On a different note,
There's something to be said for finding Your Voice. This can be viewed in various ways, all bearing weight and Impact within your life. We all have a voice, we all have influence and we all have an opportunity in this life to make a mark... we just have to choose it!
As a singer/songwriter, one of the most pivotal and challenging aspects of being an Original artist is finding your Voice... or finding your style. Who will I be as an artists? Rock, Country, Gospel, R&B, and so on... Am I gonna discuss relative topics, Love, personal views, having fun, or more deep and thought out topics? This part of an artist development can make or break their career. You can see the beginning of relative artists and the growth that transpired from their start to their now current style. And You can empathize with where they could of been versus where they are, just by the stylistic choices that were made. Choosing who You are going to be in the music world starts your path to success and productivity.
Which leads us to an even bigger aspect, which is personal development. Choosing who I AM in the world I live. You see we all have a Voice... the ability to influence those around us. And if given a platform (Art, Music, Leadership, Etc) we could have a large impact on the people we come in contact with... sometimes those we'll never meet. We are all conditioned to be opinionated, let's just lay that out in front. But choosing the projected influence a person has can be quite different. I can force an opinion, or stick to only MY views... or I can take a step back and be specific in my expressions. Similar to a singer/songwriter choosing their path, we all must make a decision on WHO we will be... which will have dire ramifications as far as the receiving of that Voice!
If we do Not choose our Voice wisely, we may never be heard! Or maybe Not heard by the ones that need to hear it! So many are inflexible and unwilling to change. This allows for no growth or development. And as I have spoken in many previous writings, there is a plan and a path laid out for us... IF we choose to seek, invest, sacrifice and follow! God has a plan... the Lord also laid out a road map... LOVE... Now I'm not saying You have to only write Love Songs, what I mean is choosing your influence... Positive or Adverse?
How you affect those around you with your influence and opinions... how You invest in the world around you with Love or hate? Anger or Grace? As an Artist, You can influence a generation, or you can spread angst for years to come. I am Not choosing your path for you, I am simply asking You make a conscious choice! Seek council... from your friends, family, producers, teachers, and find your spiritual foundation and stability... I can tell you 100% my success in life is based on my Faith and following the path the Lord created for me. I am still ME... but HE created ME! And as far as my style, I was willing to be honest, transparent, mold-able, teachable, and developed.
Find Your Voice and then You will have an Impact! Don't get caught up in being reactionary or a sheep to society! BE YOU on Purpose!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Signed At Last!
On a different note,
As You all know, I write about quality, investment and focus quite often. These are paramount aspects of success in all areas of your life. As many of you know, I have recently signed a deal with Spectra Records, the Top Independent Label in the World. WOW, what an honor!! They have an incredible artist/talent list that rivals many major organizations. It is an absolute honor to be part of this Amazing organization, and I look forward to working hard with and for them!
The reason I bring this up, is to shine a light on what realistically got me to this place. Depending on a persons Likes or Dis-Likes, we could take most famous artists and critique them harshly. Ok singer, average lyrics, and so on... Well, I would fall into this same boat! Meaning, there is Always going to be some one better, not saying we all aren't good enough to create music. The reason I bring this up is, if that is a known aspect of the Artist population, how do "I" set myself apart?
Quality and Hard Work typically are your differentiate-rs in this journey. There are producers out there to assist artist in development & inception. Example: I am NOT a producer, but I do have vision and the ability to write lyrics. I also have years IN music, teaching myself guitar & piano. That being said, I am NOT a producer!! So, my goal is to hire/work with the Best that fit into MY current situation! Another eye opener from a Quality perspective is the reality of bench marking your music. Who are You comparing it against? If You are thinking You want to get Signed, then You should be comparing against National Level Quality... Not local indie (Nothing against them)! Labels are thinking BIG picture... National & World Wide! Make sure Your Output/Product is Sell-able if You want to get signed, else keep making YOUR music & enjoying it!! Gotta Enjoy it!
The other side is the part most hate... the Business side! WORK! Hehehe! A LOT of work! This is YOUR business, so You better Own it! Everyday, Rise & Grind! But Not just busy work, but focused efforts! Are You finding opportunities, are You reaching fans, are you performing/crafting your style, and are You pushing the envelope to create a brand? Yo gotta ask yourself these questions! You gotta promote, sell, market, evaluate, analyze and Grow Your business! Takes a lot of looking in the mirror, transparency, and willingness to keep fighting when it seems hopeless!
