When asking for feedback on a project it’s easy and safe for the other person to offer up some minor tweaks and changes. It keeps things conversational and light. And maybe that’s all you want.
But what about when you’re open to big strokes and big changes…you need someone who cares enough to dig in and take some swings. It’s not about tweaking, but changing. That’s a scary and valuable conversation for both sides.
When you get called for the audition, you don’t need to decide whether or not you want the gig.
When someone emails about flying you somewhere for a private gig, you don’t need to add it to the calendar just yet.
And of course, when the label promises you the big advance or big tour…don’t go out and buy that dream car.
The actual opportunities are simply the audition, an email reply, and the meeting with the label. That’s it.
No need to make big long term decisions when the simple opportunities of the day don’t demand it.
What happens?
People tend get more what?
It’s a question worth asking whether you’re the boss or you’re thinking about working for one.
Similarly, in music terms…
If you’re the artist, you dictate the energy of the entire crew. It doesn’t matter if you want this responsibility or not. You’re the boss. And the things that happen when you come around point toward what’s happening when you’re not around.
I always liked the uptempo stuff. I’d be bummed when a band’s new album wasn’t all uptempo but it made me like the handful that were.
Surround the uptempo with a couple of down tempo songs and the uptempo is sure to stick out.
Just like Stanley and pretzel day on The Office. Pretzel day is better because all the other days of the year aren’t pretzel day. A pretzel isn’t that great but when it’s only one day a year…
Scarcity is a fun tool to play with.
It doesn’t matter how good you are at the notes. The bubble gum pop act of the moment sells way more tickets than the symphony orchestra.
It’s about connection. Connection sells tickets.
That’s why a hit can be so important. A hit connects. It binds a moment in time and culture with a significant number of people (usually within a certain age range). And people carry that with them forever. Yes they carry the song itself…but it’s the connection that’s powerful.
This is not an excuse to release junk and just rely on your charming smile.
It’s an invitation to see what the music is for.