I did not start making music as a way of gaining fame. The reason I started making music is because it is a central part of who I am and what I do. Being a social introvert most my life growing up, it was a tool from which allowed me to simply just let it all out. In fact, it took several years before I even built up enough courage to share my music with anyone else. I have no other way of putting it - I have to make music or I would burst. That's why I make music.
Of all the things that music has taught me, is that it comes at a price. If you want it enough and don't care how long it takes, you can have it. But it comes at a price. The price is that you have to be totally single minded. Completely driven. And that you have to value small successes above security, stability, peace of mind, certainty, comfort, having money in your pocket, friendship, love, or family. Because those are the very things you're competing against.
You're also competing against a million of other monsters who are so driven that that's the thing that they do. And that's why the big stars are all divorced, are drug addicts, have breakdowns or even commit suicide. I've been there. The pressures of living that kind of life are enormous.
All you want is for people to love you through your music. But my advice to you based on my experience: I can tell you that that kind of love isn't worth that kind of price, and I personally would recommend to you that you should aim for a balanced life and making great relationships, and great art - because through great relationships comes great art. And let the other stuff take care of itself.
If you can focus on integrity, creativity, innovation, originality, staying positive, finding your strength, and pushing your boundaries -That's the way to make the best possible music. You must be a rounded human being and you have a balanced life... and it starts from being true to yourself and those who care about you most. Anyway, that's my advice to you.
Take it or leave it - I would like to share one more thing: Probably my favorite quote by my most favorite creator of all time:
"This song is Copyrighted in U.S., under Seal of Copyright #154085, for a period of 28 years, and anybody caught singin it without our permission, will be mighty good friends of ours, cause we don't give a dern! Publish it. Sing it. Swing to it. Yodel it. We wrote it, that's all we wanted to do." - Woody Guthrie
To fellowship & adventure, love & beyond -
Jacob
