MUSIC IS A MENTAL GAME
MUSIC IS A MENTAL GAME
One of the most challenging aspects of creating music is dealing with doubt and self-sabotage.
You’ve just released your music, feeling proud of your accomplishment. You’ve dedicated countless hours perfecting every detail, believing it’s crucial to impress everyone and make your song go viral.
However, a week later, the results are not what you expected. You begin to doubt yourself, questioning what went wrong and why it’s not working for you. As you browse through other artists’ and producers’ social media feeds, filled with achievements, you can’t help but feel distant from their success. You wonder if music is truly meant for you.
- Music as a Social Game
Remember how, as a child, you discovered new music? Someone else introduced it to you. The more people who listen to your music, the more it will be talked about, influencing how your work is perceived. But this recognition can take time, even years. Don’t lose hope; have faith in the process. Once someone discovers your music, they may or may not like it. They’ll consider various social signals your music sends to them:
- Does this music match my style? (social belonging)
- Can I relate to this music?
- Do people I admire listen to and enjoy this music?
2. Care for Your Image
These social signals are crucial for people to categorize you and understand your art better. That’s why your appearance will affect how your music is perceived. Many artists invest in photo shoots, videos, and visuals to distinguish themselves in the eyes of their audience. You are unique. Your vision and universe are reflected in your music.
3. Craft Your Message
Crafting your message in music is paramount, whether through lyrics or instrumental compositions. It’s about imbuing your work with a narrative or emotion that resonates authentically with your identity and artist brand. Your message serves as a bridge between your art and your audience, connecting them to your vision and values. It’s not just about creating sounds; it’s about conveying meaning and eliciting feelings that leave a lasting impact. By carefully curating your message, you ensure that your music becomes more than just a sonic experienceâit becomes a vessel for expression, understanding, and connection.
4. Seek Feedback
Engage with those who have listened to your music. How did they react? This feedback is invaluable for improving your art. Consider playing your song for friends or family without revealing your identity as the creator. Alternatively, submit your music for contests or live reviews to gauge reactions from fellow creators. Once you’ve gathered this information, use what’s relevant to you to create better content.
