did, you’d already be famous.
I know, that sounds like a lot of time and bother. But, how long have you been working at it? What results have you gotten? Success does not happen overnight despite the headlines. All too often, I’ve checked in on artists six months down the line – sometimes a year later – and noticed that their careers haven’t moved an inch. Don’t let that happen to you. Set up goals and, every 90 days, take a look at your progress. Have you achieved anything? Has your career advanced? Are you better off than you were 90 days ago? If not, you need to take an honest look at what you’re doing, and figure out what you can do better.
Start today, and treat your career seriously. If you have what it takes, you can make it happen.
—Bernard Baur
November 18th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Amen, brotha!!!! can i get a witness?!!! i love it, man-say it, love it feel it, do it live it…every day…this is what i am, this is what i do, and i do it every day…and i do it this way! i love you, bb-you are truly the advocate of the artist…and artist IS A VERB!!!
best, jg…i hope to make you proud one day soon…and make you look like a goddamn genius for having “seen” me , my true self as a singer and a songwriter and a singular and unique artist with great potential as an individual artist in this world of my great heroes in song…long before i…before I…even truly knew or saw myself and what i really did…clearly…and you validated it and me …and that gave me the courage to go out and find it in, and for, myself…i can never thank you enough, but i’m sure gonna try! 
best, jonny g.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I have to say that I TOTALLY AGREE with what Bernard wrote here! I am living proof of “If you put your mind to something, work hard, BELIEVE in yourself…you can make your dreams a reality! I have accomplished so many wonderful things as an indie artist…It’s not easy, BUT I am living my dreams every day!!! I’ve traveled & performed around the world, have radio play around the world, and I’m currently working on my 4th album! I make a list of goals for the year…daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and bigger goals I strive to accomplish for that year. At the end of the year, I cross off the goals I’ve accomplished and it definitely helps me to appreciate my accomplishments as well as reevaluate what I’m doing and or need to work on. In this day in age, as an artist, the more you educate yourself about the industry and business side of things, the more you can accomplish on your own. I like to say “Don’t dream your life…go out there and make it happen…LIVE your dreams!” Denise Vasquez, WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE
November 27th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Putting it simply: “Success is a Choice” is a coach. It is full of motivation talk as well as constructive criticism that Coach Pitino gave to his players in real situations. It also lists and analyzes quite a few Pitino’s own mistakes and fumbles, and this gives you the feeling of candid nonpatronizing approach. In short - this book is the next best thing to having Coach Pitino himself by your side, coaching you to success… and the guy sure is a great coach!
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Success is different for each individual person.Too often we look at one another to measure how successful we are in our own lives. You may look at a certain person and think wow they really got it together. What you may not know is that person probably isn’t in his/her mind satisfied their own selves successfully speaking. Ask yourself what your standard of success is, but remember you are your own worst critic so go easy. Life is a journey not a destination.Success is the fruit of Good directing as a leader, providing people with specific instructions and closely suppervising task accomplishment.Coaching by explaining decisions, solicits suggestions and support progress.Supporting by facilitating and supposting subordinates efforts toward task accomplishment and shares responsibility for decision making with them.Delegating by turning over responsibility for decision making and problem solving to subordinates.
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Rose
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June 18th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I am a firm believer that success is not by chance rather it’s but choice. Need I say more? You guys have pretty much covered all the bases.
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Exactly, absolutely and on top of that be sure that everyone in the group you’re in with is on the same page. Don’t be foolish enough to think that everyone understands their roles and behaves accordingly. The leader, and there had better be one, needs to know and somehow make sure that everyone acts as they should in respect that their public persona. The public is the innocent viewer, you might say. Your 1st performance and your last appearance is part of a publicity campaign and as the artist, concern yourselves with what is expected to seen… Just as important as the records you make and put out there…
ps
This comes from a voice of experience. I am still playing out because I have recognized my own goofs. Thanks B. B.