What if your dreams never come true?
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- Опубліковано 9 січ 2024
- No one is coming to save you, but that doesn't mean all is hopeless. You have more ability to create your own opportunities than ever before. Here's how I did it.
This video started as an entry in my Saturday Newsletter: www.jamesonnathanjones.com/blog
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This video started as an entry in my Saturday Newsletter: www.jamesonnathanjones.com/blog
Thank you James...
🫵🔥🥀
People often go-on about "it's who you know that counts" but a while back I heard it turned around as "it's who knows YOU that counts". That is really valuable because it's no longer about networking, you don't even have to know the people who could change your fortunes, you just have to create things that will get you the right kind of attention.
Damn thank you for that! That really does change the whole thing from a sad, lonely door to door salesman in a battle against the darkness, to a more human and organic thing
If your work stands out, they will know you. If not, then you have to go out there and make sure they do.
Well said @oldunclemick
I don’t see how turning that phrase around really helps. Instead of trying to network in a bleak room, you’re trying to attract people to your nest with a megaphone in a bleak crowd of a million other megaphone yellers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
"Don't wait for opportunities. Create them."
A very powerful message. Thank you!
ie “leverage any privilege, and if you’re neurodiverse/have mental health issues then you’re out of luck?”
My husband use to play bass in a band as a hobby. Two years ago he had a mountain bike accident and his right arm never was the same. He was really frustrated and sad. Then he started to watch some videos, while he wasn't able to work...and hallelujah! He discovered the magic wolf of modular Synthesizer 🎹. He has some stuff but he is still learning. I can say, the holly Moog saves his life ☺️.
I'm only a listener of your music, Mr. Jones, my piano skills are really basic but I enjoy watching your videos and supporting your creativity.
Greetings from Germany 😉
Thanks so much Patty! Arm injuries really seem to be out here changing lives haha
Nice. ❤
I’m at this point where I spent 10 years in the industry as a hired gun, realized I hated it, had some family tragedies, and completely quit all creative endeavors for a good 7 years. Now, I’m trying to learn how to love to create just to express myself, and from that I’m finding my love for the process of creation again after years of a creative desert. I appreciate this video
I'm 40. I live next door in Arkansas (also not known for being a music hub). Grew up in a musical household but never played an instrument and as a consequence never wrote anything.
Then I discovered midi. And VSTs. And Musescore. And Cakewalk/Garageband. A whole new world has opened up. But, I'm old in body and green in compositional ability.
This video really encouraged me to keep writing. If nothing else, for myself...And to STOP waiting for an assignment. I need to radiate outward.
Once again, I appreciate guys like you and Venus Theory bringing common sense to the creative masses.
As rick rubin states in his book, always remember the audience comes last. You can never know what will the audience will like and the same goes for the audience
I've stopped sending out Demos to record labels. When I've restarted making music, this happened because of the Pandemic. I had to quit around 23 years ago because of missing money to replace broken gear. After I've restarted, I thought I publish my stuff on SoundCloud. And after some dudes told me that they wanted to sign, I thought they were real. They're not. But I had the feeling to spam labels with my stuff.
But in the end, I am happy with releasing it on SoundCloud. Some of the tracks will be made a release, so they are also thrown over to Spotify. I won't be rich, but that's OK. I began thinking that it's better if I make music especially for myself, not for anyone else. This is my musical voice. And it's fine if there is no contract. It's still my hobby. And this is especially me. I don't have to run after anyone.
I’m 56 and been writing all the songs in my bands that have expanded 30 years …I don’t play covers and I’ve never taken a dime for a show ..don’t care if there is 1 person or a few thousand at my show …I’ve played them both ways … I do it for me and me only if other people like it then great if they don’t I really don’t care ….main thing is have fun doing it …
Both my partner and I have lived in LA/Orange County all our lives. One thing besides skill and proof is competition. You may find that person that will help you but you really have to prove yourself to make them comfortable to take you under their wing. LA is not some magical place where success happens just by moving here. It takes a lot of hard work, if not even more so from wherever you come from.
Absolutely. Unfortunately it’s often presented as such to young composers. It takes hard work regardless of where you come from, but one can gain skill and generate proof from anywhere today.
Hey Jameson, this video is finally what made me get off my ass and start recording for my music channel. I kept making excuses like I have to get better, or I can't record cuz my space is too small, or I will start recording when I buy my camera. Went ahead and put together a set up for now and got my first video recorded. Looking forward to doing more and getting more comfortable with the process
A song is not a song until it is a finished song. Another good video.
