In your dreams, you’re one of them, the performer who’s presence commands the stage and silences the masses, they come only to see you, to hear you, to bask in your light.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, the songwriter who’s music keeps fans from feeling alone, able to capture their joy and raptures in the simple turn of a phrase.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, traveling the globe, new places, new faces, new looks good on you.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, the grateful daughter who lavishes gifts upon your parents, friends and family, forever grateful, forever young.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, alone in contemplation, wondering if getting to the top is too long, too lonely, too hard.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, finally someone who knows someone, who knows something has discovered you, can shine light upon your path.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, early morning to late night, perfecting every note, changing and rearranging to perceived perfection. Sometimes waken from sleep by the muse.
In your dreams, you’re one of them, music is everything, you are a creator of magic
In your dreams, you’re one of them.
I think every singer/songwriter dreams of being discovered, it’s very different nowadays, social media and the Internet connects and yet competes with us.
In older days, musicians use to show up at radio stations, and sometimes get on air. In this day and age, you need an appointment for an appointment, and then realize that commercial radio is just that, about the “commercials.”
I think every singer/songwriter dreams of performing in a venue where people actually come to listen. It’s tough playing a place where no one seems to pay attention, disheartening to say the least. I tell my students to play for themselves, for if they are authentic with their performance then it is true and truth is rare and beautiful.
So, when you play your songs, share your highest self, always do your best, be it for one or a million. Just when you think no one is listening , that someone who has the keys to the Kingdom might be right around the corner.
Today’s Musing: “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” ~ “All About Eve” starring Bette Davis (1950)
“Go faster with fury” has turned into, “Slow down, what’s the hurry?”
That’s a nice line…needs a song to go with it…
Wonderful advice! I recently arrived at an open mic and low and behold there was no one there except the host. Rather than pack up he sat and played for us. I thought then, what a wonderful time to hone your skills. It didn’t matter that noone was there. He was playing for himself and that was just fine.
Hi Dana,
Thanks for reading, I cut my teeth on Open Mic gigs, before corporations came in and took over Coffee Houses, I used to ask if they would let me play in the corner for tips, was an excellent way to practice before a live audience and build rapport with strangers who became friends.
Hi Marty, Thanks for reading and your response. I wrote this from a place of someone who want’s “to make it” I travelled for years as a lounge performer, hoping to be discovered, played local, hoping that someone would say, “hey I know someone who can help you, get your music heard.” It never happened and the dream of making it turned into “how can I help others with the same dream?” That’s why I teach, host open mic gigs, so that others can hone their skills to help them if the spotlight ever turns their direction. Your feeling of wanting to connect is the basis of the dream, connecting with one, some or the world, depends on one’s desire. A young woman that I know is now in Nashville, she inspired this Musing, for I know her dream, oh so well. Namaste
Katrina, I definitely understand your point of view in this blog, but I am not in that place at all. I don’t want to be “discovered” or “found”. I have NEVER wanted to be famous and still don’t, which is probably a great thing, since I know I won’t be! (I’m not knocking myself, I promise.)
I just want to connect with someone (or more than one someone) when I’m out singing at an open mic. A LOT goes in to learning a song and even more goes in to writing one of my own songs. So, making a connection w/someone in the audience and having my song be heard would be enough for me!
P.S. I really enjoy your blog. I feel like I see the real you through your writing! ?