When I get asked for advice for a young person starting in the music business, I tell them, 'Play every chance you get, and be real lucky.'
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The nature of the music business is such that it's better to have a few chances for some things to be successful than just one, and that's kind of been my attitude all along.
I've been working in the music industry since I was 15 years old, and I feel like I've always been ahead of my time.
If you are a musician and you don't show any interest on the business level then you are actually vulnerable and people will rip you off. They will sweet talk you into anything.
I always wanted to play music and have it be my career and knew this by the age of 12.
One thing the music industry has taught me is to manage my expectations.
A lot of kids have parents who say, 'Music is hard; maybe you should come up with a Plan B.' Whenever I hear that kind of 'advice,' I think it's bad parenting. I was lucky to have a parent who assured me it was a possibility to pursue music.
To be a good musician, you need to give people what they want, what they need.
I just play the music that I love with musicians that I respect, and fortunately, I'm in a position where people are willing to play with me, and perhaps I can do something to help them.
As a young musician, you really want to play.
I even have nephews who make music, my daughter makes music. I don't know what advice to give them these days. It's really a tough industry to break into.