How To Build Your Music Business | Avoid This Common Mistake

[@marvomusic]

"I don't wanna be a forgettable". This could easily be a life motto!

[@nonguitarplayer]

As a young person, I’m constantly worrying about riding the middle. Being likeable by everyone. Terrified of being hated. I’m still trying to truly find who I am, trying to find who I genuinely am, but this video has further pushed me to put more work into doing so. I look forward to finding my genuine self, and I’m so excited to share that with the world in my music someday.

[@MagentXdromedaZ]

Be who you are, and be willing to be vulnerable is what I took from this.

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

I am 40 and have just recently “found myself”. I won’t bore anyone with the details, but having arrived at what I feel is my true station in life, it has put things I thought were so very important into focus. The brass rings are actually tarnished and what I had with me this whole time was my true treasure. Great video. Something you said has resonated. It’s unrelated, but thanks for the unintended truth and intended truth alike.

[@nigelcarren]

Nice to read of your epiphany mon ami. I had one recently too. To Infinity and beyond!! ... Good luck... Here goes!! 🏆🚀

[@sin.huya11]

I'm myself unapologetically. I love myself. I'm not here to please everyone. I won't give up.

[@acousticmusic3615]

I'm 16, I've always had a passion for music ever since I was a little kid. Adam you've really inspired me and encouraged me. I always have wanted to pursue a career in the music industry, but I never knew where to start. Thank you so much for giving me and many other people around the world this advise!

[@RedwA303]

Bro you and me we have the same dream Iam from the Nederland so what do you think if you and me gonna talk about music and how to start what do you think ❤❤❤

[@RedwA303]

🎉and I think you are 20 years old right now and I am still 16 so what do you think if you and me gonna talk about this things ❤❤ I like to sing music sense I was younger ❤ so I hope you gonna see

[@acousticmusic3615]

@@RedwA303 yes I'm 20 now! I hope all is well with you. I wish you the best of luck in your path!

[@RedwA303]

@@acousticmusic3615 thank you so much bro I hope we gonna see each other one day thanks

[@SavDoesArt]

@@acousticmusic3615hey did you ever pursue your dream?

[@Volentry]

Just discovered your channel, subbed and also have noticed a thing about your videos that I'm sure many people have overlooked but is actually a testament to your skill... Many of your videos are one-take, or consist of a few takes only. Not those that cut to a different take every sentence or phrase. Small detail, but it makes a big difference in the presentation's feel.

[@itstylerfuller]

I love your videos, man. You are very gifted at delivering messages people need to here. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@soul4bass]

I know who I am, just discovered it 5 months ago. Thank you so much for ur videos, you are the youtuber adding the most value to me. You make me feel powerful 'cause you just emphasize my thoughts with so much power. Thank you.

[@adamivy]

Thank you for the kind words and the support for my channel. I appreciate that.

[@stompcity4085]

I HAVE GAINED INSIGHT INTO MY REAL SELF, in the last 2 years suffering from PTSD, but I am full-time in music and happier than I've ever been, love your work! Cheers, big ears

[@CATOstlouis]

Hell yeah! My first album, I did censorship for a lot of tracks...I regret it! I dropped a 33track mixtape(visual) here on YT, and didn't look back. I have embraced my niche as an artist, father, husband, reader and spiritual truth seeker. Now the goal is to drop an album with 2 versions, clean and unedited....growing my own label, and doing this shit for real. Dope video!

[@lisaclark4517]

Thank u for this. Being my authentic self on KZbin is more difficult than I expected. It has also created some introspection... because I'm a people pleaser. Am I the way I am because I want people to like me? It's also scary. I'm an adult, and it's still intimidating. Thank u for the encouragement.

[@kevinsoloman7684]

If u want to make every people like there is a trouble we love ones but they love anouther ones thats it.

[@ogforeva]

no matter how good ur are , smbody outthere is gonna find a reason to hate u, even wanting ppl to like you can be a reason why somebody else hates you

[@BarukkiBooPyromancervideos]

That "being my authentic self" journey is ongoing. It's like this stair case. Thanks for the motivation and honesty😁

[@DEMONTmx]

It hit me, this video just hit me.... Like when you're reading a book and a truth hits you, when you said "There's nobody thats perfect, and those who try to be, they crack eventually..." This is so true! And im always trying to be perfect, especially as an artist and "public figure".... im not going to be! OMG i feel like i just got liberated, dude! Thank you!

