047: Opening Up

I don't know about everyone else, but it's starting to feel like things are 'opening up' a bit - whatever that means. Live shows are starting to pop up, it looks like some festivals will be happening this summer, and talks about touring in the fall and into 2022 are happening. It definitely feels good to be having these conversations. I also think it's important to pause for a moment as we move back into a world of live shows and touring and make sure we're not just falling back into the same old routine. As a good friend of mine has said - 'Old Habits Die Hard'.

For better or worse, the pandemic gave us all an opportunity to step back from how we were doing things, and re-asses if it was the right way forward for us. It also required so many of us to find new ways to make a living in this industry and find ways to connect without touring. Even before the pandemic I know many artists were questioning their approach to touring, and wondering if that model was still the best way to do things.

Pre-pandemic 'local' and 'regional touring' often felt like the minor leagues to some extent. You put your time in there and eventually you'd move up in the world and start touring across the country and internationally. I hope going forward we are all able to look at this differently. Some artists may choose to keep their touring closer to home, and maybe venture out into the wider world every few years. Do artists need to be on the road constantly to make a career of this? For some, it may be the right move. But for others I know how draining it can be, mentally, physical, and the strain it can have on families and relationships. Considering another way forward is worthwhile for everyone.

Many artists have found other methods to generate income over the past year. Online events, Patreon, teaching, coaching, these have all become viable income streams for many - and hopefully can continue. If nothing else, it means more time at home, and a lot fewer expenses compared to touring across the country and abroad.

I guess the point of all this for me is to make sure we are all making conscious decisions about what is best for each of us as we 'open up'. This echo's something I wrote about last year early in the pandemic. As talks about 'getting back to normal' were everywhere. I thought it was important to question what 'normal' actually was and whether it was something that was even working for us, as for many it was not.

We have all found new ways to do things - and this past year has proven that there are a multitude of ways to make things work and still have a career in this industry. Don't be too quick to fall back on your old habits just because they are familiar. Instead, focus on creating the career that you want, the one that works with your life. Then make the decisions that will support that direction. It may not be easy, but neither was this past year.

~ Steve