I laughed SO hard at the "crash and burn" section. I don't think you've ever really grown as a creative person (in ANY field) until you experience the "I might be a genius" to "I might be mentally disabled" transition. And it tends to happen pretty quickly.
@muaddib6673 жыл бұрын
It happens to me every other day, I'll have a great practice session on my guitar then the next day I forget what hands are.
@DweedleDeeDweedleDoo Жыл бұрын
I took 9 years off of my musical journey, and now I'm jumping back in, feeling like I'm on a hobby-mirror of Level 2 moving to Level 3. I'm beginning to realize how little I've learned in my first 6 years of guitar, and how much I've forgotten in the 9 years since. I said to myself 'I've been playing for x years' til it got to 10 and I realized I haven't been playing at all. I always dreaded theory, and gravitated to party tricks, technique practice, and tabs of my favorite songs - but now its time to buckle down, and my Level 2 complex has been making me think "once I learn theory, I can be a jam god", when in reality, Level 3 lurked around the corner and told me how little I actually know.
@lennyblandino Жыл бұрын
or if you keep panning between the 2
@VibgyorC8 ай бұрын
I'm pretty sure that's called the Dunning-Krueger effect and I have certainly experienced it. It's quite sobering.
@TheLPCSD6 ай бұрын
I feel seen ❤
@edmontoraptor3 жыл бұрын
Damn. I'm about to turn 25, I have a bachelor's in Music Composition and when you answered the question "what will you do if it doesn't work out?" "I guess I'll just die" is basically what I would answer too...
@DaveChips3 жыл бұрын
I hope you gonna do well... For me music was just a hobby... For last 15 years. Few weeks ago I quit my job to finish as much of the projects I have on hold since then. Don't know how will end up. Im thinking about making video log when time comes to do it 😊
@janzabram3 жыл бұрын
I hold a MFA in composition - music is not my job. Making music doesn’t have to be for money or for popularity. I feel like the terms amateur and hobbyist are used in a derogatory way far to often. Just because you make music for you, doesn’t mean you aren’t a musician.
@RoyBeatty3 жыл бұрын
I’m turning 30 next month, and have toured the us multiple times and done things i never imagined, but also still am not supporting myself full time with music. My plan if this shit doesn’t work out is just that lol… here’s hoping 🤞🏼🤞🏼
@ChromosomeSyndicate3 жыл бұрын
I'm 50 and the most important thing in making music is do what you want .
@i-never-look-at-replies-lol3 жыл бұрын
Realize that everyone who is good & known for what they do were doing it for 10 years before anyone knew who they were. That should tell you what to do with the next decade.
@exyl_sounds Жыл бұрын
ngl, 11:10 that advice is SO simple, and it really is, but I really needed to hear it and I'm really grateful I found your channel from Venus Theory. Sir, you have restored the creative juices I thought I had tragically lost with your funny words
@danjwalker3 жыл бұрын
I'll bet $100 that I'm the least competitive musician. There's no way any musician is less competitive than me. I challenge you to prove you're less competitive but I bet I'll win.
@StephenOrion3 жыл бұрын
Challenge not accepted
@noahdmnc3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenOrion ooooo you're good
@spadassin57253 жыл бұрын
@@StephenOrion Just checked out your music, it's nice!
@StephenOrion3 жыл бұрын
@@spadassin5725 Thank you. Releasing a lot more this year after taking time off to learn and grow.
@DaveChips3 жыл бұрын
I make music for like 15 years, haven't released single track... Say wut?!
@billsybainbridge33623 жыл бұрын
Friendly Amendment from a 57 year old who is rediscovering musical joy: Stage 8 is where the greater influence of your endeavors (both musical and social) comes back home to you to remind you of your further relevance in the larger cultural context, and where your freedom to experiment is not only highest, but your feedback of "social draw" from your life is immediate and supported in a much more authentic way. It is the actual "Fulcrum of Parasociality" and is the most balanced of your journey thus far - neither self-deluded nor clouded by the delusions of others regarding your notoriety. "You kids get off my lawn!" gets replaced by "Thank you for enjoying my lawn, come back anytime so I can tell you my story about it, and you can tell me YOUR story about it!" :)
@mikeroadblock3 жыл бұрын
Bravo
@drewepton3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this.