[@OwnlyMirah]

i realized who i was through youtube,professionals, and even people i knew. I realized all three has something in common. to reveal that being me isnt necessarily doing what they feel i should do.

[@BRUZNEWTON]

When I remembered the kid who used to be a dreamer and he just wanted sing and dance, my passion resurrected.

[@azaleajanemusic]

I need to hear all this repeatedly! So much of my life, not just music, is just about trying to figure out who I am and just showing people that. I love the line "my vulnerabilities are what make me me". I love seeing people be more open and frank about their vulnerabilities. It feeds me!

[@hush4749]

Mate,if I'll succed in my music career,i swear...I really want to shake your hand someday... Not only because you help me in music,but you also help me to improve my thinking,my life,at my "sweet 20"... Thanks a lot,and i wish you the best, 'cause you really deserve it man ;)

[@hush4749]

P.S: I just finish watching your video,and....mate...you make me feel like WE know for years =]] Even if you don't know me at all...That's a special thing man...That's YOUR special thing,and that's the reason why i came back over and over... You.....are you...and this means a lot...not only for me,i'm sure ;) Have a great day,Adam ;)

[@brianpat7087]

I'm not going to front but, today I got a reality check and I'm kind of glad it happed.

[@drydessert4198]

I paused this and watched your first video, then 2-3 more over the years. The first one is really funny. Thank you for not deleting it. It demonstrates well what a huge progress we can make. Nobody should hold oneself back because one perhaps feels embarrassed for not being on the same level as a seasoned professional. If starting now means that people laugh at you (for a while), that's fine. It takes guts for making yourself public and therefore a potential target for trolls. All the people who you might be afraid of mocking you are cowards anyway, sitting in their comfy home, typing comments on the web anonymously. And they are never going anywhere. Not worth bothering. ... As for this video: Great value as always. Thank you. :)

[@grahamabrahams7488]

It may be 5 years late, but joining the movement to create and post authentic music is going to be awesome. Looking forward to the journey, cos great talent, in all humbleness, needs an audience. I’m a 65 year-old singer songwriter and signed gospel artist with over 450 self-penned songs I want to share with the world. No AI, just me.

[@mitchlunsfordmusic]

What I got out of this video was worth a lot more than I was anticipating when I originally clicked on this video. I'm a goofball Army veteran with a dad bod and a nerdy personality. And for a long time, most of my life I was insecure about showing who I am, because of so many different reasons. I kind of morphed myself into whatever I thought people wanted to see. And eventually that lead to a 5 year break from music entirely. I had play music and sang my whole life and because I thought that it wasnt something that I should do anymore, I stopped. Man, was I just miserable because of it. Then last year, I started playing again. But this time it was different. I'm 31 years old and I finally decided that I'm going to be exactly who I am regardless of what other people's opinions of what I should and should do is. Now, for the first time I feel good about who I am and what I do and for the first time, in my opinion, I'm finally writing and doing the music that portrays who I really am. I'm still new to this whole music scene and I haven't had a billion views or made a million followers yet, but because I finally decided to embrace who I am and who i want to be, I finally have something that I am building and a place to start. I just have a small Facebook page and a KZbin page that I just started actively posting on, but I have found that I have had more of a positive experience with people since I have finally decided to embrace who I am with all of goofy and nerdy quirks. And I'm just much happier with myself and with my music since I have decided to do so. Thank you for the content that you put out and the awesome information and I wish you the best and for both what you do and also the future of your channel! Thanks man!!

[@datemonthyear]

Discovered it after years of playing covers, shows, orchestras, sessions, and such. Ultimately the focus had to change on to the music that was playing in my head, rather than the music that was being put on the stand for me-music from someone else's head.

[@nitroperformanceguy]

I have known who I am for a long time. I am unapologetically myself and this makes me happy knowing that I have made that a point to be authentic. Is musicians can spot bullshit a mile away. I can’t help but be myself. Do not care to be liked I just do me and people eat it up, because it’s me! Just me.

