Friday, October 19, 2007

*to stay or to go?

This is a partially edited transcription of a conversation I had with my friend, lets call him "music boy" today. The reason why I am sharing it is that I fully believe that there is a time to stay and a time to go in life and that most of the time when those moments happen (stay or go moments) people are able to pick up on it, follow their instincts (or ignore them and follow their hearts) and go for it.

What do you think? (yes, you invisibles again). Read below and share your thoughts.

Oct 17: 3:10 p.m.

Sarah,
Hey yeah I heard about that expo facto. I saw JJ last time they were in town. So, I have been thinking about moving back to Austin. I may start a biz with some friends of mine and play the Austin scene. I may be able to market more effectively at this point. I want to put my record out on itunes and just do it that way perhaps, what do you think? I have been disappointed in the major label dream and it seems like you have to be rock to go indy. I am ready to live a little you know? Tell me if I'm bugging out?
Music Boy

Oct 17: 4:18 p.m.

Music Boy,

WHAT?????? MOVE BACK????? Why would you do that??? Admit defeat?

I guess I can understand living a little and being tired of the grind... I guess I just hope you know what that entails and what you would be giving up, because it isnt just the music. Austin isn't a place with a ton of future, its reached its prime and is becoming way commercial and losing its identity. Eventually its all going to be suburban. I dont know, I just dont know that going back is the right answer? I feel like you havent been here long enough.

Are you sure that even without the major label nyc isnt the place you'd like to be?

Sarah

Oct 17: 4:58 p.m.

Sarah,
I thank you for your kind words and thoughts. I understand what you mean in regards to the size of Austin and the celing that exsist with that market. I sometimes am so tired of the struggle. I also have no faith in Corporate Music. I know have not been here for too long. I go back and forth with it. I may want to just chill and start to have a normal life, but I don't know. I think I can at least get my Bob Schneider on in a few years of work. Do you really think that the major game can benefit me? Everyone I have spoke to is like major is dead. Do you know any indies? Let's talk about it when you can. I just wrote some new banging shit and am still having fun, but I'm tired of being broke and getting my chain yanked you know? Love you babe...


Oct 19: 1:17 p.m.

Hi Music Boy,

I am really up in the air about music in general. I really think that there are ways to still succeed in the music business but it probably is very frustrating and really hard work, and it depends on if you want to dedicate this part of your life to that or not, ya know? I dont know how strongly you feel about it. I think it really only works for people who couldn't live without it, and just because/if that isn't you, it doesn't mean you aren't a true musician, it means it just isn't your life. I think to stay in it, you have to want it that bad and be willing to do anything for it.

I dont know anyone with indies...maybe burden brothers do, but i think they are with Red 7. You could always as Bob S, that is a great idea. do you know him?

So if you go back to Texas what would you do for work? Would you go back because you don't like NYC or because you have more of a reason to be there? What would the reasoning be? Why not just look for a job that you like in NYC? I guess I'm just trying to understand the thought process.

Totally hear ya on the broke and chain yanked. NYC is that kind of city, you have to work through a lot to make it to the good days. Its like any worthwhile relationship in my opinion. Life in Austin and Texas and anywhere in middle america is so simple, to me if it doesn't make you think and grow, it isn't worth it...but thats just me. Most people live their lives in perfect complacency and are totally happy with that and I respect that too.

Thoughts?

Oct 19: 2:18 p.m.

Sarah,
I know I can't live without it, but there may be a better way. I know bob S yes, and think with a few years of work I can achieve that. I am worried about my long term financial future. The world is getting more expensive and music ain't paying in NYC. Yeah I could get another job here, that is an option. I have a company that I want to start Is Austin with a couple of guys doing web dev and marketing. I am confused for sure, I may be ready for some roots you know. NY was never a super long term thing for me, so I don't know. Anyway I am not making any rash choices at the moment. I just want to re-examine the whole thing. Should I stay here and do the corporate grind and play shows on the weekend, or own my own business and be the big fish in the small pond? Thank you for helping me through this!!!!! ahahah!!!
Love,

Music Boy

Oct 19: 3:22 p.m.

Hi Music Boy,

I think it makes sense for you to go back if it was a temporary thing, then (NYC). I think thats where you/I are different, this place is a life change for me not a life experience. I'll never go back. I'll always be up here somewhere or maybe California, but I can't ever live in that environment anymore (too much party, lack of motivation--I need to be surrounded by ambition and I just don't think Austin has that). But I also didn't grow up there, it isn't home for me.

I'm too competitive not to be in a city where stuff happens. This is the city where that is for me. I'd rather be competing against the big fish (as a small fish) than be a big fish in a small pond. Most would prefer the latter, and I totally understand you wanting that for your life.

I dont think it is giving up to go back. I think that going back--if it is in your heart--is the right thing to go. I've always thought that there are times to go and times to stay depending on what is right for a person and only that person can decide that for themselves. When I left Austin most of my friends didn't understand me leaving and I wasn't happy with that decision at times but ultimately I've realized it was the best thing for me and I am glad I followed my instincts.

I think if it is the right time to go, you'll just know it, it will be instinctual. I will be sad to see you go, but you know what is best for your life and you are way smart enough to do it when you need to :) I also TOTALLY understand wanting roots. I think that I am moving into the phase in my life where I'm really going to be preparing for a true relationship and settling down. I dont think it will happen for 4-5 years but I think I am finally going to be okay with it (as opposed to run from it) if it should happen before then. I think a lot of people put down roots where their home is and I can see that being Tejas for you. I think for me, this city is it :)

I also can understand re: financial future. I am tired of the struggle, BIG TIME. It is really hard to live life this way and some times practically beats out passion or adventure or chance or whatever. And sometimes, it is just time to start that phase of your life. I think owning your own business is a great idea. You'd be an amazing entrepreneur. Be careful with mktg in Austin. I had a bad experience with that, but I am sure whatever you start on you'll do a fabulous job in and make an amazing impact :)

When does your lease expire? When are you thinking you might move back? Hopefully I can see you before then :)

Btw, have you heard the new Matchbox Twenty? Rob Thomas is a great lyricist. How Far We've Come is awesome.

SP

Oct 19: 3:59 p.m.

Sarah,
Upon further review I think it may not be time to leave. I think it is time for me to make some changes in my life to make my NYC better for me. I know what you are saying when it is truly time to go, I will know. I have not even been here a year yet. Fuck the labels I will keep on until they can't help but to see me. I need a manager if you hear of one though.
LOL,

*and yes, this is officially the longest, ever. sorry.

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