Don't Lose Your Spark

                Being an independent singer/songwriter is a big task.  There are so many hats to wear.  You have to stay on top of booking, marketing, web presence, fan relations, accounting and many other things.  There are tones of blogs and articles out there that give advice on how to maximize your efforts in all of these thing.  There are also many blogs and articles that talk about not being a lazy musician who just sit around practicing or writing all day.  We can't just make music and wait for success to fall into our laps.

                I agree that success must be diligently pursued on all fronts.  However, I question why there are hardly as many articles or blogs encouraging singer/songwriters to keep playing and writing.  Perhaps people feel that we do not need encouragement to be diligent in these areas since these are the activates we naturally tend to do. 

                It is true that I would consider sitting at my piano and getting lost in my music much more enjoyable than sitting in front of a spreadsheet and updating my accounting information.  However, I do think that we need to be reminded to hold on to our spark from time to time.  Our spark is that passion that we have for playing and writing music.  The passion that compelled us to pursue an industry where such a large population of competition is trying to squeeze through such a small window for success.  The passion that caused us to drive all over to gigs that paid less than half what we were worth just for an opportunity to perform. 

                Yes, we can't just be wrapped up in the music.  Yes, we have to be diligent on all fronts, but the spark is in the music.  That's what people come to hear.  That's what separates artists from entertainers.  When there is passion behind the music a magical moment is shared in each performance.  That magic is what gets people to leave there homes and purchase a ticket.  That magic is what builds a fan base.

                After countless nights of singing to five (or less) people, hauling tons of gear, endless book keeping, minimal pay, and frustrating rejection we can easily lose the spark that started it all.  Days can go by without touching our instrument.  Maybe we are just too busy.  Even worse, we may not be in the mood.  The activity that we once found so fulfilling is now a chore.  Somewhere along the way it transformed from fun to work and we find it harder and harder to get lost in our music. 

                So I say, yes, let's keep up with our accounting and update our website.  Let's keep hitting the phone, emails, blogs and street.  Let's do all those diligent, business type things, but above all let's love making music.  Let's stay connected to our passion.  Let's inject that spark into every song we write, chord we play and note we sing.  Music without spark is just pleasant sounding noise.  Let's not lose our spark.