[@Consolous]

I have definitely started to embrace who I am and my own truths. Not only in social media but also in real life. I grew up a shy, but bad-tempered boy and thought that was me. A couple of years ago I went to a class in college where we had to do a lot of speeches. I decided then that I would be my real, transparent self in every speech. The reaction was the opposite of what I thought it would be. Everyone had a blast and laughed at my jokes. I'll never forget it since I grew up with negative reactions from people and did not know why. It was because I was reserved, I wasn't being myself as a kid. (I'm 23 now) I also read a post a long time ago that you had to be all giggly and happy all the time in social media. That was a mistake and I felt fake, especially when I wasn't feeling well but I had to put the happy emoji. Now I try to express how I really am in every moment and it feels right. Truth shall set you free they said. Couldn't be further from the truth.

[@lemmy.oficial]

Just started watching your videos today and they are great, super inspirational love it. Keep doing what you're doing and trust you can even change people's mindset of how they look at what they want to be in life! You're a great person keep that in mind.

[@thezackschade]

This is the first video that I watched from this channel... SUBSCRIBING. I think this one answers my own questions on why I'm always down. 12 Years of music(not a specialist, but a generalist.. and I don't think of ever stopping) ✌🏻

[@haileyprice2456]

I was lost for a long time engaging in a dark lifestyle and hip hop since 12 years old. 7 years ago I got clean and realized it doesn't matter what people think as long as I'm genuine and give the world my true self. After having 3 kids its transformed me and now I'm getting ready to release a whole wave of Childrens music just signed up for business and marketing at a local college sick of settling for a 5 figure job.

[@Random-wc3hx]

I'm recording my first song next week. thank you so much for giving me so many tips on starting out.

[@wettventertainment]

Mighty ! I dont want to be forgotten! Poeple can easily forget you if you don't constantly put yourself out there on what you know how to do best !

[@charliexu5013]

totally agree, I would like to ask myself: why those audience need you

[@TheDuffpaddy]

I did the same thing up until 2 years ago . I was afraid to be me all the way. I had a good rep as a player and a singer . But since I put it all out there I’m seeing better results . I feel more confident . My feeling and expression is better. It’s that edge I guess. Music made me.

[@Thamigo]

Appreciated the words of wisdom, hope you get well!

[@Daviddosi]

Your channel is gold Adam! youre allways spitting the truth. I remeber a few years ago when i allways tried to please every one but i still ended up with people disliking me. as fast as i stopped that and was me 100% It all changed and its like a weight who dissapers from your shoulders. It does somthing to you and u get like a aura who drags the real people towards you.

[@RECORDS-zg2qo]

I never not been myself, but I've been told I can't produce and mc at the same time and that planted a seed in my brain that I can't so in turn I created a person that comforts my friends criticism of me BUT NOW I've reverted back to my regular self. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO this was something I could've find words to say in the mirror. PEACE!

[@MichaelBLive]

Yeah dude. I think I occasionally drifted when I first starred posting by only posting when everything was "perfy". It became a lot more fun when I just posted to have fun as well as be helpful. Cheers.

[@audreymilmore3927]

Thank you, really. I feel that after a ruthless storm God is finally sending me angels, you are one of them. Even if I end up not persuing a music career this is a great advice for my current situation. There is still a great journey, but I think I'm finding myself. I'm just 16 and I bought a guitar, I've always wanted to try it out. Today I played my fist song, I want to start writing as soon as I can. I think I really like it

[@paulawilliamson637]

ADAM this is pure golden awesomeness !!!!!!! My brother told me once that the just because someone writes a Book or gives an option about any given situation, is exactly that an opinion, it doesn’t make it true or not, it’s whether or not you give it any validity. I was absolutely cut off at the knees concerning any type of encouragement from family or friends concerning my music. I have recently joined the Smule app & the outpouring encouragement is beyond my wildest dreams !!!!!! I have many fans & people following me. My dreams are coming true. I’m humbled. Yes, finally I just my feel like I’m good enough. Thank you very much.

[@justdiamond1347]

I understand this.I want to thank you for helping me realize not to ride the middle. And to be myself.

[@sayinbrosgaming6063]

I've been fighting with myself on when to start my music career. I love music it flows through my veins, I hesitate for my fatherly duties. I feel the time is now to begin writing and producing.

