Staying Focused on Music Even When Money is Tight

"I have an idea!" Davey hugs me from behind as we walk down the river path and I tell him about my vision for a podcast that interviews musicians. What a great way to meet fellow artists, network in the music industry and build some passive income. "Ok, if that's what you want," he says. Hmmm....not the response I was hoping for. "What do you think?" It starts to rain and I look at him. "It sounds like a distraction to me," he says coolly. "I think what you really want to do is your music and you're thinking of things like podcasts as possible ways to get you to your goals but really something like a podcast is more of a side-step or a distraction. You want to create the music and improve your performance and there is so much work to be done there." Hmmm... he's right. I've been looking at my goals, my bank account and my skills; searching for a creative fun way to tick all the boxes. How do I make money and build my music career at the same time without having to split my attention in different directions. Is it possible? Everything feels like a distraction (even writing this blog is time not spent practicing music...but documentation is important to me and a girl can't play guitar 24hs a day). I'm facing the reality check that my goals are big bad boys that demand full time attention and it's gonna mean a few months or even year (hopefully not more than that) of super financial tightness. I'm not going to be able to make money doing other projects or jobs because music demands all my time and energy, as much as I can give. I've tried doing a day job and playing music by night. I've tried doing both full time, both half time, sprinkling and weaving them together. As of this month though, the universe as shifted and I am now entirely focused on building my music career. My other money making projects are now classified as side jobs and this is a new adjustment for me. When I wake up in the morning the first and foremost is music. The other jobs are saved for "after work." When money feels tight I do start to panic a little and I brainstorm new businesses I can start (like podcasts) but my husband knows me enough (thank goodness) to step in as my coach and keep my eye on the prize. Sometimes you just need someone else to remind you that the crazy risky way is the right way for you and it's like the shotgun firing, telling you it's time to start running. // Cha