I look back and think about how often I have been told, 'Fake it til you make it.' Well, I'm not a fan of that mantra, and so I won't suggest it to you. If there's one thing I pride myself on, it's integrity. If you don't practice it, don't tell others to.
I think of people who have their noses up and actually think they somehow supercede others in the human race. Really? Last time I checked, we all bleed red.
Then, I think of people who are the cream of the crop such as Sir Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl. Living legends - and from all that I've read and heard, the nicest guys in the biz you've ever encountered.
Proof that you can be a hero in your world and not have to dis "the little people." Remember, it takes lots of them "little people" to support you, believe in you, come to your shows, buy your swag and tell their friends. To punk them off, or be arrogant to them is stifling your own future. (in most crowds). And don't be fake, either. People can sniff out a phony.
After interviewing some phenominal rock stars at NAMM, which I will publish in the near future in a compilation, the evidence stands: you are far more likeable and more likely to be crowd-surfed to success if you give some love back to your audience. Acknowledge them, thank them and talk to them, and do not overlook social media.
Case in point: Nikki Sixx. He constantly updates what he's up to on Facebook, and within seconds, over a thousand 'Likes' and hundreds of comments. It's smart business to be social!
Learn from everybody you meet, it won't always be a positive experience. Learn to say no to people who want to meet for coffee to 'pick your brain.' I've fallen into it myself, what sounds innocent is actually somebody who is cheating theirselves, taking your experiences of learning by doing over the years and handing it over to them. You leave with less and there is no benefit. I've work many years to figure things out, to come to me for my combination of what's working, makes me think, "Go and figure it out yourself, like I had to." I mean, a bit of advice is okay, but to divulge all I've learned, not so much.
As you learn, as you make mistakes, continue to share, admit when you're wrong, people will see that you're real. You will connect. Those relationships you build are your building blocks so don't kick it out from under you. Nothing replaces true experience.
Applicable in every social circle, and every town. Lighten up, practice often and enjoy your work!
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