[@Vilhelm_G]

thank you so much, there are some bullies at school who would diss the shit out of me as soon as i would do something new that no one has ever seen before! and this video made me realise that it doesnt matter what they think ab it, its all ab what i want to do, love the vid !

[@rayasunshyne1100]

Thank you i spent so much of my years being told what i should do and pleasing people who hadn't had themselves figured out. Now it's time to figure myself out so I really can be myself.

[@RecordingStudio9]

Agreed. If you are planning to use your KZbin platform to build your business and gain clients by showing what you are capable of, then you should always present yourself and YOU. There is always going to be haters or jealous people. But ask them to show you their work, because you have already shown your work/knowledge. Just ignore them and continue to florish. Thanks Adam. Thumbs up.

[@punkrocktony]

Here’s what I’ve been doing, I’ve spent years going “I can’t do this yet” I’ve spent a lot of years with crippling debt and drinking way too much, and I finally snapped out of it. Stopped drinking, going through bankruptcy, not I’m actually making to do lists that I’ve never done before 🤷🏻‍♂️ I think I’m finally ready to knock this all out and really give it a shot.

[@jeremyrmcmahan]

I personally still find it a challenge, but being authentic is definitely something i continue to work on. Thanks for the reminder. Your videos help keep me check.

[@richardpenamusicpr]

I literally started being more authentic and true to who I am in social media right after I started watching you're videos Adam! Thank you for inspiring me to become greater!! (Typing this while I drive, lol. Know I'm not supposed to but fuck it)

[@AngelArzuaga]

Man, this was awesome. I am a youth Pastor and Producer and I am always talking to my youth about being real no matter what! Adam, can you make a video about Leasing and selling exclusive beats. The pros and cons of it. Thanks

[@torriefergusonelcap]

I record by the name El CapeTeaux. When I look back I think that I haven't embraced myself as fully as I need to, I still have insecurities when I share my music. Sometimes the feedback is harsh. But it only teaches me that I need to develop myself more so I can actually capture the moment of embracing myself! Great Video Adam!

[@sajadlangari7708]

Man you're great. You make people feel great about themselves & the art they're creating. Man I wish you were my big brother.

[@leonardoparis9975]

I started to find myself when I started to just hang with myself. Something my mother encouraged me to do. I was going down. Silence is POWERFUL. You go through pain of solitude, then find yourself, STRONGER than ever. Mentally like 10k lions, you know? Do you. But do it with all of your heart until you check out. #TEAMGRANDMASTERSALESMEN

[@TheAudioDabbler]

Introverts unite, separately, in our homes!!! I still can't seem to get out of my own way with a lot of things. Doing youtube videos has helped me come out of my shell some but I still need a lot of work to embrace who I am and let that show in my work. Thanks for the video. Great content as always.

[@witsrip]

ive never seen your videos up until this point, but you definitely "made it" in my opinion. you are you, you won.

[@duardbandy1241]

Thanks for sharing. I am sure, I have been one of the ones who mention limiting cursing never with hate just my different perspective but always value your honesty. I still don't like cursing but always had respect for you. You are awesome for just being you!

[@Smithereen]

Even seeing this now. I appreciate this. I started writing songs last year and releasing songs. My country is in lockdown so all I can use is headphones and GarageBand but it’s better starting with that than nothing

[@theirishbob]

Another great video. I've always known who I am and didn't know it was bringing me so much hate until the slander ruined my life in my hometown 😂 I never faked it and thats why im still struggling but I have turned down four deals so far that didn't suit me. SG-1 from Tha Piecemakerz and Musicmillionaires (KZbin) managed to get me the deal I was looking for and told me that after working in the industry for a very very long time, he believed "fake it til you make it" until he met me. He said now that I've met you Nicky, I realise that only liars think that way and one of the guys on his team told me my music is the truth 🙏🙏🙏 I was very humbled by that. Even tho I'm struggling they tell me that they are honoured to know me. Guess im just stuck in the wrong country. Bless up Adam, thanks for another brilliant piece. 🍀

[@robertbrochu7418]

Our styles are different I’m a rock n roller but some of your topics translate. I’ve played in country bands primarily but was really unhappy. Now I’m putting my own project together writing and starting to record rock n roll and I’ve become a lot happier as a bass player.

