So after years of messing around with music as a hobby, I finally decided to put myself out there and try to join a band. In high school I would play with friends here and there, but nothing too serious. I put together a couple of videos and sent them out to a few and managed to get answers back.
Well, one of the bands sent me a demo and asked me to lay down some vocals in order to see how it sounded with their music. They didn't give me any lyrics so I had to come up with all that on my own. After a couple of days, I was able to sculpt out something decent and I sent them a sample of what I had. And then there was silence. For 3 days even. Up until that point, the guy I was texting/emailing was quick to reply, so it seemed usual. I figured that if the answer was no, I would have known by now. Still, I don't know these people and for all I know they could just be flaky. Yesterday, I wrote a follow up text just thanking them for the opportunity and that it meant a lot to me that they replied back to me at all, etc. No response.
At this point, I've got bubble gut real bad and my nerves are wrecked. I had told myself it didn't matter one way or the other if I got it, but it sure would be nice to get it. I'm 31 years old with a wife and 2 kids and no special trade skills whatsoever. I'm a competent retail monkey who can manage..but that isn't what I want to do in life. If this is the only life I have to live, then I want to be happy making a living. And I'm no fool. I know most musicians don't make much money and I shouldn't expect to make a living off this. But my experiences in life have shown me that anything is possible if you put everything you've got into it. Cliche but I truly believe that.
Early this morning I finally got an answer. They want to meet with me a town over at a coffee shop to meet them and discuss everything. I'm excited and still a bit shell shocked that they actually liked what I gave them. Now that the high has worn off I feel a bit the weight of what I've gotten myself into. If I accept this offer, I will be the face of a band. No matter what the creative process are behind the scenes is irrelevant to the fact that my face is going to be somewhere now. And that kinda weirds me out. (I'm a black guy if that puts things into better perspective) I don't have FB or Twitter, though I use Instagram to keep in touch with friends and family. I feel I might have bit off more than I can chew.
On the other hand, I've been so inspired. This is the first time in my life where I feel like I could have a place and actual be good at something. My depression has been drowning me over these last several years and this feels like air to my lungs. I owe it to my family and friends who have supported me through my darker moments to succeed. I want my wife and kids to have a good life. This only life I know we have.
I ask for any advice on this. I'm at major fork in the road and I feel the gravity of my decision.
Well, one of the bands sent me a demo and asked me to lay down some vocals in order to see how it sounded with their music. They didn't give me any lyrics so I had to come up with all that on my own. After a couple of days, I was able to sculpt out something decent and I sent them a sample of what I had. And then there was silence. For 3 days even. Up until that point, the guy I was texting/emailing was quick to reply, so it seemed usual. I figured that if the answer was no, I would have known by now. Still, I don't know these people and for all I know they could just be flaky. Yesterday, I wrote a follow up text just thanking them for the opportunity and that it meant a lot to me that they replied back to me at all, etc. No response.
At this point, I've got bubble gut real bad and my nerves are wrecked. I had told myself it didn't matter one way or the other if I got it, but it sure would be nice to get it. I'm 31 years old with a wife and 2 kids and no special trade skills whatsoever. I'm a competent retail monkey who can manage..but that isn't what I want to do in life. If this is the only life I have to live, then I want to be happy making a living. And I'm no fool. I know most musicians don't make much money and I shouldn't expect to make a living off this. But my experiences in life have shown me that anything is possible if you put everything you've got into it. Cliche but I truly believe that.
Early this morning I finally got an answer. They want to meet with me a town over at a coffee shop to meet them and discuss everything. I'm excited and still a bit shell shocked that they actually liked what I gave them. Now that the high has worn off I feel a bit the weight of what I've gotten myself into. If I accept this offer, I will be the face of a band. No matter what the creative process are behind the scenes is irrelevant to the fact that my face is going to be somewhere now. And that kinda weirds me out. (I'm a black guy if that puts things into better perspective) I don't have FB or Twitter, though I use Instagram to keep in touch with friends and family. I feel I might have bit off more than I can chew.
On the other hand, I've been so inspired. This is the first time in my life where I feel like I could have a place and actual be good at something. My depression has been drowning me over these last several years and this feels like air to my lungs. I owe it to my family and friends who have supported me through my darker moments to succeed. I want my wife and kids to have a good life. This only life I know we have.
I ask for any advice on this. I'm at major fork in the road and I feel the gravity of my decision.
