Why I'm a musician

 Being a musician is more than just a job or hobby for me, it's a need. It's something I just have to do, like breathing. It's how I express myself and make sense of the world.

As someone who's neurodivergent and deals with mental illness, making music is especially important. It's a way for me to take all the feelings and thoughts swirling around in my head and turn them into something real and beautiful. Playing an instrument or singing is like therapy for me, helping me cope with stress and anxiety.

But it's not just about me. Music is a powerful way to connect with others. It's a universal language that can break down barriers of race and culture. When I play a song and people connect with it, it's like we're speaking the same language. It creates this emotional bond between us and it's amazing.

Being a musician also gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I get to share my talents with the world and make a difference in people's lives. Seeing someone's face light up when they hear a song that speaks to them, or watching a crowd sing along to one of my songs, it's indescribable.

Now, I'm not going to lie, it's not always easy. There's rejection and failure, but the need to make music is too strong to ignore. It's a part of me, and I can't be truly happy or fulfilled without it. Plus, making music helps me navigate the challenges of my neurodivergence and mental illness.

All in all, being a musician is more than just a job or hobby for me, it's a need. It's how I express myself, cope with life and connect with others. It gives me purpose and fulfillment and helps me navigate the challenges of my neurodivergence and mental illness.

I'm a comedian... No, seriously

 Being a stand-up comedian is not just about telling jokes on stage, it's about putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and making people laugh. It's a unique combination of art, entertainment, and bravery. But it's also one of the most challenging and rewarding careers you can have.

For me, it all started with my first job. I was working as a server and always cracking jokes and making my co-workers laugh. One day, a friend suggested I try stand-up comedy, and I thought it would be a fun challenge. I started performing at open mic nights and quickly fell in love with the rush of being on stage. There's nothing like making a room full of strangers laugh.

But stand-up comedy is not just about getting laughs, it's also about the craft. Writing a good joke is hard work and so is writing a good set. And making it all come together on stage is even harder. It's a constant process of writing, rewriting, and refining. And even when you have a great set, you never know how it's going to go over with a live audience. That's the beauty and the fear of stand-up comedy.

It's also a career that requires a thick skin. Not every joke will land, and not every audience will be receptive. You have to be able to handle rejection and criticism. It can also be a lonely job, traveling from city to city, performing for strangers night after night. But when it all comes together, and you have a room full of people laughing and cheering, it's all worth it.

Being a stand-up comedian also taught me a lot about myself, especially when it comes to my mental health and anxiety. Being on stage and having to be funny all the time can be incredibly draining and can take a toll on your mental health. It's important to take care of yourself and be aware of the potential effects on your mental health. For me, I've learned to set boundaries for myself and take time for self-care.

In conclusion, being a stand-up comedian is not for everyone. It's a challenging and demanding career, but it's also one of the most rewarding. It's about putting yourself out there, making people laugh and learning a lot about yourself in the process. But it's also important to remember to take care of yourself and be aware of the potential effects on your mental health.

Why I use humour as a defence mechanism

 Humour has always been my go-to defence mechanism, a way to deal with tough situations and emotions. It's like a superpower that I've always had, the ability to make people laugh and lighten the mood, even in the darkest of times. 

But it wasn't until recently that I really started to understand how powerful it can be as a coping mechanism, especially when it comes to anxiety. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and found it difficult to make friends and fit in. Humour was a way for me to connect with others and to express myself. It was a way to break the ice and to start a conversation. 

As I got older, my anxiety didn't go away, it just manifested itself in different ways. But through it all, humour was always a constant for me. It was a way to cope with the anxiety and to make sense of the world around me. 

Recently, I've been working with a therapist who specializes in anxiety and I've been learning about different coping mechanisms. But I've also come to realize that humour will always be a part of who I am and it will always be a valuable tool for me to cope with anxiety. 

Using humor as a defense mechanism is not just about telling jokes and making people laugh, but it's about using it as a tool to cope with anxiety and to make sense of life.

FAWM 2023

 Hey friends!

I just wanted to drop in and share some exciting news with you all - I'm taking on the February Album Writing Month (FAWM) challenge! For those of you who haven't heard of it, it's a songwriting challenge where participants aim to write 14 songs in the 28 days of February. I've always been up for a challenge and I think this is going to be a great opportunity to push myself as a songwriter and see what I'm capable of.

As I gear up for this adventure, I wanted to share some tips that have helped me in the past when getting ready for a songwriting challenge.

First things first, it's all about setting realistic goals for yourself. 14 songs in 28 days is no small feat, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, focus on the process of writing and creating and enjoy the ride.

Another tip that's helped me is to start gathering inspiration early. This could be watching a movie, listening to a new album, or even taking a walk in nature. The more inspiration you have, the easier it'll be to come up with new ideas and concepts for your songs.

I also like to have a solid writing routine in place. This could mean setting aside a specific time each day to work on songwriting, or having a dedicated writing space. Whatever works best for you, make sure you stick to it as much as possible.

And don't forget about the tools! Having the right tools is key to streamlining the songwriting process. This could mean having a notebook for lyrics, a recording app for demos or a good DAW for composing.

But the most important thing for me is to remember to be open to experimentation and trying new things. Songwriting can be a very personal process, and it's easy to get bogged down by self-doubt or fear of failure. Remember, not every song you write will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating.

