How many can you survive?
The hype cycle can be fun and it can also destroy an artist or band.
The hype cycles I’m talking about are the ones where the artist is getting a bunch of industry buzz because they’re the next cool thing…and they need a label…or they have a new album they made with the hit producer in town…or a celebrity commented on a post and then another one did and now everyone’s talking.
A hype cycle opens your eyes to what’s possible, the world is about to be yours. But it also makes you believe it’s going to happen a lot quicker and easier than it seems. And those falsely elevated expectations, paired with inevitable false promises, lots of traveling and late nights and either way too much money or barely any money are enough to burry an artist in dejection.
The first line of defense is of course knowing that hype cycles happen. Smile and appreciate it. When the earth, sun and planets are promised to you, you can remember they’ve been promised before and they’ll be promised again. Everyone means well and no one cares. You’re not as big as the hype and yet you’re way better than the hype.
Hype cycles look different as you gain more traction, fame and money but they’re a part of the game. Brace yourself. Enjoy yourself.