@tatnallkennedy3 жыл бұрын
Surprised, (not surprised) that Mr. Know it all, did not respond to this amazingly prescient honest and touching comment. Not too mention it gives so much more hope than where video ended, he should take his blinders off but perhaps stage 8 eludes some
@billsybainbridge33623 жыл бұрын
@@tatnallkennedy - Thank you for your sentiments, they are appreciated. In Benn's defense it is incredibly difficult for anyone with a substantial number of followers (and the added stress of public exposure of one's possible mistakes) to respond to anything posted in KZbin commentary. I've heard other KZbinrs say that they hardly ever reply at all because of how psychologically crushing dealing with general public cynicism can be. I feel it myself, and I hardly make any waves at all with my current status in Parasociality. Besides, I'm grateful that he shares a large amount of his knowledge and effort on a public venue such as this. He hardly has been paid well for doing so, meaning it's only "for exposure" that he is posting here, and still at a cost of considerable time to do the editing necessary. If you consider Public Replies added to that already large effort and it's clear why so few do.
@cory999983 жыл бұрын
I hope to be like you when I'm your age, that sounds very fulfilling
@soysos.tuffsound3 жыл бұрын
I'd more so call myself a music professional than a professional musician. I'm 56 now and feeling more creative than ever, doing so many interesting projects I'd never imagined and enjoying the benefits of the many years of wonderful experiences. My music career has not gone according to the plan of my teenage self, but my wife and I do make a decent living creating art together (she's a choreographer and visual artist). I wouldn't say I've been through all your 7 stages or in that order, every "music career" is different. I'm just grateful to be having so much fun and feeling so inspired much of the time. My advice? Surround yourself with beautiful artists and collaborators and you can't go wrong. You might not get rich and famous, but you'll be happy! Thanks as always for the great subjects and thoughtful approach.
@jon_gee3 жыл бұрын
Love this 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
@mikeroadblock3 жыл бұрын
Bravo.
@kamranramsdenmusic3 жыл бұрын
This really brought me comfort, us younger musicians need more messages like this.
@murilomuraah Жыл бұрын
❤❤❤
@eyevenear3 жыл бұрын
The other day i checked who are the artists I listened to the most on Spotify over a span of more than 5 years. You are 2nd place, that is crazy consistent. and I'm not even 30 years old. You are a big inspiration for many producers of my age.
@akashnba033 жыл бұрын
how do you do that? I'd love to see mine.
@nattieCSH3 жыл бұрын
@@akashnba03 obscurify can show this stuff obscurifymusic.com/login (go to the All time tab when you've linked up to it)
@jimmahey66153 жыл бұрын
I'm 47 and for the most part this was spot on. Thanks for the laughter 😁
@hazmatforhumanity73183 жыл бұрын
I was never able to break out of the "local musician" part of my "career" and while I've managed to squeeze out a few albums that I'm proud of (and some that I am working on now) It has always been an uphill battle. I'm 39 now and I'm hoping to, at this point, sell enough albums to keep my hobby funded. My job and personal life was always such a hinderance to my studio time and i sometimes regret getting a full time job instead of dedicating myself more fully to music. But here I am. I came so close to submitting something for your contest but I just couldn't find the time to get it finished. I look forward to your future videos and to dropping the link to my album for the discord folks to pick apart in the future!!!
@logsnein9633 жыл бұрын
Can't wait for your reality/existentialism series!
@TachyBunker3 жыл бұрын
Damn right
@tiagofalcao9823 жыл бұрын
If there is something that "the internet" has taught me over the years, is that anything can happen at any given time. Of course, it's pretty improbable that your career will turn around again, and you see a sudden "rise to fame", but it's not impossible... if you are pretty talented, but people simply don't know yet to fully appreciate the scope and depth of what you compose, the rise can still be something in your future. Especially to someone that composes what you compose... ;) I sure hope you keep doing what you do best, and that you can get through life without caring too much about money. Surely, one day people will say "Remember The Flashbulb? That guy was awesome... only now we fully understand the depth of what he did..." :) best of luck to you, Benn
@samecoff27883 жыл бұрын
This video is going to become required viewing for all of my students who are planning careers in music. Brilliantly executed as is your usual standard!
@themattwilson1986 Жыл бұрын
When you showed the photo of Mark is the moment I realized why I even clicked on one of your videos. I lived in Humboldt for 10 years and knew the Mucca band very well. I knew I had met this guy before but I could not remember where for the life of me! Great stuff here, Benn! I remember helping Mark move all the Mucca gear into a new studio and can confirm that Mark did like giving work to musicians!
@voicedrifter3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video Benn. I feel like you're elegantly speaking to multiple audiences here, those considering or already on this journey, but this also helps bring some clarity (dare I say closure?) to those of us that maybe followed other paths in life and always wondered, "what if?". Such a profound bit of content man. Please know that you are proving to be every bit as relevant in my middle-aged life as you were back in college when I used to park the car out in some green space somewhere, throw on some Pale Blue Dot, and look to the stars for the meaning of life. Now it's just taken a different, evolved form.
