THE MOST TALENTED MUSICIANS DONT MAKE IT 

There's music and then there's the business of music

A great friend of mine whose a very well known musician always said : You have to work hard to get to the top but you have to work even harder to stay at the top. I once asked his opinion about talent shows like Idols and his answer was quite interesting. He said, if they didn't broadcast the show before the winner is chosen, the chances of having a very talented vocalist you can work with properly towards a career would have been bigger. Instead, you watch the program on tv, you see the singers performing mostly cover songs and once the winner is announced, the public is happy, but the question is, now what? Now you have a star with no material, songwriters and producers under pressure to push a production out and the public going on with their daily lives with all but a memory of the star who won. That leads to bad quality music due to the rush of the production vs talent shows where you are judged upon your own composition. My example I always use goes: "Your song must be famous before you" meaning for example you hear a very well known song like "Summer of '69" for the first time. That song will make an impression on you and you will ask "who's the artist?" That's when you learn of Bryan Adams and look for more of his material. If you had to say 'this is Bryan Adams' without hearing the song that made that impact the first time, wouldn't your reaction also be "Ok..... Nice to know" and not be like "wow! Let me leave what I'm busy with for a second and listen to this song again" Lol!! I'm sorry for writing so much to explain so little. Good luck to all the musicians out there. I know very well how difficult it can be when you have what it takes but seems transparent while someone who can't hold a straight note hit it big time. Always remember, that's the difference between music and the music industry or true music and the demands of the market. As for tips, I can say, Don't fall for talent scouts, there are many who will take advantage of artists and not compensate with the excuse of 'it's for exposure' that's the first mistake I made. Singing for free for years for 'exposure' just to realize the next day nobody I sang to remembered me cause I was a 'live radio' in a pub. Always ALWAYS be on time for a gig, look professional and neat, don't demand impossible things from the organizers just because you can. The more human and humble you are the more people will think of you. Don't treat your engineers badly, KNOW YOUR SET BACK TO FRONT, and make sure you have equipment that can handle the gig and that's proper. (If you can, take backup where possible) and lastly, be approachable.... Don't make it difficult for people to work with you. If you are open, friendly and not an ass, people would prefer you over most other musicians. Same with supporters. Greet them and show them some love back in a professional way and your name will reach places you never knew existed. I like your videos my friend. Great work. Greetings from me. I apologize for typing anonymously, this is my personal channel and the only one I can be relaxed on.

It's about business at the end of the day. Most people are looking for the package. Talent, charisma, work ethic, looks, connections etc.

Not being confident in selling yourself . Not wanting to come across as having an ego and relying on just your talent or staying in a group hoping that will make it for you.

They get tired of putting a lot of time for such little return.

Instrument talent doesn't always write great songs

What are you trying to make? Fame? Have you seen the fate of a lot of them? Play your instrument and do it well...you are a creator first and foremost. You are already great!💜

There's a much simpler answer: it's that the market isn't asking for creativity.

The hardest part is finding a vocalist whom has that magic

Not just talent you need to have a big budget behind you

talent and creativity dont allways mix

I completely agree that many very talented musicians are ignored. 50 years my talents as a singer and guitarist were ignored by many in the music industry. I spent my entire music career having a day job because a "break" never came along.

Well I think you need to first define what "make it" means. Everyone has their own definition of success. I've met a lot of jazz musicians that aren't interested in dumbing down their playing for the masses - it's just not exciting for them. Others aren't interested in dealing with all the crap that goes on in the music business. And another point is that music is subjective; everyone has their own tastes. People don't pay for talent, they pay for a product they want. Plenty of people love cheeseburgers and fries over a fancy dinner. And it's not a bad thing, it's just the way it is.

George Martin made a lot of sense he said when he was introduced to the beatles he thought their music wasn't very good but he really noticed their personalities and irreverent humour and thought that alone would make them marketable

I thought you were going to say that the greatest talents are discouraged by the mediocrity of the music industry and public.

This totally explains why no one has ever heard of me...

Musical success is not based on technical talent, it's based on these multiple (not necessarily all) items: technical playing ability, great/catchy songwriting ability, physical attractiveness, stage charm, ambition & hard work... to name a few. Music school only really gets you one of these items.