Good work is where you find it
good message sir. Even as a hobbyist, I find value in that I don't need to wait for a company to put out new gear or beg for an enhancement I think I need. I have what I need to make something. Go make it. And when I decide to do that, I actually appreciate what I have and it shows should I opt to share it with the world.
PS an extra like on the shorts.
🩳
Build it.. and they will come..
Hi Jameson, felt compelled to comment (especially to say that you have a great beard, hints of Gordon Freeman in a way), and say I appreciated all of what you've said here.
I'm at many crossroads, with many directions in front of me, many alternative paths and lives to live.
I produce music under my name and like yourself am also interested in video game and film soundtrack writing alongside my own work.
In 2017 I scored for Spurn, a local indie suspense film, and was glad for the opportunity.
I was reached out to through friends and related circles, with music from my existing 2016 ambient album, Realisations being the reason to choose me in the first place.
Certainly a case of "who knows you" as some are also commenting. You're right, I agree that being persistent with one's own work is key. Best way to show a personal portfolio that highlights what makes you sound like you.
Small other positive to add, at some point, a few years ago I was reached out to by someone from Netflix as well solely from hearing a track on my SoundCloud account, I couldn't believe it.
Lil' ol' me? But that's the whole damn point, if someone likes what you make, that's what counts. Still an encouraging memory to revisit.
Now, in 2024 the question is what to aim for, which direction to go in, and I'm feeling that if I can make it work with consistency, I could make greater strides with personal and video game/film soundtracks/sound production.
I'm a bit inspired with your UA-cam video content as well, I've made some efforts this year to upload more, and hopefully talk people through my process in video form as well. Watch this space, and all that.
I'm feeling a bit more pepped up watching this, perhaps I'll give it another go! Thanks again.
I always said… It’s the people that give up that never make it a success for themselves. Sometimes you have to adjust what “Successful” means to you. I tried to get on a label for 8 years and gave up. Being on a label wasn’t really success. I had a kid, became a dad and play music for fun. I think that is actually “success for me”
That comment is a rollercoaster. You failed.
Lot to unpack here... what does "try" mean, did you have good branding? did you have great songs? did you have an EPK? or did you just send half-asssed demos once in a while to a random label not suited for you with zero fans except your mom? did you network or did you send cold emails? see this is why I don't buy into these "poor me" comments but feel free to prove me wrong.
Mississippi! Alright! Arkansas here.
Oh boy, I needed this message.
I'm not sure there are big breaks these days. But there are plenty of little breaks that can earn you a living. For the vast majority of creatives to make a living these days, they have to be entrepreneurs. That means starting a business and finding multiple ways to monetize your creativity. I think too many creative people conflate success with fame, and the riches associated with that. Success is really just being able to make a living by doing what you love to do. If you're craving fame as a form of success, your chances just diminished a thousand fold.
also have lots of musical stuff too, like... somedays create, somedays mixdown videos, some days, record bands or build synths or write or.. do all the things so you dont burn out on one
I've been making songs 2-4 times a week sometimes more since 2016. I started producing in 2012. I've been constantly improving and creating my own sound. I fear that my songs aren't being picked up by the algorithm, and are being buried. This may not be the case. If I were to able to make enough money to get by that would be great. Perhaps I don't know how to promote myself without money. I'm going to do live gigs and hopefully spread the word. The idea that certain people in media would want my sound is a very appealing concept.
Important message. Thanks for sharing
I needed to see this.
I feel I would like to have you as my teacher. Your videos are to me the only real experience in internet about electronic music and what it means. Thank you for your work, its so much inspiring to me. I started making “music” with fastracker 2 in my dads laptop around 30 years ago. Life didn’t let me continue my dream until now. I started last year, working with what I have, making things I love, I listen to them over and over, and I’d love other people to enjoy what I do, Not the first video where I hear that you have to make music for yourself, and I will do that until I die. It’s very hard to put your mind 200% in music, and not being able to talk about it with someone else, its so lonely, but it is amazing when that magic happens, when in the middle of nowhere in your room, in your headphones you hear that sound that suddenly makes you say wow!. I don’t know why Im so deep in a UA-cam comment, its the first time I do it, but this was very inspiring. Thanks again.
Will definitely put the info to use thank you and from Gulfport
Excellent video. Very inspiring. Thanks!
Your video popped up in my feed, and I instantly subbed. You're spot-on with this message. For a long time, I was waiting for success to come to me. I felt that I deserved it. But it wasn't until I buckled down and started being proactive, working on my own projects, and reaching out to potential clients that things started falling into place. It took me almost 3 years to build up a fanbase and to start getting gigs coming in, but it's so worth it! Stick with it, friends!
Welcome! Glad the algo blessed us with the connection haha
just what i needed
Thank you!
