Ups and Downs: Balancing a Music Career

It’s 7:33 PM on a Sunday afternoon. I’m sitting in the backyard of one of the best drummers in Nashville, hanging out with some of the best musicians I’ve ever been around, having the time of my life and eating world class BBQ. My friend Dan has just started an amazing solo guitar set that’s blowing my mind. 

On my right is one of the most respected keyboardists in the world. On the left is a man that helped to invent one of the best pieces of studio gear ever created. I lean back, munching on my brisket and wondering what the heck I’m doing here and why anyone invited me to this incredible night.

Flash forward 24 hours. I’m holding a crying child. My wife and I have been going on 6 hours sleep every night for 4 days, and we’re exhausted. The day before I lost a gig that was really important financially, and I’m in a rotten mood. Just as we get ready to head out the door, Jackson decides to puke up all over his outfit. I have the temptation to punch a hole in a wall or run screaming from the room.

This is the musician life. I bounce between incredibly exciting ups, and really big lows. I struggle deeply with trying to stay positive some days, and other days its easy. I’d feel guilty about the constantly swinging nature of my career if it wasn’t universal- every musician I know struggles with this every day. 

Why share this? Because I want you hear the truth, not just the glass-half-full side of my music career. You’re not alone. Keep trying, moving ahead, and we’ll manage this together. I'm rooting for you.