[@markskrizsan]

Quality content! Being genuine and real is what it's all about, baby! If you're not doing you then you're doing yourself wrong. There's only one life that we get to live, so why not be you? It's better to live a life knowing you did the best being you than regretting a life where you tried to be something you're not.

[@jrel.o.l1647]

FIRE is Music

[@mathsmo6746]

Thanks for giving the best advice. I'm only 18.I grew up listening to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin,Metallica,Pantera,Bon Jovi, Guns and Roses,Slipknot,Avenged Sevenfold, Queen, Steve vai,Black Sabbath,Dio,RATM,etc. Nowadays the majority of people are attracted to pop,rap,EDM,etc. I wanted to create a new genre that will tear down all the other genres.And i have just found the missing ingredient in this video. Thanks alot Adam Ivy.Hope u all listen to my music in the near future.

[@tronnyplaysguitar]

Hey adam, I’m new to the channel and I just wanted to say I really appreciate having a voice talking about business and marketing for music. I’m a guitarist in a hardcore/metal band, so naturally most of the music related channels I sub to are about gear and technical performance related stuff. Almost nobody really takes a deep dive on the marketing and business side of things. Watching your vids has really driven home a lot of things I’ve been realizing about the awful mistakes me and my band have made so far in trying to promote ourselves over the years and really helped inspire me to start taking things into my own hands. I’m saving up to get an actual computer (writing this on an iPad :p) and start my own little bedroom studio so that even if band stuff ends up not working out (which could be a possibility due to member changes schedules and what not) I can be a self sufficient content creator for my own music. I know your more of a hip hop guy, but I don’t think any of your advice has a genre barrier, anyone can use the tips and hacks you talk about to promote any art form or skill, and some of the huge you tubers in the metal community that I personally subscribe to all seem to have very similiar strategies for their social marketing and content schedules as you. As a viewer sometimes it can seem like these people just have unlimited creativity and luck, but any of them talking about their careers in interviews or whatever will always say it’s not about luck it’s about work and consistency. Anyway this isn’t particularly relevant to this video but more just your channel as a whole, I haven’t been here long but I really appreciate your content and your perspective, keep it up bro!

[@CrystalB0112]

I actually never really thought about that, but I can tell that you are right. You saved me the trouble of trying to people please. Thank you!

[@angelynaalice]

thank you for sharing. i watched your video because i've been wanting to start a youtube channel, but haven't really known where to start. your video helped me understand that the first thing i need to do is reflect on myself, who i am and what i want to share with the world. thanks for delivering great wisdom. it inspires me to do the same for others as i've always wanted to!

[@ilhamilemm6361]

i always being who i am and i realized now not all people can be nice to me, but it's really fine, thanks for an amazing video man

[@rudegyalvanilla711]

Get well soon brother ❤ thank you for making the video even though you aren't feeling well. We appreciate it. 21st Jan 2017 when I enrolled into music school, I finally became me, and the rest is history, or rather the rest is present lol. Because truly my life is a gift and there is nothing I could be more grateful for.

[@leonmartell]

This is basically the thing I asked You few days ago by e-mail! Thanks a lot for this, it's actually something that you can't understand by accident. whether You learn it from experience or someone like You explain it to you :) Thanks again!

[@alexdivega]

Nice vídeo Adam! I really start discovering myself when I emigrated to Germany, when I was 23 years old...alone! It's hard but at the end a very nice feeling. I like your videos. Keep doing 🤘

[@Arden7one]