100% accurate. I was lucky enough to get bitten by the guitar bug at a young age. I started playing electric guitar at 7 years old and developed my playing to a point where I was quite good by high school. I am a shining example of someone who thought that I was different than all the others because I had a natural talent. That belief was reinforced every time I saw others my age struggling with stuff I had "mastered "10 years prior. I too believed that it was just a matter of time, "when I'm ready I'll pop out on the scene and my career will take off soaring", I thought. Well, I'm 40 now, and I am still noodling around in my basement. I have never stepped foot on a stage or played to a crowd, ever. While I did come to the realization that talent was such a small part of success, I realized it way too late in life. The whole time that I was honing my craft, I was NOT working on things like my confidence, my attitude, my people skills etc. etc... You have to really believe in yourself and it takes a lot of soul searching to defeat the self doubt and self defeating thought patterns. (This is probably not a struggle for everyone, but it was for me.) Some people are born with that bigger than life self image, and I'm sure that helps them in a music career, but I certainly never had that. Apologies for the long comment, but I suppose what I'm getting at is, listen to this man, he is 100% right. If you're good at something, don't get too caught up in all the compliments, just smile and keep working on the big picture. 'Cause there are a lot of really, really good musicians who work in jobs they hate and grow old and depressed because of their missed opportunity.

I usually stay away from videos like this as I try to play for just myself, however this guys advice is kind of like gold dust. Work ethic can get you anywhere

thank you bro i appreciate ur effort!

MY father always said, the most talented musicians you will find playing on the street....

110% truth. Most talented musicians in my city, jump ship way too often, and get caught up in their lovely “I fill up bars” ego, and that’s no reason to have an ego, if that’s all you’re gonna do.

You're right. I was supposed to release an album last year, but due to my talents I have become complacent. Watching this really helped to change my perspective. I'll be sure to watch more.

I love good music and i hate the music business!

On the one hand it's great that there are so few that have this kind of ambition. On the other it's hard to find people to work with that want to put in the effort. I need to figure out a way to filter out time-wasters quickly.

The way that musicians make it is, having their own sound that fits right in with the time period and what is trendy at the time but also has a uniqueness to it. Secondly, that the message is clear, and creates a tangible mood and causes the listener to feel one cohesive emotion. Talent is really sort of secondary.

Talent is a lie! I should know everyone says im talented but they werent there when I spent 100s of hours putting in the work to get good they just see the end result and want it to have come naturally cause people are lazy they want an excuse as to why they cant do something so they dont have to put in the effort to even try.

His advice is just like the self-help book The Secret Book by Rhonda Byrne. It's your own fault if you're not thinking positively enough. In this case it's your own fault if you're not working hard enough. Even though some of us have got a full-time job and haven't been living off of mummy and daddy's since we were a teenager and have a overwhelming amount of competition out there.

As a self published writer, I'm finding a lot of teaching on this channel seems relevant to writers, not just musicians. I've only watched a handful of your videos but I'm going to keep watching cause what you're saying isn't being said in the indie publisher community, but it rings true

As a talented musician that is currently making it I agree with all of this. Good job Damian

This is so true!

So well explained! I struggled with this till I understood I am in fact not as good as maybe millions of other musicians, though I maybe gifted with more talent than many. That has no impact on the world unless you do something great with it. Your video reminds me to get real and treat the gift with the hard work it deserves.

Wonderful advice, thank you.

Agreed. Worked as a Sushi Chef for 10 years. But now I'm finally taking all my skills and things I've learned back into the music side of things. I've had a lot of songs written. Can't say I'm the most talented instrument player but I'm recording all my songs to share with the world out there. Good luck to all the musicians out there. Work ethic is key and your professionalism.

Great insight!

Would Jimi Hendrix make it today? He is regarded as one of the most talented musicians ever. No- because guitar music out. Same with Bach, Beethoven etc. It's not about talent anymore it's about appearence, popularity and image.

Bang on Damian

Love your videos, voice of a reason 🤘

very happy i stumbled on your content

Right on the Money!

good thoughts and smart take on talent in general.

Great video! so much more than talent is needed to really make a mark in the music world

This is true for sports or anything else in life

Wise words and they apply to every industry

Always such an interesting video :))

Really wise words, not just true for musicians but for all areas of life

This is really true. In all parts of life. It leads to a sense of entitlement where sucess is taken as a given which dampens ambition. I've seen it time and time again in music and in the workplace

well said!

Spot on! People always say you need a slice of luck, and while that's true... talent + hard work = higher percentage of luck.

