Past The Finish Line! Onto The Next!

  July's Mission "31 Songs in 31 Days" ACCOMPLISHED!!!! 

It was fun, challenging and mind expanding. I wanted to prove to myself, that I can focus two hours a day on writing a song start to finish with lyrics, without feeling "Writers Block". It was not about the full production but the fact that if I was to walk into a studio tomorrow to record an album, walk into a writing session or have a library request, I now have 31 songs to choose from. It was about being creative, in the moment and trusting that I can do it. About collaborating, enjoying teamwork and effort. Growing and expanding as a writer. Thank you to those who were part of it. This is just the beginning ;)

So what's next? AUGUST MISSION!

Step 1: I will finish one song a week for 31 weeks, (every single song from 31SI31D challenge). I plan on pulling a collaborator in for every song because 1) it will be faster and 2) another persons skill and talent will make it even better and after all, it's about making a good song GREAT. Knowing that people may flake, get busy...collaborator or not, one song a week to be released every Monday on soundcloud as well as some video clips.

Step 2:  I'll write one song a day but this time, instrumentals only, no longer than 3 minutes. Since I don't have to record vocals and write lyrics, I can do the full production in three hours easily, keeping the track focused, clean and simple.

Ready to bust ass for what I want! Willing to put in the work,  even if it means getting up a little earlier. Think for many of us the challenge is to be productive rather than busy! I know this will not be easy but I know it's do-able and I'm super excited.  PS: I'll let you know how happy or cranky I will be in a few days!

Let's get this party started! Happy August!
;)
JVB

Do you wear a blindfold?

I'm truly amazed by people. So many complain about their life, circumstances and usually something, a book, an event, an article or person appears pointing them in a direction, yet most don't respond. They don't read it or don't attend. They walk right past opportunities.

I go to many networking events and I've met quite a few musicians who keep asking how they can get their music heard and placed, they don't know who to talk to or what to do. The panels usually give a pretty clear answer and when speaking to people, I also give them a few good pointers and I'd say 75% of them don't do a damn thing, or they hit up one person, that person doesn't respond or is not interested and they throw in the towel. They never follow up or keep in touch.

Everything takes time. Most importantly EVERYTHING is based on relationships! You can't expect to walk on to a scene and be the top guy/girl in the game. Learn about people, learn about the business, your craft. Be interested in others and keep going, focus on the things you are in control of. Your craft, your appearance, your attitude.


Take your blindfold off and see what's right infront of you! And don't ever come from a place of desperation, be confident, polite and patient.

Take advantage of twitter, facebook and google, upcoming events in your area. Anything we want to know is within our reach. Most importantly, once we have the information, we have to use it, apply it and take action! Build relationships, make yourself visible in whatever field you're in.

Einsteins once said "Nothing Happens Till Something Moves". Turn that engine on and step on the gas and watch the signs along the way! It's all right before your eyes.
We can't blame others for our failures.

To your happiness and success with eyes wide open!
JVB

A Little Patience!

I want it all and I want it now! ;) I've been networking a lot lately and I'm having a Blast. It's starting to feel more like a family gathering that a dry networking event.

I see a few here and there that seem a little desperate and somewhat clueless. I can relate to it, because in the beginning everything seemed very overwhelming to me and totally out of reach.

Most of us want instant gratification but everything takes time. It takes time to build a trusting relationship.

We have to remember that planting the seeds is step one, a plant takes time to grow.

No matter where we are, there's always more room to grow and expand. So instead of being impatient, we gotta get busy improving our craft, ourselves and trust the process!

Most importantly, we have to nurture the seeds, follow up and be interested in the people! Everything is build on relationships.

Now breathe in and out. Repeat.

;)
JVB

The brakes are off

I did my power hour today, which felt amazing. What that means is; I took time for myself, I went to the park, did my workout, connect with other human beings and smiled at every single person I met and doggies of course. Did my affirmations, set myself up for a successful and productive day.


It really worked for me. (the power hour) I got great news in the mail, via e-mail and through a phone call.

I ended up doing a last minute collaboration with a composer friend of mine after getting a call from him saying something like "I just got an e-mail from this music supervisor; that's what they're looking for and oh yeh and it's due tomorrow morning; what do you think?" I started laughing and said:" well...let's do it". Not even an hour later he send me a rough track. I send some vocal tracks back and boom, we were on a roll. I love working with him.



We did the song (long distance collaboration) in less than twelve hours. It's crazy and fun! Not what I had planned but I love it. And I was taken to a Sushi dinner in between. Life is indeed great!

I can't wait to set myself up for another incredible day! I'm expecting a call from Dave in the morning telling me the supervisor loves it and they'll use it.


PS: I'm not hoping for it; I'm expecting it!
xoxo
JVB