It will be okay
It did encouraged me,thank you
Positive Vibe helps always!
Yes exactly. This is the exact same path that I stumbled on mostly by accident. One thing worth noting, directors are into visuals as well as music (not surprisingly) so I don't think it's a coincidence that I landed my first scoring jobs after uploading some royalty free tracks to UA-cam that were not only the music I wanted to make, but also had some interesting visuals to go with them. Nothing fancy, I just trawled back through my families VHS camcorder tapes and pulled out some unusual moments. But seeing audio alongside visuals can help a lot I think.
It also attracted the attention of a couple of synth manufacturers so I work in that area too. I have no musical qualifications apart from grade 5 piano 😄
I appreciate this video. Having put so much time into music on my free time, much of what I do is not thought out but a thing I do on my free time and just a way to express myself. I am 39 and want to start a career in music. Recently I was close to quitting, was really burning out, but videos like these are encouraging. Thank you for posting your video. It motivates me to want to learn more. I am Looking forward to learning about counterpoint, voice leading and more about harmony. I plan to enroll at my local community college and fill in the gaps of knowledge, so that I can better communicate with this language we call music. Thanks again for the motivation.
well said
I needed to hear this, thank you man
One of the best videos I’ve ever seen
Amazing video bro! Really quality. I needed to hear this. Good luck everyone on the journey. Much love - Kin
Thank you so much for this video .. just what I needed to hear .
Great advice!
I remember, just starting out, I wanted to work in game music. But I was young, and didn't yet fully understand how work... worked. So, what I did was make tons of game soundtracks for game ideas I had in my head. After a few years of doing that, I decided to put an ad up online as a game composer looking for work. Well, as it turns out that large body of fake game music meant a lot more than I imagined, because in the first week of that ad being up I had nearly 20 replies. I eventually had to take it down because there was no way I could take on that many projects. I learned pretty hard that "experience" doesn't mean actually being hired, it just means being able to point at stuff I made and go "I can do THAT."
I am in the same club. Although I actually did move to California. Not LA, but San Diego... I already knew people here. I managed to get my big toe (as opposed to my whole foot) in a promising door, but it hasn't rendered anything much as yet. I'm a little late to the party though. I was a touring musician for most of my life up until 10 years ago when I made this move. I take whatever jobs come along...jingles, video games, documentaries, artist song production/mixing... I do have a history of such and a little work under my belt that is "proof" I can do the work... Though, all of the work I have gotten while being here in SD has been due to my personal music endeavors. I just didn't observe that in the way you did, and I'm here to back up your methodology to say I believe in it... it appears to work. I just need to push my self-promo more, I guess. Thx for video. Good stuff! And, good luck in your continued pursuits.
Bravo!
Again; an absolute profound video. You are my new favourite influencer. The world don't need another copy of something / someone who already exists. It need you to be... you. I love how your videos always seem to have a subtext of authenticity, and it hits home every time. You have the experience, the values, and the authenticity. Thank you.
Wow, so glad that I found this video. This is what I needed to hear. Massive thanks.
One thing I struggle with, maybe you can relate, is a sense of 'option paralysis'. I want to start and I do start every now and then, but I don't really know what to do. I've done little tracks of all different kinds of genres and sounds and in the end, I feel like I haven't found my voice yet; how does one find it? With modern technology, I have endless possibilities, but it's like going to a huge buffet of the most delicious food and not knowing where to start, what to build on, if that makes any sense...
❤ thsnks.
Yes! Having come from the other side of film/TV production originally, I think people don't necessarily understand that the first question the director is going to ask themselves is "What sort of music do I want in this?", and not "Who am I going to get to do the music for this?". The goal is to already have your music/style in their mental pool of references when that question gets asked, even if it's just some stuff they've seen of yours on social media.
Great message for anyone and everyone doing anything they want to do to progress!!! :::=^)
I'm already retired myself and no longer have to look for jobs. But I spent at least half of the last ten years of my working life realising my own things. And as a result, exactly what you say happened. Other people became aware of it and asked if I could realise small things for their project. And as a result, I got to know other people who helped me with my projects and so on. It all happened on a small scale, but it was the best time of my working life and still allows me to work on interesting projects or even just small parts of it together with interesting people.
Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤
It’s ok if they don’t. Lower your expectations and be pleasantly surprised.
solid advice! :)
Your videos are a joy to watch. I relate so much to what you say. Thank you.
Wow! You’re very best video!!
Coming from classical myself I really like your videos, I've also delved into digital and you are the perfect bridge, your videos are immensely helpful.
And yeah I 100% agree with you on the video topic. I've found this to be true in my life too.