🙏Throwback, 2001 when 11 years old me heard Chester Bennington and LP coming up with Hybrid Theory (I actually found a cassette tape I recall, as I just bought a Walkman at the time 🤘😏 ol'school), ever since generated a passion within me, invoked such devotion for their music, being a gateway to a whole new world of music (over 50 bands on the list), and mainly everlasting passion for guitar, vocals and expression of emotions throughout music (lyrics and voicing them, as im quite the wordsmith freak,😁 unfortunately, very shy and used to be a lot more hesitant). Tricked myself onto the production Bachelor legal (authority scam) route here in the UK , which coupled with the Hiphop heads I was surrounded by in uni at the time, which was so useful as it taught me to be more self reliant, and stand my grounds more firmly.. so I'm really grateful for the journey, and you reminded me with this video of its character building values along the way here. However, with all that being said, at the time in uni (2013~2017) I allowed myself for compulsory distractions (not saying bad, yet other people's habits, picking up genres I wasn't truly into, and further such music production habits, yet now usefu experiences and memories). So I allowed those to inhabit my lifestyle, for a few years, back until the graduation in 2017 (also a 4 and a half years relationship break up), and now throughout constructive 3 years of inner engineering onto myself here now, grateful I've met you, even so digitally yet only. And to think this LP obsession of mine drove me all the way here, making me believe in myself more and more, the harder it was getting, coming from an unknown to music industry levels, and how the production industry is more broadly available here and in the US, compared to Bulgaria.I'm so grateful!! Signed up just today for notifications over the next course, and when it will open up again. Would definitely need your marketing*** advice 🙏💓 Thanks for reminding me the better angles, I often doubt in my mind as I'm find myself pushing everyone away from me, as its mostly unwanted "draining" companies I'm fortunate to be surrounded by, pun intended 🙃. You're terrifically aligning, considering how far away in distance you're transmitting from those positive frequencies / vibes.. But hey, distances are nothing when bigger invisible means are getting people to cross paths with each other.✨🔥That's such a relief and support having your honest, transparent and good-willed intending reflections, on so many topics I've found useful and agree with, as I just discovered you yesterday, or the day before, yet I know I've followed you when you just started out your channel. Nevermind that, just since yesterday watched over 5~10 of your videos, lol. 🤭I really needed to hear this right now, as July each year since 2017 is tough for me 💓 keep wearing that big heart on your sleeve broski, and please flood us with such contents & contexts!✨ Love from Ldn 🔥 P.S ** Apologies for the long one, and thanks for sticking till the end of my story 😅 hope was worth it at the very least.. Yawzers! 🤭😬🌟

[@Super22Catch]

This is what scares me to put myself out there. Its harder when you've been bullied your enter life,, but I se it as it has prepared me for it. I gone through some tough time lately and it has really transformed me to a stronger person and I think I found myself via this experience. Like taylor swift sang. Haters gonna hate hate hate!

[@IPutTheBand]

Thank you Adam! And thank you for taking time to reply questions, and give advice for free. Thanks!!

[@VindreKane]

Thanks Adam, ur really connecting with people 🍄

[@sunofbaltimore8053]

I found myself young and struggled with staying true to self through different transitions of growth. Great video

[@dam44444]

M still into knowing myself...cause lately I have realised there is no use impressing everyone around u..be me..THNX..u taught that to me..BTW M 16

[@powersurgefive7484]

hey buddy i think rap and hiphop sucks ! Basic mindless garbage! But you Adam your awesome and your words what your saying to people that are just getting started in music like myself is very valuable thank you sir, your a blessing

[@mackgeezmusic6321]

You the best brother. These videos is like we're at Starbucks just creating and vibe-in, I a student. I'll spread the word....

[@ArcherVegaMusic]

My stage persona is my real personality. I can be shy and reserved with people. I have to be cautious with people. In stage it’s music. It’s an “act” so I can just let loose.

[@BRUZNEWTON]

Vulnerability, I love that.

[@ellieramos]

Great video Adam! So back then, when I was 20 years old doing music, I would make novelty ish love songs so I can hit the market in my country... but now, fast forward 3 years, I am writing songs about my struggles with Bipolar Disorder and how I live my life as a broke college student and published them on Spotify and KZbin haha and I’m gaining more fans that way actually. I’ve began to accept who I was now! Just be yourself and being authentic in content creation is the best advice !

[@therealjervsalem4953]

Hey Adam. Man your videos are real as hell. I'm a new subbie and so far, I'm grateful that I found you. Authenticity. It's what I preach! I don't fit in. And I'm so glad I don't. I began my journey of self acceptance in high school. I still care too much for comfort what other people think if I'm being real. When I decided to pursue music, I agonized over who I am as an artist. I don't look like singers out there. I was really overwhelmed. But at the end of the day I had to be me. It doesn't matter. I am who I am. As my Godmama used to say, "To know me is to love me." Damn right!

[@shawnmelody8346]

i been struggling with this lately, as I'm starting up a youtube channel. Very inspiring.. I think I'll just be me.. screw it!

