As my song Bonjour-Hi drops to very minimal fanfare it leaves me thinking what I can do next.
My first instinct is to be salty and question why no one cares. But in truth I don’t handle my promo well and I don’t build the hype I’m supposed to. It’s on me to make things more interesting and increase my opportunity for success.
But the truth is if I was doing everything right, I’d be connecting with more people.
That means I need to try doing different things.
There are vibes out there for everyone if you look for them
Today I am rudely writing this at an open mic event over at Mix’Heure.
I came and did a little 10 mins. There are about 45 people in the room, completely invested in listening to the music. They are cheering after every song and truthfully it’s the nicest and friendliest music event I’ve been to in awhile.
The other artists performing so far have all been rappers though I know the cussing accordion lady is coming. Each artist has been talented and it’s truthfully a nice time. It’s in a literal cafe/smoothie bar place without alcohol.
The people here are not necessarily who I’m used to performing to, but I think I like this energy.
It’s nice to impress folk who just want to consume what you are offering.
You are the one who controls how you spend your time
For every show I was a part of that I felt went trash, I played my part in being there.
I could have instead sought out better crowds with people more likely to appreciate what I do. My style isn’t something everyone can relate to. But there are a lot of people who can vibe with it.
Like this crowd at this random open mic I found messaging a lady off Threads of all places. This kind of energy is inspiring. It’s what we claim the city needs. Despite there being a ton of cool places like this that would accept us.
At least if we can go to family friendly versions of our shit we can.
Even just straight self censoring works.
Proactive solutions move the needle forward
My goal is to make more people listen to my music.
I have to pay attention to what I’m doing that works and do more of that. Maybe I’m a guy that slays open mics until the dragon of bigger venues is in reach. We’re blessed to be in a place like Montreal with musical opportunity every single day
Fan by fan and person by person there is momentum to be gained. Content to be made and brand building that will persuade. It’s a lot of work and ego crushing sacrifice but if you really want it, being salty never helps.
Music is a game of hospitality. If the room has rules you don’t understand, find a room you feel welcome. Then stick around in that type of place and find your people.
One by one they will come.
In the meantime find your tribe folks.
Live Long and Prosper Everyone
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