I was a gigging musician for thirty years until Covid. All my gigs were cancelled that summer and I’ve only had a few since. It’s like pulling teeth getting gigs now. Good luck to you.
I completely agree with your sincere opinion. I also live in Tokyo, working as a professional guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher. I wouldn't say I've achieved great success, but I dedicate my life to music, constantly practicing and studying every day to improve. Even though the economic value of music might have decreased as it has become more abundant, I believe music is an essential part of human life. I hope society continues to provide a place for musicians to thrive. Lastly, Rob, I’ve been listening to your guitar playing since I was a child. I absolutely love your guitar！
I think you’re living the dream that many of us would love to obtain Rob! 👏I have a day job I really don’t like, but do music on the side and am able to play some great gigs and make a little money along the way. It keeps me happy and consider myself lucky/successful with where I’m at!
Rob, great job with these two videos! You hit it straight away. Funny that I’m here in California with you so far away and speaking a truth so similar to my experience. The delivery of your message came so brilliantly on time! Thank you for sharing your story and experience! It had an impact on me and was very motivating!!
Hi Rob... Anyone who can make a living as a pro musician has invariably worked hard & been in the right place at the right times on a few occasions... Bloody good luck to you.... I agree, what is a proper job anyway.. Spend your life doing something pointless just to pay the bills. I've retired a couple of years ago & I'm simply gonna run out of life on my guitar journey... But I am enjoying every minute of it.. great videos Cheers Rob 👍
Enjoyed these videos Rob. You make some good and interesting points👍🏻 I did a gig with you years ago btw with Steve Murphy’s band. I’m sure you don’t remember 😄
Thank you for this and your previous video, Rob. You seem like a very down-to-earth guy, and you're certainly an amazing player and a great inspiration to me, as well as to so many guitar players and musicians. Happy New Year and all the best!
I want the new JK album to see how you cut through! You are my favourite funk guitarist, because you are so accurate and in time and good taste! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks for the insight, Rob. The flash of inspiration to make your flyer was a total game changer. Good to hear the music teachers got on board. In my day they were focussed on Classical music and I always thought they would engage better if they analysed contemporary styles as a starter.
I don't mind admitting that sometimes I have to remind myself about that little drawing I did. It's easy to become negative about things sometimes but that reminds me that sometimes all it takes is putting 1 foot in front of the other to make things happen. Thanks for writing in Mike .
Needed to hear this today. It’s the famine months and I always get twitchy this time of year. Been lucky enough to make guitar playing/singing my job for the last 25 years and seen quite a few changes and it doesn’t get easier but it is well doable if you have the work ethic. All the best Rob, new sub from me. Cheers
Happy New Year, Rob. I've watched both your videos & everything was absolutely spot on. You were realistic and not at all negative about the realities of a working musician. I had a home studio for years, did work for licensing houses & libraries, played live occasionally for fun (not much money in live spacey, ambient synth music at the time), and this went on until just before the pandemic, which allowed me to take stock and actually get some rest and my life in order. Fortunately, I have money coming in from other things, which is something you mentioned, and I'd always recommend if you can do it. I still have the vintage synths, etc. All those years of fun & knowledge are like learning to ride a bike; you don't forget it in a hurry. Now it's just deciding wether to rebuild or clear out. As any creative person knows, you're more heart lead than you think in these matters. Once again, thank you for some good, down to earth sharing 🙏🏻
There are so many similarities I see in my life (and guitar playing style) when I listen to you. Your comments and advice are always on point, measured and accurate. I chose to go down the career path and keep the music going as much as I could and there are times that I wish I’d chosen a different path. However, the meaning of success is so different for everyone as you say, but happiness has got to be the ultimate, whatever makes you happy should be the goal. Keep up the awesome work 👍🏻
However, happiness is fleeting, elusive, and impossible to measure. When we pursue it directly, it usually eludes us. Temporary happiness is easy to achieve but not usually good for us. Contentment and meaning and more meaningful goals in my opinion and happiness often springs out of them in the long term.
Well said. Offering a service is hard. You need to be very good and incredibly persistent. If it were easy then everyone would be successful. Only the better offerings win. I doff my cap to you.
If it is a passion you will always enjoy it and then the money is less important.Everyone has to decide what he finds important in life and where he wants to go as long as you are healthy.
Ignore the haters, they’re usually the ones that stay in a job they hate and do nothing about it. Measuring success by material assets is shallow in my opinion. At 60 years old I have a great relationship with my kids who are in their 30s, we never 'fall out' that’s success for me. Well done Rob for believing in yourself, doing a job you love whilst keeping your head above water is success……another great, from the heart video 👍🏻
Great video Rob. It's funny you should mention ''making it''. Making it for me was being able to survive another week by strapping on a Fender Strat and not having to do a crappy job! Been doing that for 45 years now! Thank god for that (and the self cert mortgage of coarse!). For most people who play for a living, it was more a case of, the day they got there fist guitar - there was simply no other option. And so the journey began!
