I'm going to try to be as honest as possible with myself, and - as a result - with all of you when writing here. It seems like a really good way to give you all a better picture of what's going on, while keeping everything straight in my own mind. I've been getting asked a lot recently where I'm at and what the next step is. Thank you for asking by the way - it makes me man up and actually answer the question for myself.
I'll admit, spending a majority of each day alone in a four-bedroom apartment doesn't really sit well with you sometimes ha. Conversely, it was one of my major reasons for moving up here (*Chicago*...I'm originally from Indianapolis)... Big empty space where I can write and play all day?! Sign me up!
Most of the time it's great. I try to treat it like a job. My own personal take on a "9-to-5" I guess. I don't think there's as much magic and mystery to songwriting and becoming a musician as I feel is believed sometimes. I think there's more science to it than that. I think it's just like any other passion/profession/dream... You have to become a student of it, learn it, work at it, trial-and-error, etc.
I'm pretty sold on the idea of 'luck' being at the intersection of preparation and opportunity, so I'm trying to pair more and more prepping with more and more opportunities until I reach some sort of critical mass. I go to a lot of open mics, I've been fortunate enough to book a number of small shows, I keep writing, practicing, taking suggestions for new covers to learn, listening to people's stories. Small victories everyday, as myself and another dreamchaser I know have decided to look at it. It seems like an incredibly large mountain to climb otherwise - if you're not looking at it from a day-by-day perspective.
Whatever it is, it feels right so far. It feels dangerous and borderline ridiculous and it's addicting to try and overcome each day.
Btw, sorry if I've annoyed anyone with my perpetual social media engine already... Sometimes I get on my own nerves, but it's part of the deal. Don't hate the hustle, hate the game. Haters gon' hate, and Taters gon' Tate.
Talk soon,
Matt