100%. Catching some breaks along the way doesn't hurt. Also, you're attitude on the job and getting along goes a long way. You've got to be a good hang.

Excellent approach to mindset. This is what should be taught in school.

Totally agree. To work!!

Spot on.

Man this really resonated with me, thank you. Just for life in general I have always been conflicted with the image i hold of myself because of all the positive comments regarding my guitar playing or talent but my accomplishments/ goals are lacking and wow, you are right! I never tried 100%. 15 years, 1 rehab, and 1 child later and im ready to actually use what i have. Thanks again for the insight!

Exactly. Hustle beats talent. If you hustle and never stop,you'll make it

Joanie Mitchell put it well. The people who own the Fame Business are now looking for young people "with a look" who are "cooperative." That's why she's now mostly painting. The agents, managers, promoters and big money men will provide the rest. There's very little emphasis on instrumental skill any more - can you imagine an "instrumental" being a huge hit these days? Do many young people know what that is? And does anyone care who writes the songs? We used to say "Are those songs on the radio & TV because people like them or do people like them because they're on the radio and TV? The masses don't decide what's on the menu, so to speak.

'Making it' is not important. It means nothing. Music business is dead today.

Watching this over a year after it's posted but I had to give props for the perfect usage of Lister's "words that end in 'ibble'" quote from Red Dwarf. Bravo, sir, bravo.

You are correct. I lived in a town where everyone you know is an amazing talented musician. The masses can only learn the names of so many...not everyone even cares to do it all the time or as a job, or has particular ambition, just like you say.

I am here to do the JOB! And to stay cool while doing it. Hammering it out till the bitter fucking end to bring it.

I think to make it big you need to have a personality people fall in love with.Even if your not a perfect musician.

Words of wisdom!

This is another great video. Something that might be related but not quite is a notice a lot of local musicians not having any concept of entertainment. It’s one thing to play your instrument well, and it’s an entirely different thing to involve and engage the audience. A lot of bands seem to have an odd philosophy about shows “being about the music.”

My school mate from long ago is a super talented musician who has mastered several instruments, but is cringy unreliable, back stabbing, stoned most of the time, and virtually zero business sense, thus not achieving any great status, and still scratching the surface to make ends meet. Once - long ago - I envied his talent, but now I just smile.

So so true ma bro , I am a famous musician here talented but I put more work and effort in my craft than other musicians who are even more talented than me .

Talent is nothing without hard work.

Preach it!!! Hard work beats talent! Great stuff:) i listen to your stuff everyday (i even rewatch for refreshments)! #grindNeverStops

must embody this x factor

Talent + pasion

Being a band or an artist is equivalent to running a business. If someone has the talent, they have the business idea or the product patent. But if you don’t market and advertise for that idea, it’ll only be an idea, patent, or talent.

im glad someone made a video i have some amazingly talented friends.... and i listen to the radio or cd/ records... and honestly i dont know how that happends but like the feller said there's music and then there's the music business.

Demo, when you say "make it" what does it mean? Become a great star, moderate star, have a one hit wonder or just be able to live from your musicianship?

The big problem is that musicians are mostly of a creative type and they don't understand the business side of it. The business of making music is almost non existent today . There aren't many record companies any more so you have to do everything from recording to marketing. I played out for about a decade and finally had a family to feed. Then I needed to get a new career . So before you start down this road make sure you have plan B well in place !!!!

if you love playing music don't make it your job

He just described why I am (relatively) successful

There's talent and there's marketable talent.

Once again, you're right.

High creativity tends to go with low conscientousness, you need the latter generally to be a really good musician, I have a lot of songs on RU-vid but I’m not the greatest musician, if only I could get a call from the ‘Bond’ people :-)

You are exactly right. The music business has always had closed doors as a rule. Not what you know but who you know. Talent is black listed to a great degree. A select few somehow break through many times through lucky breaks, right place right time. Sometimes the people running the business decide it's easier to manufacture stars rather than recruit and nurture stars. The Madonna, Milli Vanilli, Brittney Spears type of approach. Give somebody, almost anybody, a total makeover, pair up some writers or ghost writers in the shadows, create an elaborate stage show, mask the deficiencies of the artist. It's a crazy business to be sure. Having said all that, the Sixties and early Seventies were probably the best time for real artists to break through. There was a great diversity of music where any style could break through and be popular. Still, behind the scenes, even then, you had the Wrecking Crew, where many artists weren't allowed to fully blossom as artists. I read even on the first Byrd's album the Wrecking Crew was used.