[@namunabaatar6918]

1. SUSCRIBED + LIKED 2.This video really struck a chord with me! here is why... ~WARNING: long story/rant by some reflective teenage kid I feel that my life so far, up to this point has alternated between being very introspective and reflective, and being outgoing and sociable/connecting with people. This has translated into the music I make. I live my life, things happen, I reflect, learn something from it learn something about myself, then write (a) song(s) about it. This process is what helps me to really embrace myself, my feelings, and my experiences. I am so grateful for music and songwriting, because I am able to process, reflect, create, and share +connect with other people. On that note of sharing and connecting, I LOVE love business, marketing, advertising (In fact, that's what I'm planning to major in for college and planning to do if music does not work out). Besides that, That is who I am. That is how I work. It makes me so happy. Unfortunately, there are people in my life who don't have confidence in who I am and/or the music I make. These are abusive people in my life, who, ultimately, have pushed me to become mediocre, pushing me to feel like I shouldn't be doing something I want vs really wanting to do something and then /actually/ doing it. All this time, I dreamt of all these things I want to do but never really did them because of that "middle position," the "tentativeness," the "warm water" that eventually becomes boiling water and kills you. I remember thinking, "you know, I am so fucking sick and tired of feeling like this. I am my own person. I have been living this whole life in my head and wouldn't it be a shame if I never truly lived it out? What I could be?" And in the past two years, I feel like I've really found a lot of myself. I'm starting to think more independently (or maybe thats really a part of growing up) and I'm embracing more of how I perceive things. As a result, In that past year, I felt that I was thriving! I was unapologetically myself at school, I was outgoing and daring, I felt like I was living something. I got popular for it, and people liked that I was just undoubtedly myself. I was so proud of that. This year, I feel like I've found myself more, in a way, I feel that I am more myself. I lost some friends this year, but as you said, not everyone is going to like you, and sooner or later you're going to have to accept that! Besides, it's good to know who your real friends are, and now I feel that I am beginning to find those core group of friends/people who know me, get me, and will stick by me. I feel like ive found myself more than ever - my flaws, my strengths, my passions, my dislikes! OF COURSE, i dont know EVERYTHING; i'm still a teenager XD But I am so proud for coming this far, and for finding /at least/ the fundamentals of who I am as a person and I AM SO EXCITED to learn more about myself in the years to come! Hopefully, when I become 18 in a few months, i'll have more time and more independence to explore more. SO YEAH, this video has reminded me of my aspirations and has reminded me of this time when I found a lot of myself and my friends. your video made me feel happy because of how genuine and caring you are, and because of the way you care about your listeners and our stories and us finding ourselves. Thank You so much, KEEP IT UP (now excuse me while I binge watch all your other videos)

[@MichaelLynMusic]

Be the "best version of yourself?"...it's all we can do as we never quite get the 3rd perception as individuals...how the outside world views us

[@ModestJon]

I know I’m super late to the game, but thank you for all the information that you are giving. I relate to this video heavy because throughout my music career I have evolved because in the past I worried about what others would think so I would make my music as such. I wouldn’t even curse or speak on certain topics in my music because I worried about it offending someone. Now I’m at the point of just giving everyone the real me. If you rock with me then cool join the movement if not, then keep it pushing. Thanks for the free game! I will definitely be watching a lot more of your videos! 💪🏾

[@JoDreamer]

Hi I love your attitude to not sugarcoat anything, it’s refreshing tbh! I am ill will 8 different illnesses and still grieve the life I once had (I was an athlete, ran 10k’s every single day, was a great sportswoman horse riding) and I lost it all 😢 I am 46 and I’m building a new life and living each day as if it was my last! 🎉 I love to sing, I just find it hard to be in front of the camera but I might guess what you’re going to say… do I need to show who I have become in a video format whilst singing? I am no longer my slender, beautiful self, I live mostly bedridden from a hospital bed with an airflow mattress to protect my spine but what has recently brought me great joy is singing ❤ I’ve sacrificed so much over the last 8 years of illness but I don’t believe in giving up! I want to go on, singing songs to hopefully be able to meet someone like you as I sing every day and only record the ones I like the most but I’m only recording my voice, not my face 😢 do you have any tips to help me get past this block “of Bering seen” thank you for reading! Warmest wishes, JuliaDaniella 🥰

[@karinruiz2279]

Adam I just found this video! And I appreciate this point. Makes me think, that I used to be more authentic till something shook me off a bit… soo kinda the other way around, but I like what you say that you can’t stay in the middle cause you’ll be forgettable.. imma focus on reconnecting with my authentic self and show it through my arts !

