I’ve had a lot of requests for advice on starting out from young artists, lately. And though I’m hardly what most would consider successful, I will say this:
I don’t believe there’s any “silver bullet” or magic formula, but I deeply believe that if you make authenticity your core value, and if you put in years of hard work, patiently, consistently, over time you will amass a body of mostly good work. If you actively resist hype and buzz and spin, and simply allow that good work to speak for itself, people will take notice, and word will spread. And as long as you avoid the temptation to believe the nice things people say about you and to “rest on your laurels”, and just keep working, in time you’ll be able to look back on a modest career built on a firm foundation of art you can be proud of (but never fully satisfied with) that allows you to make a modest living. What more can anyone ask than that?
Keith
Hello Keith,
Thank for your time and “advice” to my young friend (and me) at Ritson Road Alliance, here in Oshawa, last Sunday.
How neat that you had already answered my question here on your website a few weeks before.
I very much appreciate your words of wisdom both times.
BTW, what a pleasure it has been to discover your music; it is most excellent; and your website is great too!
Blessing’s and God’s protection on you as you continue to stay faithful to Him and His leading.
rudy
Hi Rudy,
It was great to meet you! Glad this was helpful. Hope to make it back your way for a concert sometime in the New Year!
Keith