The title is true. I've seen and lived it.

From all of my friends, I was the worst at music. Now they all stop playing and some are still good but I learned a lot while they weren't doing music. I really do not have any talent and I always knew. It was hard to do something that was against my natural capabilities, but I guess I did my best. I keep the music for longer ehat I though i could, and it was not always easy, but I'm proud of what I have achieved.

Exactly the same as sports.Always get the prodigy that falls by the wayside.Ability =talent +hard work+ mindset.Seen so many people that have more talent than those around.Someone gets close,they put in a bit of effort and pull away.Its a trap and they end up the big fish in the small pond.Seen it so many times,people think we’ll I can do things he can’t,Im better.No,just more gifted.Better is what you can achieve with your gifts.

I'll be alright then 😁

In the 70s & 80s, musicians were given a chance to experiment new sounds. There were countless exploding on MTV. Then came the 90s, if you were a great guitar shredder, it was consider uncool unless you were a 3 chords nirvana band. All and all, don’t worry about making it, just enjoy what was given to you. If serving coffee is your job, so be it. Just be blessed your still here making music for yourself.

You have the exact same energy as Kelly Jones

Currently becoming more -ible!

Case in point; Jeffery Gaines went on tour with Melissa Etheridge with his debut album. One of the greatest debuts i ever heard, it still stands up to this day. Check it out and you’ll see what i mean.

Well, youtube is full of great records made by great bands that didn't make it.

In my early 20's I got to work with stars and genius sidemen. When I found out how little famous bands paid the other guys it popped my bubble. If I could go back and do it over I'd of stayed in school until I got my PhD then taught in a good college. Instead I always got hired because I was a monster around a bunch of drunk, drugged-out mediocre wannabe's. It's not even worth the effort anymore.

So of you're highly talented, what would be the right thing to do to deal with this dilemma?

So true.

So what you are saying is, that it's one percent talent, and ninety-nine perspiration. Success is always going to be a heady cocktail of essential ingredients mixed in the right measure. Rather than working hard to compete against some one else who already caters for something why not carve out your own unique niche which only you can serve. Don't be a copy be original. That is easier said than done I know. Even the most successful acts have had their knocks and set backs but just kept going. Success is only a by product of doing what you do extremely well - not an end in itself.

You have so much good tips to tell and I want to listen. But I find it hard to sign up for a shows. Just dont know how to find, that somewhere will be show and my band can Play. Hope for help, Cheers!

yes sir

I like what you say. One clarification about 'Talent': No one is born with a 'certain' gift. Talent just means; being passioned and work hard for what you want. People often use talent as a excuse to NOT do something or become someone. Talent is a result not a starting point, remember that. Enjoy your day. Cheers.

I’ve worked with everyone from Joan Jett, The Monkees, to former members of The Doors, The Beach Boys, etc. I’ve found that the musicians/singers who succeed are the ones who really want it, show up, don’t fight with the producers, behave. The musician/singers who might be extremely talented, but do not achieve success are the self-important, “you couldn’t understand our generation,” etc. etc. Jett’s producers were older than she was, she didn’t argue, “Don’t tell me what to do.” Yes, it’s very nice if Simon & Garfunkel or Cat Stevens show up with hit songs and all you have to do is hit record, but how often does that happen; even The Beatles had to take direction from George Martin.

You can tell by listening to the mainstream music that this guy is pretty much right.

Talent needs leadership. Talent needs ambition, talent needs more than average intelligence. It’s about bringing it, and what you and your given talent can bring into the music dynamic. Come together and create great hooks and riffs along with expressing to other musicians working with you on how to make them better. Writing lyrical literature that is catchy and emotional takes a specula kind of talent. Anyone can play and copy cat the best out there. The key is to find your own niche and run with it! Be beyond normal creative. Always think outside of the box. If you do, you will create masterpieces of music!

Everyone has talent the more you practice the better you get the only thing is you need the rite practice doing the rite things that's going to make you better everyone in the world could be a great singer with the rite practice because everyone can sing with practice

I tried getting gigs in my local area. I worked so hard for it for nearly 10 years I can do opera, screams, I can go both really high and really low, I manage guitar, I trained everyday There's people who get gigs and can't even do half of what I put work into Not fair as I worked so hard bleeding and dying for playing shows, as spent most of my days traing and rehearsing Music life is no fair