@nickhaldin8674 Жыл бұрын
I’m a little late to your channel, but i really appreciate the reality check you incur on here so often. Its really great to hear someone successful, yet not famous in the classical sense or even having a charting song, talk about this kind of stuff. Its really valuable for us that are trying to eke out an existence in the difficult music industry of today
@michaelbonesmusic5 ай бұрын
thank you, just found this video after losing my "day job" due to health issues - I have been struggling with energy levels but have been pouring it into my music and youtube with little success over the past 4 years doing so in my free time/part-time - now I have no other job at the moment I can start to see or feel what you mean about being success being inevitable for the full time as I feel my skills have improved sharply with more hours per day "in it"
@SyncrisisVideos3 жыл бұрын
I'd say a lot of hobbyist musicians just live that Stage VII life from the get.
@thelanavishnuorchestra3 жыл бұрын
So true
@sheireland37376 ай бұрын
You are not just a musician. You have gift for storytelling. Now it’s time to write a book. Subscribed!
@vincentdanopoulos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Benn. You truly are one of the best creators of this platform I could find. V.
@infinaneek3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful! Thank you. “The chances of you being the most determined or talented part-time or hobbyist musician becoming successful is extremely slim. The chances of an all-in professional musician becoming successful is inevitable. You’re not betting on fate, you’re just wrestling with time now.”
@astrarivm Жыл бұрын
So refreshing. Great work! I watched first video from your channel yesterday, immediately liked it and after 3 or 4 video in a row I realized: you are The Flashbulb, who was my one of five top inspirations from 13 to 20 age. I have always wanted to write like you! And yesterday the Universe gave me a sign 😂 I'm 32 now. I am professional mixing engineer here in Russia and writing music. Thank you so much, Benn! You have made a giant influence on my music life.
@Thr3-Words3 жыл бұрын
As always, Waaaaaaaaaaaaay deeper and well thought-out than I expected. Dude, you're the king of underselling. I don't know how often I pass on one of your videos because the title sounds so meh, but then when I do watch one of those videos, I immediately after go and watch at least one more
@SeedtoStage3 жыл бұрын
If you're all in "You're not betting on fate you are wrestling with time." My experience in a nutshell. The truth is that most people make great music, it's whether you have the work ethic and time management skills to do all the things. Most don't.
@MartiHatung3 жыл бұрын
I've heard it said many times in my days..So I say it here "Nothing is as refreshing as the truth"...Thank you Ben!!
@bicyclops3 жыл бұрын
Always appreciate your insight and candor, Benn!
@thegeneration13153 жыл бұрын
Excellent, transparent, and honest words Benn! Much appreciated. I am a musician who has went through many stages as well, as many others my age have. In fact, the most success I had in the music business was with a group based out of Chicago called Blackmaker. Hard rock and southern influenced rock band. We had many albums, mostly self released or on independent labels. The unfortunate demise of our group was getting signed by a Major. An album that never saw the light of day. That was our ceiling, it crashed, and we became disheartened and eventually after legal battles, getting out of contracts, etc. called it a day. With that being said, that experience taught me alot about how to conduct myself in the business world today, and the types of offers and situations to look out for or to embrace. I still take chances of course, haha, but my decisions are a little more focused. I too am a multi-instrumentalist, electronica artist, pop, hiphop, producer, mix and mastering engineer. I am still building my business this many years later. Basically had to start back from the ground floor at the age of 40. I now have a family, and my priorities have changed. I have offers to do some road work, but am much more choosing when I accept. I do most of my work from home, most of my clients are from every city but my own. As the city I live in doesn't foster much of a scene in my field. I just primarily wanted to thank you for your honesty and hard earned wisdom. I always tune in to your videos, as they are very informative. Keep doing you. 👍
@deepstructure3 жыл бұрын
Great video. I'm 53 and have been an amateur musician all my life - and not really a professional anything either. I've done alright, but what struck me about this video was how true all the steps were for myself anyway. Nicely done.
@astrobearmusic19773 жыл бұрын
That was extremely honest and heartfelt. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your wisdom. You’ve made a really big impact in the musical world, and I hope that you reflect on your career in a positive way even if there are ups and downs.