[@Marsellis]

This was helpful, being yourself is the easiest and hardest thing to do in your career!!!

[@josschao3002]

Being myself is the best version of me

[@chillervibes042]

Ive been sitting in the middle for a while now, but im ready for the move

[@stompcity4085]

Thank you Adam, It's been in the last two years, that I finally embraced my true self...I'm different, I'm a songwriter, I'm me. Thanks for all your doing, kindest thanks. Michael Stomp City.

[@mfghost2165]

Man thats more of a lesson on life than a lesson of youtube/music business! Really good video! Respect for opening up!

[@LitigationGame]

Aye man. This video is super vital. Authenticity is real hard to incorporate into artistry. Still struggling with that myself. Glad I came by this video Man.

[@edgarsilvavk8920]

Real talk homie. I barely like and comment videos but this was inspiring enough to make me express my self. Thanks for the words

[@mazerbeamz]

Thank you for this, fam!

[@Gwheen]

i often loose my self trying to be my self when im arround people.... and that boderes me alot

[@polarroja5104]

i liked it ... i started knowing that am able to rap 2 yrs ago

[@EjRidenhour]

Love this video 💯💪being yourself will take you a long way

[@MichaCnk]

This video shouldn't be called "How To Build Your Music Business" but rather "How To Live A Good Life" That's easily to best life advice you can give to people if you could only tell them one thing.

[@GeorgePMusic]

thank you again Adam.. it is always about being yourself and allowing that to come through!!!! totally agree.. thanks for sharing:))

[@swam4362]

1. network by joining facebook groups and going to live shows in your area and supporting local artists and venues. 2. start a band and get material together. 3. book shows and play live. build an audience. 4. make stuff to buy and sell it. Vistaprint for mugs, hats, shirts, stickers, and magnets. There's a lot of stuff on Vistaprint though and you can use Honey to give you a ridiculous discount on everything. I recommend making buttons yourself. You can get a button press for pretty cheap. Use LockGrooves for all your physical releases. They are so good. Dirt cheap. Stuff you can't sell, you can take to a cosignment store. Rinse and repeat. I recommend 20 vinyl at first. Maybe 20 shirts. 3 small, 3 mediums, 4 larges, 4 xls, 3 xxls, and 3 xxxls. When you run out of shirts of a given size, make more. If you're playing shows in multiple areas, it's better for this obviously. So let's say 20 shirts for $200 and $200 for 20 seven inch vinyl records. Sell shirts for about $13 and vinyl for $15. Split the PROFIT, not revenue with your band members. Most shows will pay you about $4 to come out and play there per person in your band. You can also make postcard records. Just put a single on a postcard record and sell it for $6 or something. Make CDs. Let's see. $13 for CDs maybe? I also recommend doing spray shirts. As said before, mugs, stickers, magnets, etc. You can make a TON of stuff. If you sell over $3,000 in a year, you have to have a business license. You can sell polaroids as well. Honestly just be creative and have fun.

[@dylansantana651]

hey man thanks for the guideline on how to treat buying and selling merchandise, no one ever talks about it, ill keep your comment in my notes for a while lol

[@pinnaclepointestudios6050]

Realest person on KZbin went back and seen your first video lol You look and act totally different but that’s ok. We grow and make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. Thanks for sharing this and being someone I consider a personal mentor. Blessings.

[@AaronMatJ]

Keep making more and more videos! YOU ARE AN UNFORGETTABLE!

[@kokopellibeecher2644]

Thank you man good to hear this advice because I’m going through a lil moment of struggle trying to develop myself and my music business so I just decided to KZbin some information…same advice was given to me by my engineer/producer. I most definitely became certain of what kind of image I want to portray when I met him in the studio and he decided to be my engineer he told me to embrace my Native American culture and twine it into my music 🎶 so therefore I speak and portray that image of unity and development of people not just my own but anyone who is willing to embrace and be embraced….one love ❤️