2015/09/20

KEEPING MOTIVATED

This blog has very much been about the journey of how one picks oneself up after a low point in one’s career. Gaining the EMI deal was the culmination of years of work, and to lose it left me with a stark choice – “give up or go on”

Going on meant a return to independence. The paradox for me has been that losing the deal was the best thing that could have happened. Of course I would have liked the deal to have lasted longer. I would like to still have some proper finance invested in my career. But all the tools we need are inside ourselves. And the will to get other people or institutions to do things for us can potentially be a a distraction to the core of one’s creativity and path.

Whether we like it or not, we have to discover the strength within ourselves for our own creative paths. It is only at this point that we get to the point where we no longer need the validation of outside entities. And only then can it not be taken away from us.

But all this said, we do not exist in a bubble. I am incredibly grateful every time I receive backing from great platforms such as Stern, Rolling Stone or NBHAP.

We need our partners in life, and we need the support of the world. I do not want my songwriting to live only in its own sphere, but to find its audience. And I am proud when respected magazines or portals back the project. Of course it gives a good wind, and with luck I will experience more of it.

But the important thing for me at this point of my career is not to require external validation, but to generate internal motivation. That is to be motivated by a belief in life, by a perspective on the world, and the joy of sharing one’s creative path.

For now, it’s great to kick of the release of “Journeys #2” with a good start, and especially from such respected platform – onwards!