Is that fabric wallpaper behind you? It looks great. No doubt it’s all subjective, what’s a job, what’s professional, what is success. If you’ve got to the point where it’s your full time job and you’re not hungry there’s probably been a lot of blood, sweat and tears gone in up to that point.
Yes the music industry might be dead, but the internet and affordable tech have given a great boost to the indie artist or musicians diversifying their income
Haha, the careers officer story brings back memories, my careers officer at my school asked me the same question, I replied with the same answer "I want to be a musician" he then tried to tell me that nobody made a living from music, the which I replied "Tell that to Mick Jagger" That was the end of the career advice!
Great videos Rob, it's surprising you're not a multi-millionaire when you have Jay Kay who must be worth 50 million plus? Are you just contracted to be in Jamiroquai, and then have your writing credits on top?❤
I would like to love my job the way you love yours 🎉. Enjoy. But I understand it is tough. You are lucky but also a hard working guy and very talented. Which is not easy 😂
A "real job" is anything that gives you a liveable income. Anybody that thinks pro musicians don't have real jobs is either misinformed or jealous that they couldn't make the break from their "real job".
I was a gigging musician for thirty years until Covid. All my gigs were cancelled that summer and I’ve only had a few since. It’s like pulling teeth getting gigs now. Good luck to you.
One of the best things about being a musician is being able to bring some happiness to others for a little while and brighten their day
Your contents are always inspiring big brother...
"The harder you work, the luckier you get" it is the most important thing🤘🤘
Love the message of this video Rob 👍 diversity and being open to explore new avenues of income as a musician is so important, love it.
Hey Fabian. Thank you for your comment. Glad you liked the video.
I completely agree with your sincere opinion.
I also live in Tokyo, working as a professional guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher.
I wouldn't say I've achieved great success, but I dedicate my life to music, constantly practicing and studying every day to improve.
Even though the economic value of music might have decreased as it has become more abundant, I believe music is an essential part of human life. I hope society continues to provide a place for musicians to thrive.
Lastly, Rob, I’ve been listening to your guitar playing since I was a child.
I absolutely love your guitar！
I think you’re living the dream that many of us would love to obtain Rob! 👏I have a day job I really don’t like, but do music on the side and am able to play some great gigs and make a little money along the way. It keeps me happy and consider myself lucky/successful with where I’m at!
Hi Jake. It's great that you enjoy playing the gigs. Music makes people happy.
Rob, great job with these two videos! You hit it straight away. Funny that I’m here in California with you so far away and speaking a truth so similar to my experience. The delivery of your message came so brilliantly on time! Thank you for sharing your story and experience! It had an impact on me and was very motivating!!
There’s work you enjoy, work you don’t enjoy and hobbies. Knowing the difference might bring some happiness.
I Rob, am a proud owner of one of your flyers🤣.
Enjoyed part two.. but no idea how I find part 1 🤣 that’s me all over🤩
Success to me is actually doing something you enjoy for a living, and that fills you with a sense of meaning and purpose.
Hi Rob... Anyone who can make a living as a pro musician has invariably worked hard & been in the right place at the right times on a few occasions... Bloody good luck to you.... I agree, what is a proper job anyway.. Spend your life doing something pointless just to pay the bills. I've retired a couple of years ago & I'm simply gonna run out of life on my guitar journey... But I am enjoying every minute of it.. great videos
Cheers Rob 👍
The drawing and teaching pitch was very inspiring.
Enjoyed these videos Rob. You make some good and interesting points👍🏻
I did a gig with you years ago btw with Steve Murphy’s band.
I’m sure you don’t remember 😄
I actually retired so I can finally play guitar all day🙂 Great post, very informative. Thank you Rob!
Thank you for this and your previous video, Rob. You seem like a very down-to-earth guy, and you're certainly an amazing player and a great inspiration to me, as well as to so many guitar players and musicians. Happy New Year and all the best!
I want the new JK album to see how you cut through! You are my favourite funk guitarist, because you are so accurate and in time and good taste! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks for the insight, Rob. The flash of inspiration to make your flyer was a total game changer. Good to hear the music teachers got on board. In my day they were focussed on Classical music and I always thought they would engage better if they analysed contemporary styles as a starter.
I don't mind admitting that sometimes I have to remind myself about that little drawing I did. It's easy to become negative about things sometimes but that reminds me that sometimes all it takes is putting 1 foot in front of the other to make things happen. Thanks for writing in Mike .
"The harder you work, the luckier you get-so true and powerful. I’m stealing that, Rob!"
Needed to hear this today. It’s the famine months and I always get twitchy this time of year. Been lucky enough to make guitar playing/singing my job for the last 25 years and seen quite a few changes and it doesn’t get easier but it is well doable if you have the work ethic. All the best Rob, new sub from me. Cheers
Happy New Year, Rob. I've watched both your videos & everything was absolutely spot on. You were realistic and not at all negative about the realities of a working musician.