Thank you for making these videos
Let me tell you something interesting. I make music in China with a very ordinary family, limited money and limited thoughts. Ordinary people's creations in this country are subject to censorship. In fact, in order for their creations to be successful and heard by others, they must know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable before creating.
Creative freedom is a luxury for me. I have thought about releasing it into the world, but I don’t speak English. At the same time, I am also confused about the variety of distributors and don’t know who to choose.
Living in depression, poverty and failure, I was still happy to be making music.
My friend once said something meaningful to me. He said that those of us are lucky to be able to make music.
As I watch the world's musicians ponder and worry about development and personal fulfillment, I'd like to share some of my stories in hopes of usefulness, love and peace.
Advantages are taken, not handed out (James Hetfield)
yes
Thank you man.
Thank you so much, Jameson!!!
Thank you for this, Jameson. 🙏
yeah mane. Make your own luck. Two things I like that you model for others:1). you did NOT move to a music/media center 2). you are developing your own sound. I'd say sometimes you'll need to imitate before innovation happens. Also if the goal is theatrically released film or AAA game; eventually an artist will need to relocate where the client is located. BUT you are completely correct with 'If I can be a artist where I want to live and people come to me for' me' and make it work: I say go go it
Much needed topic.
You do have a point, and that's kinda what I am doing as a musician: making like an OST for my very tale, that in itself makes a good excuse to produce new music. As a photographer instead I am experiencing a sort of burnout, where after 15 years of dedication I really can't find any enthusiasm even by putting effort on a self made project, I just see it like an expense of time and money to put up a shooting which I already know won't bring me back a proportioned benefit.
Thanks, Mississipi Man, the words you recorded here are positive and cool. My goal is just to compose. I have a day job that I love that is not related to music (or only a little, and not in a creative way) and I want to keep it that way. But that being said, I really understand what you want to express. Don't wait. Create.
Thanks for watching! I think having financial stability from another job is great. It takes the burden off your music having to become a product.
plus, a job gives you some social interactions that the composer studio life lacks (sorry if my English is a bit woobly, I'm french)@@JamesonNathanJones
You Sir, give me hope. Thank you!
Thanks for this video. I will come back to it regularly on my journey. Keep pushing 👊🏾
These encouraging sentiments are much needed in the music world Jameson. Thank you so much for sharing.
So many people need to hear this. Great video.
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing...and for inspiring me. Wishing you the very best in the year ahead.
Yes! Thank you for these thoughts! And great music in the background!
I definitely needed to hear this today and hopefully its advice that I will keep on board and help to push myself forward. Thank you!
Great story. Thanks for sharing. It is exactly like you discovered. Be passionate, be patient, be stubborn (in a good way) and expose your work. Eventually someone will notice you and after that happens it all spreads like fire. Stay safe.
I have a story very similar to yours but a french version, thank you for your testimony ! 🙏
Thank you!! This type and level of encouragement is exactly what I need right now. Your message really resonated with me.....
I'm really happy to hear that you were able to find this peace. I always preach to folks that we need to give ourselves grace and very little do people remember to practice that when the going gets tough. I think what it can be easily distilled to is that you should be doing the things you like to do for you, first and foremost. That's the main reason we all get into music to begin with but it's incredibly easy for us to fall into the trap of 'I'm doing this for the career' and then guilting ourselves for not hitting our arbitrary goals.
So, firstly, thank you for this video - all your videos. What did you do with your music once you’d made it (I.e. how did people find your music). That is my quandary, what do I do with it all?
Hello Jameson.
Though I've been a studio producer for years, I find your work and videos greatly inspirational. Thank you!
Not looking for a "big break" is a position I take. I don't need one and even if I did get into a position of fame or money because of music, I probably wouldn't like it. I have a career I enjoy outside of music, and always have. While my friends were positioning themselves for label success, I was more focused on being good at my craft and having fun. None of my friends "made it" but I'm still having fun.
Beautiful, Jameson. I don't know if you write lyrics, but regardless, and if you haven't already, I hear a song in your journey of discovery, which culminates in the relaxed, "don't try so hard, creating with passion from the heart can manifest its own opportunities" feel. I'd like to hear that song. I know it will be beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for your candidness and laying it all out there for us. The very vulnerable, hopeful human side that we all relate to deeply. Happy, happy for your continued success!
Thank you, I needed to hear this! In the past few months I've felt overwelmed up by the music business and the constant pursuit of results to the point where I had lost sight of the most important aspect, making music simply because I love it. I am happy to have rediscovered my perspective in your video
Just discovered your channel, and I can already say that I really like your videos. Just the right amount of confronting viewers with themselves and knowledge and experience to learn from.