@SanguinarySun3 жыл бұрын
I absolutely loved the ending of this video. I love your content, I think you’re my favorite single musician. You don’t make my favorite music all the time, I like too many different things to say that about anyone, but as a music producer, music educator, and veteran of the music industry, you are somebody I’m happy to be able to learn from. A lot of people like you may never reach out as far and spread what they have as far and then die relatively young and all we have is their music, which isn’t much other than something to enjoy, or something like a bit creative radiation from the past telling us that something was once there. I probably won’t become a professional musician. I’m autistic, so my life expectancy is low enough. Music has been the most important interest of mine throughout my entire life but I’m too poor to start and too averse to change and too bad at adapting that I don’t think that life would suit me. I will still keep it as a hobby, and try my best to stay close to music as I can despite what else I wish to do.
@AndrewSouthworth3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely phenomenal video dude, thanks for being so willing to share your decades of experience with the world.
@onewmc3 жыл бұрын
🚀🚀🔥
@TachyBunker3 жыл бұрын
This video is a checkpoint for musicians of all ages. I'll be starting stage I soon :) I hope that all of this is worth it.
@quantize3 жыл бұрын
dude, you're ace, like a lot of snarky viewers/producers i started watching this through my own filter of BS and by the end was agreeing with every damn word. nice job!
@arcadiaoflight3 жыл бұрын
I'm 24 and have gone through a few break ups with others in the music world and now I'm in the child stage of discovery. Here's to the future to you and all who see this!
@Waldemar_la_Tendresse Жыл бұрын
The interesting thing about your videos is that you always have something interesting to say, not just as a musician. This alone is a great contrast to 80% of the other videos on this platform.
@doubled30823 жыл бұрын
Been, my name is Dan. I lived down the street from your grandparents on 77th. I'm so happy for you success. The earliest memory I have is going to a White Sox game with you and your mom. I pass the corner house a lot as my dad still lives there. I discovered your music recently and it is spectacular. Congratulations on all your success. I have a friend who lives in Woodstock, GA and it's a nice area. Hope you are doing well!
@Guilherme-nc5li3 ай бұрын
Crazy how I can relate some of the things mentioned here to my career as a doctor. The dopamin rushes, the feeling you are the top of the world to feeling disabled.
@middaymeds3 жыл бұрын
This video really inspired me to finish my debut album. I've been working on it so long that any attempt at releasing it makes me fear that it will be beneath me in 6 months based on the knowledge and skill I've gained. But this made me realize that this part of my career is one of the best parts and the creative energy flowing through me will overcome any technical shortcomings. Thanks again.
@floatleafmusic3 жыл бұрын
This is the first time I've had to pause a video halfway through and share it with my musical colleagues as fast as possible. Absolutely brilliantly put. Thanks for keeping it real and hilarious! Amazed at how relatable your experience is. More power to you, thank you so much for this
@KrumpusPlunk3 жыл бұрын
I feel like that as a hobbyist with days-long creative outbursts and then weeks of barely touching an instrument in between, I go up and down a lowkey version of this scale every time I make a song :D
@grantchapman85833 жыл бұрын
The flowers for Algernon analogy is brilliant! I needed this video, excellent timing :)
@matheusrocha55963 жыл бұрын
I discovered your music about half a year before you released Arboreal iirc - so I was 12 at the time - and I've always consistently listened to everything you released since then. I guess that makes you the artist I've been into for the longest. Not even my interest in the beatles lasted that long. Hearing this reflection on your carrer makes me nostalgic, not in the sense that "The Flashbulb is someone I used to listen to" as you mention, but nostalgic because I associate different parts of your discography with different moments of my life. I can think of quite a few amusing life experiences that, one way or another, only happened because of your music - and that's with me living here in South America, not having any chance of attending any of your concerts.
@KingsizeRecords3 жыл бұрын
The people you surround yourself with are very important. I've been releasing music by myself since 2009 and almost none of my so-called friends (including my ex-girlfriend of five years) ever supported me in any way. Nowadays I hang with mostly musicians and producers and even though I still do most stuff just by myself I'm kinda starting to finally grow some reach and most importantly I'm more motivated to go on with it than ever before, because I can now share what I love with people that actually care about it.
@KingsizeRecords3 жыл бұрын
I still don't make any money out of it but I'll get there... probably :D
@AndyChannelle3 жыл бұрын
I earned 28p (about 35c) on spotify last month. I’ve been playing for about 35 years.
@Durosai3 жыл бұрын
This is really cool, love to see things like this. Helps me prepare myself for the road ahead
@nosfy5 ай бұрын
Wait whoa, I didnt realize you were the Flashbulb till like 80% thru the vid! Your work is phenomenal and part of the soundtrack of some of my most important years!!