Which brings me to my last aspect, but honestly for me... the Most pivotal! To Build anything, we need a solid foundation! For an artist, that means Faith, Family & Friends! I have Faith because it has been proven to Me! I pray daily about His path for my life, and that IF music is it I will work hard. But if it's Not, to re-direct my efforts! Now, It's not like I'm quitting music... It means, where is my focus? The Lord will provide you security, and be the one to open those doors No One could of seen! Trusting in His plan... Wasn't He the one who birthed Music in you to begin with? YES! Surround yourself with positive, like minded, supportive, loving, graceful, Honest people! They will inspire & encourage, and be truthful when You need feedback! We ALL need that!
There are so many aspects and things I had to learn on this journey. I have 12 years in music, and I mean working years! Managing, promoting, booking, networking, practicing, growing, etc... It takes time, but hard work, focus & Faith creates opportunity! I am blessed regardless of whether I "make it" and I AM making, performing, and earning with my music... I am thankful to be who & where I am! I trust the Lord has a plan for me, and as long as I give Him the Glory He can use it to better the lives of others!
BIG Thanks & Love to Spectra Records for having Faith in me, my product and my ability & willingness to work hard for the up coming album! I am Honored! Thanks to my Wife Joy who is my muse, my best friend and I could Not do it without her! My Friends & family who honestly inspire me daily by the Love they infuse in me! And Lord, this is Your path, I'm just walking it! THANK YOU! Thank You, please keep me focused on what is Important!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
As You all know, I write about quality, investment and focus quite often. These are paramount aspects of success in all areas of your life. As many of you know, I have recently signed a deal with Spectra Records, the Top Independent Label in the World. WOW, what an honor!! They have an incredible artist/talent list that rivals many major organizations. It is an absolute honor to be part of this Amazing organization, and I look forward to working hard with and for them!
The reason I bring this up, is to shine a light on what realistically got me to this place. Depending on a persons Likes or Dis-Likes, we could take most famous artists and critique them harshly. Ok singer, average lyrics, and so on... Well, I would fall into this same boat! Meaning, there is Always going to be some one better, not saying we all aren't good enough to create music. The reason I bring this up is, if that is a known aspect of the Artist population, how do "I" set myself apart?
Quality and Hard Work typically are your differentiate-rs in this journey. There are producers out there to assist artist in development & inception. Example: I am NOT a producer, but I do have vision and the ability to write lyrics. I also have years IN music, teaching myself guitar & piano. That being said, I am NOT a producer!! So, my goal is to hire/work with the Best that fit into MY current situation! Another eye opener from a Quality perspective is the reality of bench marking your music. Who are You comparing it against? If You are thinking You want to get Signed, then You should be comparing against National Level Quality... Not local indie (Nothing against them)! Labels are thinking BIG picture... National & World Wide! Make sure Your Output/Product is Sell-able if You want to get signed, else keep making YOUR music & enjoying it!! Gotta Enjoy it!
The other side is the part most hate... the Business side! WORK! Hehehe! A LOT of work! This is YOUR business, so You better Own it! Everyday, Rise & Grind! But Not just busy work, but focused efforts! Are You finding opportunities, are You reaching fans, are you performing/crafting your style, and are You pushing the envelope to create a brand? Yo gotta ask yourself these questions! You gotta promote, sell, market, evaluate, analyze and Grow Your business! Takes a lot of looking in the mirror, transparency, and willingness to keep fighting when it seems hopeless!
Which brings me to my last aspect, but honestly for me... the Most pivotal! To Build anything, we need a solid foundation! For an artist, that means Faith, Family & Friends! I have Faith because it has been proven to Me! I pray daily about His path for my life, and that IF music is it I will work hard. But if it's Not, to re-direct my efforts! Now, It's not like I'm quitting music... It means, where is my focus? The Lord will provide you security, and be the one to open those doors No One could of seen! Trusting in His plan... Wasn't He the one who birthed Music in you to begin with? YES! Surround yourself with positive, like minded, supportive, loving, graceful, Honest people! They will inspire & encourage, and be truthful when You need feedback! We ALL need that!
There are so many aspects and things I had to learn on this journey. I have 12 years in music, and I mean working years! Managing, promoting, booking, networking, practicing, growing, etc... It takes time, but hard work, focus & Faith creates opportunity! I am blessed regardless of whether I "make it" and I AM making, performing, and earning with my music... I am thankful to be who & where I am! I trust the Lord has a plan for me, and as long as I give Him the Glory He can use it to better the lives of others!
BIG Thanks & Love to Spectra Records for having Faith in me, my product and my ability & willingness to work hard for the up coming album! I am Honored! Thanks to my Wife Joy who is my muse, my best friend and I could Not do it without her! My Friends & family who honestly inspire me daily by the Love they infuse in me! And Lord, this is Your path, I'm just walking it! THANK YOU! Thank You, please keep me focused on what is Important!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
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