Right now, I feel like I'm in a good spot. While I'm certain that my electronic music is far from being "objectively good" (from an actual professional's point of view, I mean), I'm kinda glad that this is just a hobby for me. I've heard many stories from people who needed to succeed at some point (either that or completely change their lives and give up on the idea of becoming a professional musician), and how hard it is to make it in this industry. Hats off to anyone who manages to steer through all this.
Yes, I can say with confidence: I'm glad to be in that spot. Thanks for sharing, those "stories written by life" are extremely interesting and fascinating and insightful.
Great video Nathan, thanks. Coming from a totally different angle and back ground I (still) find it really incredible that with your classical music degrees you were not taught or shown music production, writing music to a brief, composition work on project basis (customer oriented?) and aspects of marketing. You helped me a lot lowering my (perceived inner) barrier to writing music of not feeling good enough as I don't have (and never will take ;-) ) a classical music education.
Really inspiring essay Nathan, wow. I pursued Los Angeles dreams as well, but gained experience bit-by-bit in various supporting disciplines (video production, animation, then to my goal, VFX) I got an entry-level, junior position as a Tech Dir for Life of Pi, we won a little award :) Question about Reaper: have you considered it? It's SO customizable, I've found great freedom in it...seems like Ableton without the performance/looping slots, etc
Hey man. Great video and advice. Have to say, I listened to your album, Somewhat the Same, last night. It blew me away - best audio experience I've had in years. Big respect man. 🙏🙏💪❣️
Thanks so much!
major record labels should be avoided
There are many amazing musicians in the present day world. But there is something more special about JNJ. We are listening, observing, experiencing and definitely enjoying one of the great creative artists of all time. When Jameson puts his heart and soul out for the world to consider, I suddenly wonder - this must be the experiences of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Schoenberg. All musicians experience the same desires, obstacles, fears, and difficulties on their way to success. The great composers of time past did not realize in the moment how seminal their work would be heralded in the world. Like al the others, JNJ infuses and transends great and deep emotion in his creations. JNJ is definitely one of the greats who will stand the test of time and enjoyment for all.
Well, I think you've oversold me a bit here, but I do truly appreciate the sentiment. Thank you for watching!
Absolutely stoked to see this post. Thank you.
In spite of the Sugarcubes and Björk, Iceland was still a backwater for musicians when Olafur Arnolds started out as drummer in a punk band, so quite a journey. He is a relaxed and apparently natural entertainer, could probably have made it as a stand up if the music fizzled out. A very likeable man.
He did little support gigs, he did bigger support gigs he did gigs in the middle of nowhere and word got round. It works.
Even if they don't understand your art, if people like you, relate to you, they will work it out! Who knew?
I am so pleased to hear all this from you. You are much too good at "Marvin the paranoid android"
Your resources are huge. Maybe when hopeful directors are queuing, impatiently at your door we will be hearing less from you online but good luck with that anyway❤
Doing support gigs works for a small, lucky minority. For most of us it’s an endless slog.
Reckon the question is how you pay the bills when you're working on your own stuff.
Great advice! I enjoy making my own projects a little **too** much lol. I just keep releasing albums without any promo 😅 There was a time when the cost of ads was lower than the revenue you'd generate from running them... but now promo feels like a waste of time and money.
Thank you for your Frank and honest insight. I always find what you have to say interesting and refreshing. Mostly lol. I’m a hobbyist and we share similar tastes in music. Olafur Arnalds has inspired me too. His music moves me. Which is hard to do. For the record, some of your pieces move me too. Sadly I’m not a film director. But I do listen to your music all the time. Sadly via streaming. Which is killing music of course. Don’t be spending that 0000.015 pence I’ve made you in royalties this week…. Year I meant year. 😂
very good congratulation you figure it out really felicitations now you are a complete , that is great ! now to make good music just becuse,heee freddom please teach that and not what they teach you, music is in you not in the books music theory its realy realy easy just put together notes you like end of the story, there is no rules , im very happy you figure it out...!!!
Can you do a video about music promotion? Making your own music that you love is great, but you still need to get the word out about it somehow, and I generally am awful at this part
👏👏👏
Thx
Great video, you make a ton of good points... but every time i see the thumbnail to this video and you looking so sad ("What if your dreams never come true?") i just have to LOL
An "artist" should expect to "create" their success.
Hey JNJ, this is a superb video and resonates with my experiences completely, timely too as Im just about to get back on my horse and begin writing again just for myself. May I ask what methods you used for releasing your music once you decided to just do it for the love again. Bandcamp? Record labels? Self release? Much appreciated and interested in what approaches you have taken. Cheers .