@shanemorgan8910 Жыл бұрын
So glad you brought up the slowdown of finishing songs as you go on. I remember writing multiple songs a day and being super happy with them. Now I finish songs at a snail’s pace because I don’t see a point in doing something if I’m not improving. Personal innovation gets harder and harder as time goes on.
@joseluisrevelo3 жыл бұрын
Such a brilliant and needed piece of wisdom. You are a good human being. I follow you because of that, the music is just an added bonus.
@AvithOrtega Жыл бұрын
I am a doctor and still being focused on music entirely, of course none of my family supports my decision but I have been noticing this slow growth in the last years and I just don't want to stop.
@DodaGarcia3 жыл бұрын
This gave me an existential crisis.
@cmpretlove3 жыл бұрын
Loved this, never took the plunge to pro but I was right on the brink 25 years ago. Still not sure if I dodged a bullet or missed a great opportunity. At 50 I still love making music and love the fact that I can be completely free with experimentation, though that last graph was a kicker🤣
@Lennard222 Жыл бұрын
The last graph is just bullshit. Do you know any trap artists over the age of 40? Don't confuse life expectancy with average age of death, especially when the selected groups are highly age related
@tmwonastick3 жыл бұрын
Good advice for any career in my opinion. Stay humble, there is always something else to learn!
@PGLBiscuite3 жыл бұрын
Bruv, thank you for the reminders. This is; Good as Gold.
@RwingDsquad3 жыл бұрын
I’ve been following your music for over a decade. You (The Flash Bulb), Wisp, and Aphex twin are my favorite artists by far. I love your music. My favorite songs you’ve created: Cycles, once weekly, interior SD, walking irrevocable, undiscovered colors, taste my solitude, lawn wake II, dirt bikes and street vendors, come horn, passage D, and eleven ways to end the pain. If anybody reading this hasn’t listened to the songs I mentioned above, go and listen to them all. They’re all absolute gold.
@ricochetsixtyten3 жыл бұрын
I just recently heard Kirlian Selections for the first time, and let me tell you, you are still impacting young musicians like me, if your music is timeless you're never irrelevant!
@Mullaha3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic insight, and a roundup & relatability to the final stage of music making with total freedom, contentment & acceptance. Music cures, music gives an escape, music gives life.
@corydharma3 жыл бұрын
As a professional meditation/mindfulness teacher, I found all of this incredibly useful. I think this applies to many creative professions. It's just good all round advice in the form of a career's table of contents. You're in inspiration to more than just musicians.
@bodhishotta3 жыл бұрын
Oh wow man that’s pretty dope that you’re a fellow Chicago born musician. I’m a 22 year old saxophonist/artist and producer from Rogers Park. I’m glad I found your channel and knowledge
@oiawn_aowdbao_ib3 ай бұрын
I guess some of this stuff can be also mirrored for people who have started "normal" careers. I'm a 38 year old data scientist and learned to play classical piano very well (at least on amateur level) as a kid, dropped off it in my teens. During Corona I took it up again as a hobby and finally learned (am still learning) improvisation. I'm now at a stage where I regularly go "if I would just go 100% on this, I could improve to a professional level really fast" and have extended daydreams about that. The grass is always greener and so on...
@Misksound3 жыл бұрын
Holy HELL. I've been writing/recording/producing for almost 2 decades with reasonable monetary success in the sound design world and been stuck in *STAGE 5* for years man... YEARS. Even to the point of actually entertaining the idea of becoming a financial advisor or something. i think i need to go to bed, watch this again, and reassess the situation. might have to finally connect w/ ya on patreon soon. damn that cuts deep (in a good way).
@pumodi3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for posting this. I've never been very prolific but in my specific niche I'm somewhere between step 5 and 6. It was nice to hear everything you said and gave me a little calm and appreciation for the process and others lives.
@Subtronik3 жыл бұрын
I just realized that you’re ‘The Flashbulb’. I’ve had your music on all of my devices for many years. My favorite track is ‘Warm Hands in Cold Fog’. That song has literally brought me to tears, which is the highest compliment I can give. Thank you for all that you do. Subscribed!
@codeyvo3 жыл бұрын
This video is inspirational. I've been struggling to figure out how I want to enter the music industry because I've been training vigorously since childhood, and music feels like all I have to offer. I'm 25 and I feel like I am not even at Stage 1 (or maybe I feel like I skipped straight to Stage 3), and I don't know how I should rationalize it or even think about moving forward without fearing that I'll become homeless. The biggest issue about starting off is not feeling the instant feedback loop that you're making the right decision. At any rate, I thank you for sharing your perspective on matter. Hearing that I will inevitably grow and perhaps eventually succeed will help me a lot mentally/emotionally during my journey.
