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This week, I've decided to write about a common situation that has come up many times in my life and I see it very often with people I work with as well. Turning down opportunities that could be career changing. As a musician, sometimes events, meetings or sessions come your way that seem like a waste of time either because you're not being paid enough money, or really, you're just better than that.
If I turned down everything that didn't pay enough or passed up opportunities I thought were below me, I would definitely not have had the success I have had so far. You obviously need to use your best judgement and not just take every little thing that comes along, however, you might be missing opportunities by being too proud. I have seen countless people pass up gigs, sessions, meetings, etc. that could have potentially taken them way further than they are now.
People often ask me how I get all of my film and tv placements or how I get these commercials or meetings with ad agencies. Well, the answer is that I explore all opportunities and look at the big picture, not
just the immediate. Sometimes these meetings, sessions, or gigs I play don't turn into anything. But sometimes they do. And it's hard to know which could be beneficial and which might just be a waste of time.
Let me give you a few personal examples. About 9 months ago, I almost cancelled a gig. I had been in the studio all day, I was exhausted, and I just didn't feel like playing. I thought "I don't need this gig. I'm not being paid, and really, I'm better than that." The only reason I followed through with this performance was because I had already committed to it and I don't like breaking my word- I think it's something my grandfather instilled in me. So, I went to the venue, played a few songs, and was about to leave when a guy came up to me and asked me if I would send him some music. I sent it out a few weeks later (the procrastinater that I am) and a couple weeks after that, I got a call from someone at his company, asking if they could use my song and music video in the ads for Private Practice. That's example 1.
Another example is when I sang the National Jello commercial. One night a producer friend of mine called me and asked if I would sing "on spec" a little jingle for him. "On spec" basically means there is no guarantee we will get the commercial. He was going to throw me a little money, but it wasn't even close to what I am normally paid. So, I went to his studio at 9am the next morning and sang this song. About a month later, he called me telling me that Jello picked up the commercial we did for their National campaign... AND it was a SAG commercial which basically meant a lot of money. Yay! I could have passed up that awesome opportunity... and then I would be kicking myself for being so stupid.
Those are 2 examples of many. I don't take every job or meeting that comes along and not all the things that I do accept are worthwhile. But I don't only choose paid gigs. I don't only meet with major music industry people. And I don't only work with high profile writers or producers. So, while I think being choosy is important, don't shoot yourself in the foot either (i hate cliche's but this one kind of applies). If something doesn't pay much or doesn't even pay anything at all, seems like a waste of time, or your too tired to do it and you pass it up, that might be the dumbest thing you do.
Well, it's been fun, so until next week... go crazy, have fun, and eat a lot of chocolate to prepare yourself for Halloween!! Oh, and put November 15th at Hotel Cafe (www.hotelcafe.com) in your calendar. Woohoo!! My band and I are playing and we want you to come rock out with us! :)
FUN FACT: Check out Disney's new Tinkerbell movie. Kari has a song on the soundtrack... you can check it out on itunes too!