So there you have it, I'm all set and ready to take on this challenge. I'm excited to see what I can come up with in the next 28 days and can't wait to share my progress with you all. If you're also participating in FAWM or any other songwriting challenges, I wish you all the best of luck and please feel free to share your own tips and tricks.

Happy songwriting, friends!

Artistic Burnout - some thoughts and advice

 Artistic burnout is something that a lot of us creative types go through. It's when you're just feeling drained, unmotivated and uninspired. It can happen due to a lot of pressure or stress, and it can make it hard to keep creating. And for some of us, we may struggle with repeated episodes of burnout. It can be frustrating and disheartening but the good news is, it's totally possible to bounce back and get back to making art you're proud of.

First things first, it's important to admit to yourself that you're experiencing burnout. It's easy to feel guilty or like a failure when you're not feeling creative, but burnout is a natural response to a lot of stress. Recognizing it is the first step in getting past it.

One of the best ways to recover from burnout is to practice some self-care. It's important to take care of your body and mind if you want to be able to create. This can mean different things to different people, it could be going for a run, meditating, journaling or just taking a walk in nature. Find something that works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

Another tip is to take a break from creating. It can be hard to step away from something you're passionate about, but sometimes a break is exactly what you need. A vacation, a sabbatical or even just a few days off can give you the time and space you need to recharge.

It's also important to take a look at your goals and values. A lot of the time, burnout can happen when we feel like our art isn't aligning with what we truly want to achieve. Reflecting on what's important to you and what you want to get out of creating can help you refocus and regain motivation.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to friends and family, seek out therapy or counseling, or join an art support group. Having people to talk to and lean on can make a huge difference in getting through a tough time. It's also important to keep in mind that it's not uncommon to experience repeated episodes of burnout, and it's important to have a plan in place and to be proactive in preventing it.

In summary, artistic burnout is common but it's not the end of the road. By acknowledging it, practicing self-care, taking a break, reflecting on your goals, and reaching out for support, you can come out the other side and get back to making art you're passionate about. Remember, recovery takes time and it's important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Being prepared for repeated episodes of burnout and having a plan in place can help you to better manage it.

Being an independent musician

 Being an independent musician is like being a small business owner, you have total control over your art and how you want to present it, but it also means you have to wear a lot of hats and figure out ways to promote and make a living off your music on your own.

One of the best things about going independent is the creative freedom you get. You get to pick and choose who you want to work with, and you don't have to answer to anyone when it comes to your music. You can experiment and explore new sounds without any pressure from anyone else. This can lead to a more authentic and true-to-you sound that your fans will appreciate.

Another plus side of being an independent musician is the connection you get to make with your fans. When you're not tied to a big record label, you get to interact with your fans directly and build a community around your music. This can lead to a more dedicated and engaged fan base that will stick with you for the long haul.

But, being independent can also be tough. Without the backing of a label or manager, you have to hustle and grind to get your music out there and get people to notice you. It can be a lot of work and takes a lot of time, effort and sometimes money to make it happen. Plus, without the support of a label, it can be hard to make a living from your music alone, and you may need to have a day job to support yourself.

To make it work, you have to be strategic about how you approach things. Building a strong online presence is crucial, you want to be active on social media and make sure you're regularly putting out content that will connect with your fans. Networking with other independent musicians and industry professionals can also be helpful, you can share resources and support each other. And, you have to be open to change and willing to adapt as the music industry evolves.

Being an independent musician is not for everyone, but for those who are willing to put in the work, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. You get to be in charge of your own creative destiny, and you get to build a community of fans who truly appreciate your art.

Creativity and Isolation

 Being creative in isolation can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. The isolation in this case can be self-imposed or imposed by external factors such as a pandemic, a move to a new place, or a change in personal circumstances. Regardless of the cause, being isolated can have both positive and negative effects on one's creativity.

On one hand, isolation can provide a sense of freedom and independence that can be conducive to creativity. Without the distractions and obligations of daily life, one can focus on their craft and explore new ideas and techniques. This can lead to a sense of experimentation and experimentation that can be very beneficial for the creative process.

Additionally, isolation can also help to foster a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. When one is isolated, they must rely on their own resources and abilities to create and produce. This can be a powerful motivator and can lead to a greater sense of ownership and investment in one's work.

On the other hand, isolation can also have negative effects on one's creativity. Without the support and feedback of others, it can be easy to become stuck in a rut or to lose sight of one's goals and objectives. Furthermore, isolation can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be detrimental to both one's mental and emotional well-being.

To overcome the negative effects of isolation, it's important to establish a routine and a schedule for work and play. Setting specific times for creative work and taking regular breaks can help to maintain focus and motivation. Additionally, it's important to find ways to connect with others, whether it's through online communities, virtual workshops, or in-person meetings. This can provide support, inspiration, and feedback that can be essential for the creative process.

Another way to overcome the negative effects of isolation is to find ways to incorporate different forms of inspiration in your work. Inspiration can come from many sources, such as nature, art, music, or even people you meet. It's important to keep an open mind, and be willing to explore different forms of inspiration.

Finally, it's important to remember to be patient with yourself and your work. Creativity is a process, and it can take time to develop and refine. It's important to have patience with yourself and to not be too hard on yourself if you don't produce something great every time.

In conclusion, being creative in isolation can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. To overcome the negative effects of isolation, it's important to establish a routine and schedule, find ways to connect with others, incorporate different forms of inspiration, and to be patient with yourself and your work. It's important to remember that creativity is a process and it's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end.