@johngallaghermusic97773 жыл бұрын
Haha. , thanks . I indentified with this alot. I was a bass player for many years ,still am. I didnt write ,sing or play guitar til I was 28. By the time I learned to craft decent material ,the music industry had changed beyond recognition. Ive had to learn how to just keep going because I love to do it. Im 52 now and the acceptance stage has come about. The challenges are a real lesson but the benefits emotionally of making music im happy with ,far outweigh the rest. Thanks for a great video .
@bouncytrapbeats3 жыл бұрын
Hi Benn, I love this video and I agree with everything you're saying, but after thinking about it, I do think there's one major omission. When you're an older musician, you can restart the cycle of your career if you're willing to pivot or try something different. James Murphy was a failing alt-rocker until he decided to give electroclash a go. Leonard Cohen was at an all-time low when he picked up a cheap keyboard and started writing weird R&B ballads like Hallelujah. Damon Albarn with Gorillaz, Paul Simon with Graceland, Trent Reznor with film scores... It might be my denial speaking, but I feel like you can have a 2nd and 3rd act in your artistic career if you're ready to go through the discomfort of going back to the drawing board and learning new tricks... Thoughts?
@BennJordan3 жыл бұрын
I agree. This is what I meant by indifference becoming a gateway to freedom, and why I'm releasing solo jazz piano albums and yapping about things on KZbin after a career in experimental electronic music. 😅
@subVersionband7 ай бұрын
Really appreciate your honesty and humility 👍 your honesty is both reassuring and refreshing
@roenw3 жыл бұрын
Hey Ben, I picked up red extensions of me on vinyl when I was like ... 19, ish? I never did the dj thing like I had imagined, now I'm watching some production vids and see Ben Jordan in the suggestions. "Is that him?" Your energy and thoughtful way of speaking are totally in line with that album's vibe. Thanks man, good luck with the whole online thing!
@ixxirecords263 жыл бұрын
I needed this... holy smokes I'm between 3 and 4 right now. Thank you.
@bb-sw6ur3 жыл бұрын
Not a music maker but the video was insightful nonetheless. Been listening to your music since 2010 I think, and always thought you were the definition of slept on in terms of popularity. But then as time went on, I realized that you were probably moving up in the world despite never having a light shined on you as intensely as other artists. Any time I get depressed that my own content is overlooked, I think about how the amount of organic growth and subtle influence you've amassed was substantial, and that inspires me to keep trying. Besides, I've come to learn that I would probably enjoy a life of obscurity much more than fame anyway. What I'm after is exactly the amount of support that enables me to walk away from conventional employment, and not anything more.
@kostisvАй бұрын
Success in terms of popularity depends on many factors that we don't have control of. An example tha comes to mind is an electronic duo that in the 80s when everyone was into rock ( I llive in Greece) when they played at a bar or something, they sometimes had an audience of less people than the band itself. And they were a duo! Nowadays they have been rediscovered and they have done quite a few concerns with thousands of people who literally go crazy about them
@uhhhclem3 жыл бұрын
Those are also the seven stages of being a professional software engineer. A friend of mine's in his 70s. He was in Dr. Hook, which should give you a pretty good idea of when in his life he became irrelevant as a professional musician. For the last 35 years he's been working in a music store, selling guitars, getting paid modestly, and enjoying the security of having employer-provided health insurance. He makes music every day. (He commutes by bus, and sits in the back of the bus playing his guitar into his phone.) Every so often he gigs. He doesn't have the slightest hint of ambition. He's in his 70s, for Christ's sake. I know few people who are as happy with their lives as he is.
