Five Ways Working in the Music industry is like Living with a Disability.
A week has passed since I wrote my first blog post. I'll admit that the thought of writing again was pretty intimidating especially since my peers seem to be able to tackle hard subjects with such eloquence. So like any good writer, I'm going to use what I know. And the world I know is one that revolves around music festivals, album release dates and set times.
"My life is going to be hard no matter what I do."
I remember when someone told me that making a career in the music industry was going to be hard. I don't blame them for warning me. Honestly, I agree with my teacher who said you'd have to be "crazy" to want to do this. And I suppose on some level it's even crazier for "someone with my problems" to have the dreams I do.
The funny thing is, the more I hang around in "the industry" the more I realize there isn't a whole lot of difference between a successful band and a successful person with a disability.
So as much as I know the world doesn't need another Buzzfeed style post, here are five ways working in the music industry is like living with my disability.Â
1. You Have to Put the Work In (Always)
Music is a 24-hour job. Bands and music business people alike know that if you're serious about your job you can't just peace out every day at 5PM . There's calls to take, gigs to attend and plenty of things to catch up on after "office hours" have ended or your band has left the stage. It takes years and effort to develop your craft, connections and skills. "Making it" is only the beginning.
Disability is the same way. I've learned to walk, write, type and play piano more than once and as much as I'd like to say my work is over, I know it's not. CP is not something you cure, it's something you manage.
2. You Can't Be an Island
I think this is a hard thing for both bands and people with disabilities to get their heads around. It's a good thing to be self-sufficient and it's nice to know you don't have to depend on someone else to do everything for you. However, eventually no matter how many skills you have, you're going to need help. In the music industry the term "DIY" (do it yourself)) is used to describe the independent artist/label/music movement. In my music economies class we learned to instead think of it more as a "DIT" (or do it together movement). In other words, connect with other people and consolidate your resources and experiences so that you can build something bigger together than you would be able to on your own.
Having a team makes a difference. I realized that by not acknowledging my disability and cutting myself off from that community I missed out on the information and resources that could have made my life easier for years.
 3. Taking Care of Yourself is Everything
I remember reading an article about Danny Brown and lessons he learned on the road. To avoid problems and keep himself performing his best he tries to include mostly healthy food on his rider. I’ve seen musicians burnout and get sick on their first tour because they didn’t take the time to care for themselves. Like them, I’m starting to see how much one can be severely affected by things like not drinking enough water or getting enough protein.(And yes I thought I was going to die after my first SXSW). Your body is no different than an instrument or piece of recording equipment. If you want it in top condition you need to watch how you treat it.
4. You Have to be Okay with Rejection
As much I don’t like it the world is ignorant. You can spend your whole life working on your album or your press list or trying to overcome your disability and there will still be people who don’t appreciate what you have to offer. I know it sucks. As someone who’s been rejected by people both personally and professionally I know it’s hard to not feel completely worthless. Sometimes all you want to do is lock the door and never come out again. But I know that you don't have to have a lot of friends or sign to a major to make your life and work mean something. It just might not take the form that you envisioned because ultimately..
5. Adapting is Everything
You can't always predict the next Napster, Crowdit, or time your disability is going to change. What you can do is work, educate yourself and realize that whether you're an artist or battling a disability, in the end you're really just a person.
And sometimes you just gotta say "FIDLAR".
Obviously the music industry and CP are complex topics. These are just my personal experiences. Everyone’s journey with CP and the industry is unique and valid.