As we have talked about so many things in the wonderful world of music,one of the subjects I would like to cover is what to do when you are at the end of one part of your career and ready to start something new.This will one day be where you are at – trust me it is where I am at today-so if it is I hope this helps you with your transition in your musical journey.
One of the great things about having a musical career is that it can lead you into so many diverse avenues,composing,engineering,producing singer/songwriting advertising, teaching etc..
For me, I can say that I am not totally hanging up my headphones anytime too soon – but will certainly be doing less as I want to concentrate on songwriting/collaborations and devote more time to my artistes on my labels. I want to focus more on less if you know what I mean and spreading yourself too thin is something you have to be mindful about.You will of course be able to see me at my residencies in La and I intend to build on those, however less and less everywhere else.This will give me some time in the studio and I can get out of the biz and back in the ‘art’ which pleases my music cravings fine. It may be time to finish that book I have been writing for years now as well!
The point is once you have all this valuable experience under your belt,what to do with it? I only listed a tiny amount above but from my perspective there is not much I don’t know about from running labels to A&R you name it I have learned it and done it.So I could turn that into a number of things-same goes for you….I know a few dj’s who have done this,you might think ‘where did so and so go’? well most likely they are doing what I am talking about now…..
There are many reasons why some djs disappear- lets start by saying some of the great ones…you have had an amazing career and no one can take that from you but you are simply running out of passion or so burned out that you can’t face getting on a plane anymore.It happens.Time for your next trick!
Some I know stopped doing drugs and it was not the same for them after,or they had kids and this was not a great way to keep the family together, these were positive reasons and I applaud them because they guys are really happy now. Many have turned their biz. into lucrative industries like Paul Oakenfold to name just one.Many escaped into film….I could go on and on but it is worth knowing what happens after because one day you will ask yourself “what now?”
I know you may think that day will never come,I certainly never imagined it,but like grey hair it is inevitable!!!
I feel lucky that I was there when this scene was truly magical,it was an amazing time and to actually have been there from its birth,its conception and to still be on top after so long is amazing.
So for me, I would like to leave it there,with those memories intact and just do whatever I want because I really want to, and because with time we as artists want different things,same as with age and growth.
I have had conversations with some who say the shady behavior of so many who say they also love music is partly why they want out.
Major labels who ripped so many off including(been there)- are just simply liars,agents who are junkies,emotional vampires who pretend to be the ‘new up and comers’,new young artistes with such a sense of entitlement and no respect,and those ’fans’ who just steal music who knows why they feel it’s ok to do this.
It all just became a horrible ocean to swim in and they felt like they were drowning in what is a really tough time for us musos. The thing they loved the most was turning into the thing they hated the most in their lives -therefore they felt compelled to turn over a new leaf and in some cases move country and do something totally different.
I can’t name names as these are friends of mine but one huge DJ told me this ‘A part of our scene is just like pop now with fake stars who don’t even push a button- When a digital store dictates what is hip-when a magazine tells you who is cool-when bit torrent sites are the modern day gangsters who rape the artiste.When ‘fans’ just care about tweeting and gossip not real support-For me,this is the time to leave because all of that literally makes me sick and does not really represent what lies beneath where the diamonds in the rough lay.’ I never forgot those words.Strong stuff.
Of course I feel there is an up side to all change,we have more control as artistes ever did,we get to be true entrepreneurs in charge of our destinys- and we have a chance to make music for the sake of art because we know it ‘aint for money anymore as I have heard so many say.But it never was for me,it was always because I enjoyed it,and it that is not your core reason then I feel sad for you because the true joy is not wrapped in a dollar but in the process of it all.The joy is your evolution from beginner to master though I understand making a living is nothing to be ashamed of,all I am saying is when you love something the money comes,I am proof of that.I used to dream when I was 14 living in a squat with no electricity going to raves that if I could earn just 500 bucks a month I would be so happy- yet somehow I knew it would never be enough and that’s why I realized early- all I really wanted was to make music and perform.So, anytime I wished for anything it was always just to be happy and the same for others.
I really hope that as you continue this journey you become excited like me to see what enfolds,what lies ahead for you,for that beauty is we never know what great thing we are about to do next,yo explore and to play out.’It aint over till the fat lady sings’ I believe it is only over when you say so,so if you need a break, remember this greatness is always greatness,you will come back if you are great at what you do if you choose to be.
Hope this helps you -Luv & Bass DjRap x
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