@DoctorJezz3 жыл бұрын
Wow. Probably the most insightful musical broadcast I've ever seen since ... age 14 (when there were none and I was saving to by a Boss Dr 110 😎). I discovered you looking for a new reverb pedal , but I've since enjoyed you output and found that you're just a beautiful human being along the way. kudos for bringing this into the world ☺️🙏
@spadassin57253 жыл бұрын
Awesome video Ben! I think this will give a lot of people clarity. Also I laughed a lot at the graph near the end lol I want to be a career musician because contrary to all the other jobs I've tried so far, it is the one thing I feel I could do indefinitely, that will always keep me invested, thinking forwards and working hard, that will challenge me constantly and encourage me to surpass my limits. Ever since I was young I drew a lot of purpose from music, for so long I dismissed it as a dream and sort of just let it rot in the back of my mind while I did other things... That hurt me more than I could have imagined, I thought it would go away eventually but it was always there it would just sort of linger around me in a taunting manner. Recent events have brought me to a certain realization, that I cannot just let this pass me by. I'm only just starting to learn truly how hard this is going to be, that I currently have almost no idea what I'm doing and how much I still have to learn as well as what it's going to cost me, but that said (and call this ignorance possibly) I really don't care if It ends up costing me everything, because I'll hate myself if I don't put absolutely everything I have into it. And even if down the road I fail and have to go back to the regular work I usually do, I'd probably just save up for a while and then start all over again, repeating that cycle until I finally succeed or my life ends, simply because it won't stop calling to me. I'm not confident enough yet to say I'm a professional musician, far from it. I can't get anything I've made so far to sound how I imagined it (hell, some of it I can't even stop from clipping all over the place lmao) and I am often frustrated and disappointed with the results of the many hours it takes me to write and produce a single piece of music, I also discovered I'm not as good at playing guitar as I previously thought! But in spite of it all, the little time I've spent doing this so far has been more rewarding, educational and invigorating to me than all the other working years of my life combined.
@teganmora3 жыл бұрын
just having gotten into music a year or two ago and wanting more than anything to become a professional musician, this video was really impactful. thank you.
@OGpiranha3 жыл бұрын
hey Benn, this just may be my favorite video of yours
@raifaustino3 жыл бұрын
This is one of your best videos yet. Thank you
@hamacaboy3 жыл бұрын
I really like your video and your perspective, its very real. I think that its uncomfortably true, being an artist cannot be fulfilling until you understand that you do it for yourself, not for being rich or famous. But that leaves a huge gap in terms of seeing others having comfortable lives, while yours can be a sort of sacrifice in the name of art. This is adressed in your video, and its the hard truth.
@Fedbo3 жыл бұрын
This is important and meaningful work, thank you Ben
@davidhodgin89003 жыл бұрын
The band Swans completely changed their sound after a long hiatus and you hear this with a lot of band. The fact that Michael Gira could make some of the best music he’s ever made in his 50s and early 60s is eye opening.
@davidhodgin89003 жыл бұрын
I guess imagine that as the stage seven hiatus, and stage 8 awakening-reinterpretation of the concepts and style that you specialized.
@jaym21123 жыл бұрын
What's interesting to me about this video is how it contrasts with what I hear from other (younger) musicians. For example, one thing I typically hear from musicians is some externalization of "why I can't get ahead." That is, I often hear mostly harmless griping about music labels, the music industry generally, or some example of the latest externalized villain, Spotify. I like how this examines things from the perspective of being a master of your own destiny. As someone who picked a more "traditional"/stable career path and simply enjoys music as a hobby, listening to people who pick music as a profession complain about the money or ability to support themselves, who also then demonize all these things they see as roadblocks to their success, this really gets under my skin. Folks looking for their "big break" or picking up signs and protesting Spotify's monetization -- all looking for someone else to make their careers for them and someone to blame when it's not what they think it should be. It blows my mind how anyone who decides to be a musician as a career is surprised, or indignant even, that they have a hard time making a living. From that perspective, it's really refreshing to hear a musician talk about just putting in the time and work, knowing who you are, and sharing a realistic view about expectations.
@NickHchaos3 жыл бұрын
Skipped to stage 7 as my main life goal long ago, hurray! A middle aged Italian sculptor told me once after a show, “obscurity isn’t the worst thing in the world.”
@Andyanddiana4673 жыл бұрын
Cool vid. A lot of this applies to the roadie/tech/engineer/AV side too (speaking from personal experience). You mentioned the toxic people you meet in this business - that sounds like a good idea for a video!
@colinoliver3 жыл бұрын
this is SO good and SO true (and wise and nice). thank you mate ❤️
@riffpad10 ай бұрын
Dude, I found your videos recently and love them! Now I find out you're The Flashbulb?! Autumn Insomnia Session absolutely blew my mind when it was released. Amazingly small world!
@jessejarrar3 жыл бұрын
This video felt like a therapy session for me. I needed to hear some of these things. I believe you were spot on with everything you said. I’m definitely somewhere in between 6 and 7 right now.
