I am very upfront with people in the music business…I work a full-time job every week. A lot of people in the music business don’t like to tell people that they have regular jobs. They have this weird mentality that it warps their creativity. I don’t agree with that one bit. I think it makes you stronger.
Yes, it is hard to work full time and pursue music. Lately, the way the market has been going, you don’t really have a choice. The days when benevolent patrons pay for you to pursue your art are over. If you want a career in music, you need to create a product. Products don’t just fall out of the sky, you have to pay for them.
I once dated a musician who worked every single day. He had good benefits and received a paycheck every two weeks. Whenever he interacted with other musicians, he never told them that he had a day job. It was like he was ashamed of that aspect of his life. I actually really respected that aspect of his life. It showed me that he was responsible, dependable, and more importantly connected to the outside world. It is just a shame that he couldn’t see that it was valuable to him.
Now don’t get me wrong, I want to be a full time singer/songwriter myself but I understand the greater value in getting your butt up everyday and going to work. Benefits, health insurance, and sick time are important. Who wants to go to the local county hospital or free clinic when something is wrong? More importantly having some economic stability is what really makes your art grow not being destitute, living with random people, or not being able to put gas in your car.
