What I’m Taking Away from Music Pro ‘26
I knew it would be important for me to attend Music Pro ’26, I just didn’t know why. Even as the date approached, I had some reservations about making the trip down to Hollywood. I was aware from the outset that there probably wouldn’t be much income potential for me, but I also knew that connections could be made and opportunities could be created. So, I took a leap of faith. What I’m taking away from Music Pro ’26, however, is a little unexpected, even for me. Here’s what happened… (By the way, none of what I share here is meant as a slight to Music Pro ’26, its organizers, sponsors, or otherwise. As far as I’m concerned, they pulled off the conference with flying colors, and I give them kudos for having kept the train on track to the very end.) The Music Business isn’t for Me And by that I mean the do-it-for-your-passion, do-it-because-you-love-it, grind-it-out-until-you-make-it method most musicians are told to follow and subject themselves to. For those not in the know – I already slogged through those years (documented in The New Music Industry), and I need to put them where they belong – squarely behind me. Technically, I’m not saying anything new; I’m just finally putting into words what was previously only a feeling. At the conference, I came across a higher leverage model that utilizes other people’s audiences (OPA) and allows for higher income and freedom. If I’m going to pursue anything in live performance, it would be a model like that. So, if you ask me whether I have any gigs coming up and I answer “no,” this is why. If I’m playing any low-paying or pro bono gigs, it will only ever be once or twice per year, and it probably won’t be widely promoted. I Must Put a Price on My Presence It feels a little gross even saying this, but I have come to a point in my career where I can’t be indiscriminately showing up to events, going unacknowledged, and not receiving in return what I give. I have a long history of putting in and giving far more than was ever expected of me, even when I wasn’t getting paid to do it. The thing is, I can just as soon stay home and work at my day job or write another blog post for a larger audience. I can do any number of things that might be more fulfilling or value-adding. Yet, there have been many times at events when I have been specifically told that my presence made a difference. It didn’t matter much whether I was a stage manager, tech host, or interviewer. My work was appreciated, but more than that, my presence was. Pattern observed. It’s time for me to charge for what people find valuable. I’m Inching Closer to My Purpose (by Process of Elimination) In my last session with her, my coach gave me the task of identifying my values and ultimately my purpose. This has proven challenging for a few reasons: - When I followed what I thought my purpose was previously, I ended up feeling like a martyr. I didn’t feel like I was getting back what I was giving. - There isn’t a singular turning point in my life. There have been many, and therefore, many pain points. Which pain am I meant to share and heal in others? - I’ve realized that the mode of delivery (blog, podcast, concert, video, live stream, etc.) is just a means of communicating the message, not the message itself. Yet, having realized that the music business isn’t for me has given me increased clarity, and more importantly, motivation, again. Even if I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to be doing yet, I know one more thing I’m not supposed to be doing, and that gets me closer to where I need to be. Have you been reflecting on the direction of your career lately? Have you come to any major realizations? I would love to hear your thoughts. Read the full article