@Koboto3 жыл бұрын
Hey Benn, love your channel. I agree with this...mostly. I honestly feel very connected to your perspective as I’ve followed a similar path. I think it’s a great analysis but I feel like step 6 is a bit...off. How to say?... yes, I totally agree with what you say with the “creative ceiling “ but... it’s not totally accurate IMO. I really think that only a few select and lucky artists are able to capitalize in 1 field for their entire career. For the rest of us...it’s about the pivot. Sure, you may peak at performance or scoring or production or whatever but you can always move to something else and continue to build. Dood. I love your music but...I found you through your KZbin...which you’re absolutely killing it IMO. I personally worked as a commercial music producer but now I’m doing more sound editing and mixing for film. There’s always room to grow and...bro...you’re killing it! Also, I’m from N GA but I’ve been working in Shanghai so....I love seeing my home in your videos. Keep it up, you’re a gem. :-)
@Googahgee3 жыл бұрын
I think I'm in that Crash & Burn stage right now Actually, I'm still not even quite there, in that I've yet to break into the professional music scene, but I respect how skilled everyone is and feel so scared to reach out and try to put myself out there. Lots of self-doubt right out of college lol
@That__Guy Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I had like mediocre success as a metal musician in my 20s and now near the end of my 30s after having had a break from music almost entirely I am starting again with exactly this level of indifference. I'm daring to reinvent myself and my music, not just limiting myself to one genre or style. I'm actually starting to discover this feeling of awe again that you mentioned from when I was starting out. I'm no longer making music and I start again to PLAY music. And that's an amazing feeling. It's almost like coming back home.
@phuturemusic3 жыл бұрын
Oh, that's you, the genius! Nice to meet, Benn
@JeremiahRoth3 жыл бұрын
I know I'm never going to go professional (I'm a few years older than you and I can't get past a 4 bar loop), but I enjoyed this video nonetheless. Honestly, I think many of the same stages apply for my industry (tech). As for the shadow ban, I'm subscribed and your video popped up soon after it as posted. I do believe you're shadow banned though, as I watched a LOT of music production videos before I was finally suggested one of yours. Which is weird to me because you've got one of the best channels of any I subscribe to.
@katielowen3 жыл бұрын
Sorry if this is negative but thought I’d give my perspective: I’ve never seen a video of yours or heard your music before, and just checking out your top five songs on Spotify, I’m really inspired that you made music that sounds (to my tasteless ears) like basic licensed background music in shows and movies, and yet you have millions of plays/streams and an audience that loves you. I was pretty bummed out with the ending of your video though with how you framed a musician in their 40s. If I were you I’d be absolutely thrilled with what you accomplished and just excited to keep making stuff and keep the journey going.
@GuyGamer13 жыл бұрын
The songs that are his top five on spotify ARE "basic background music" because that's what appeals to the widest audience. That's the kind of thing that gets picked up in "chill out" playlists or placed in media and makes you money. But he's an insanely talented IDM producer, go check out his first couple albums from the early 2000s.
@CuriousPassenger3 жыл бұрын
@@GuyGamer1 yeah what a stupid decision it was to judge a musician by his top 5 Spotify songs.
@ehhhhhhhhhh3 жыл бұрын
I'm only a hobbyist musician, but somehow I feel like this applies to other careers, too--I think these phases were actually very relatable to other careers. The whiplash of high and low confidence definitely feels familiar, at least.
@yappyrobot76235 ай бұрын
I just so appreciate ya, man.
@shankiphonic3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for being here, Benn
@bealotcoolerifyoudid7217 Жыл бұрын
7:30 yep I can definitely relate. Thanks for talking about it so openly
@niltomega29782 жыл бұрын
What great insight you offer. This is the stuff that helps other profession musicians mitigate these stages and likely move through them easier, and possibly faster. I never made it to professional level and bailed for the common job and family, and pretty much left music behind all together. Although I did gig nearly every weekend for 12 years and brushed lightly with some of your stage insights.
@PaulCusick5 күн бұрын
So I’m 60 years young this year. My stage 8 is the recognition that I write my music for me. It is my muse and my therapist. With a shorter road ahead than behind I’ve also learned that (with tech) you can make music where ever. So now I wander in a campervan and write and record on the road for fun. Will it see the light of day and be published? Maybe. I did have the crash and burn. I also missed out of family time due to youth fuelled gigs. I’ll always make time to write. But I won’t sacrifice time to publish etc. etc. Then again if it rains too much and I get a good WiFi signal who knows. ?
@lvletal45893 жыл бұрын
This video is one of the most beneficial I've ever watched. Thank you.
@Eniral441 Жыл бұрын
I'm happy to find this channel. I want to make the switch to professional, but I'm 50 and really don't know what I'm doing.
@lovelesstv3 жыл бұрын
the content of your videos has always been substantive and engaging, thank you for this!!!
@phhiemstra Жыл бұрын
This maps quite closely on the Dunning-Kruger effect, awesome illustration of the concept.