Hi Omni,
This month, I’m dedicating my weekly journals to On Recording, our April book giveaway. I love this little book, it has a permanent spot in my home studio and I’ve reread it several times.
As you know, On Recording is free this month to paid subscribers. For just $5 a month, you’ll get a copy (either physical or digital) of Chris Schlarb’s book. Plus, we’ll provide you with a new freebie every month as a thank you for supporting Omni.
If you don’t know Chris, go back and take a listen to my interview with him on Reference Tracks. The podcast is returning in May with brand new episodes, and the videos and transcripts will be offered to paid subscribers as well.
So, back to On Recording. What’s the gist of the book, you ask? Well, Chris has included this “TLDR” description in his intro:
Work hard, do what you want, and get good at it.
Keep your expectations low and don’t quit.
Invest in: Ideas. People. Stuff. In that order.
Credit your collaborators more than yourself.
Follow inspiration, not money.
You can see why I’ve reread the book a few times: it’s full of these succinct tips, born of decades of experience with world-class musicians.
But let’s talk specifically about that first tip: Work hard, do what you want, and get good at it.
Lots of people who are trying to create a career in the music industry get stuck at the “work hard” part. Right now, it’s a challenge to turn a profit with music, so truly, how hard are you expected to word when you’re not getting paid?
But see, I know (from reading the book) that Chris had a job job while building his engineering chops. I have a job job. Many of my Austin musicians friends have a job job. In fact, one of the first things I advise the independent musicians I work with is: get a job. Take the pressure off. Yep, having a job and building a career in music is hard. I clock out of my job around 4 pm and THEN get to work on my client’s projects. But my job allows me to be generous with my clients, allowing for sliding scale pricing, which in turn lets me work with the folks I love most.
Work hard.
Then, do what you want.
If you’ve removed the money pressure, doing what you want is easier. And honestly, it’s a LOT easier to get good at doing what you want when you’re not worried about money.
So what about you, Omni? What is it that you want to do? What do you want to get good at? Tell us in the comments! And, if you have a day job, tell us how it makes achieving your music dreams easier.
Love, Lisa
I have a "job job" teaching older adults how to use their computers / smart phones through a non-profit since I enjoy helping people, and it keeps somewhat of a hand in the "techy side" of things which I love. I really love to make music, both recording and live, and edit podcasts for causes I really believe in. I used to think I wanted to do voiceover work since I have a very child-like voice, but these other areas occupy more of my passions right now.