I had a home studio for years, did work for licensing houses & libraries, played live occasionally for fun (not much money in live spacey, ambient synth music at the time), and this went on until just before the pandemic, which allowed me to take stock and actually get some rest and my life in order. Fortunately, I have money coming in from other things, which is something you mentioned, and I'd always recommend if you can do it.
I still have the vintage synths, etc. All those years of fun & knowledge are like learning to ride a bike; you don't forget it in a hurry. Now it's just deciding wether to rebuild or clear out. As any creative person knows, you're more heart lead than you think in these matters.
Once again, thank you for some good, down to earth sharing 🙏🏻
Thanks for the video!
On Point man.
So I guess after part 1 a lot of people gave up music, after part 2 they came back 😂 Thank you for sharing, looking forward for new episodes!
Great follow up on the last one! so inspiring. You've gotta find a picture of the old posters and share it now though, let's have a look! 😆
Thank you. I was just trying to be more positive. Sadly the drawing is long gone. :)
There are so many similarities I see in my life (and guitar playing style) when I listen to you. Your comments and advice are always on point, measured and accurate. I chose to go down the career path and keep the music going as much as I could and there are times that I wish I’d chosen a different path. However, the meaning of success is so different for everyone as you say, but happiness has got to be the ultimate, whatever makes you happy should be the goal. Keep up the awesome work 👍🏻
However, happiness is fleeting, elusive, and impossible to measure. When we pursue it directly, it usually eludes us. Temporary happiness is easy to achieve but not usually good for us. Contentment and meaning and more meaningful goals in my opinion and happiness often springs out of them in the long term.
@@davidwilliams7552whatever creates happiness for you 👍🏻
Happy new year Rob, and thanks for the sound advice here, to the point!
Well said. Offering a service is hard. You need to be very good and incredibly persistent. If it were easy then everyone would be successful. Only the better offerings win. I doff my cap to you.
Hi Rob, hi Kenny.. This video has a great vibe! Loved the story of the drawing, cool idea back then! You should show us that drawing!
❤ thanks Rob, this is the truth.
You're welcome.
For anyone who asks why I don't get a real job, I would reply that I'm doing my dream job. 😉
If it is a passion you will always enjoy it and then the money is less important.Everyone has to decide what he finds important in life and where he wants to go as long as you are healthy.
Lovely stuff Rob..gxX
Ignore the haters, they’re usually the ones that stay in a job they hate and do nothing about it. Measuring success by material assets is shallow in my opinion. At 60 years old I have a great relationship with my kids who are in their 30s, we never 'fall out' that’s success for me. Well done Rob for believing in yourself, doing a job you love whilst keeping your head above water is success……another great, from the heart video 👍🏻
Great vid sir - an inspirational story 💪😎👌
Great video Rob. It's funny you should mention ''making it''. Making it for me was being able to survive another week by strapping on a Fender Strat and not having to do a crappy job! Been doing that for 45 years now! Thank god for that (and the self cert mortgage of coarse!). For most people who play for a living, it was more a case of, the day they got there fist guitar - there was simply no other option. And so the journey began!
Hey Andy. Thanks for writing in. Yep , it's a life choice.
Even Renoir had to paint portraits to make a living
Is that fabric wallpaper behind you? It looks great.
No doubt it’s all subjective, what’s a job, what’s professional, what is success. If you’ve got to the point where it’s your full time job and you’re not hungry there’s probably been a lot of blood, sweat and tears gone in up to that point.
keep em coming mate 🎉🎉
Yes the music industry might be dead, but the internet and affordable tech have given a great boost to the indie artist or musicians diversifying their income
You like what you do it's a good thing x
What a nice follow up video ❤
Haha, the careers officer story brings back memories, my careers officer at my school asked me the same question, I replied with the same answer "I want to be a musician"
he then tried to tell me that nobody made a living from music, the which I replied "Tell that to Mick Jagger"
That was the end of the career advice!
Hah. That's hilarious. Great comeback.
great video indeed.
Thank you kindly
"you can teach whilst on gigs..."
🐕 "What about petting whilst podcasting??? Can you do that!?!?"
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Great videos Rob, it's surprising you're not a multi-millionaire when you have Jay Kay who must be worth 50 million plus? Are you just contracted to be in Jamiroquai, and then have your writing credits on top?❤
I would like to love my job the way you love yours 🎉. Enjoy. But I understand it is tough. You are lucky but also a hard working guy and very talented. Which is not easy 😂
Maybe not being a millionaire but hard work will open up opportunities
it is hard
A "real job" is anything that gives you a liveable income. Anybody that thinks pro musicians don't have real jobs is either misinformed or jealous that they couldn't make the break from their "real job".
Real musicians arent about the money...music comes first...its not a buisness....
A job is something you do to earn an income no matter what it is ,end of story
Please buy a microphone stand will be great 😊
I have plenty of microphone stands. Just didn't want to use one.
Get a Haircut and get a real job. ok that was song lyric. Musicians will always have work if folks cannot stay away from venues.
You look a lot like bonehead - ex oasis guitarist
That's a first. I'm probably not as wealthy as him.
@ haha! Yes, true.