How I Fight Imposter Syndrome | Music Industry Edition

[@mattoverminder]

I beat my imposter syndrome in my office-based career by leaning into it, like "I AM the imposter, and MWAHAHA they'll never catch me!!", and it worked!! ..but I think it's because it's just a job to me, and I'm not all that emotionally connected to it. With my music, it's different, because I genuinely care about it and the people that I make music with, so it hits a little different. Still working on that..

[@ElBeeEss]

LOL, brilliant; I'm totes going to take a leaf out of your Dr Evil book!

[@sabinadcosta2812]

❤love it 😂

[@ST-ry7lr]

I have had it in the past. But YOU should NEVER think of yourself in that way. You are very much a solid musical artist, which is rare amongst the "creators" on KZbin.

[@Zzz0505]

This video came in just at the right time for me. I was offered an opportunity recently by someone I really admired, and it literally freaked me out for several weeks and even when I’m actually working on it now I felt intimidated sometimes. Knowing that I’m not the only one going through this helps me tremendously. Thank you very much for sharing.❤

[@AndreasAmorsen]

Refreshing to see a video like this without background music. It's sooo much easier to focus in on the message without background beeps and boops. And well delivered, bad snacks!

[@ChuckSutton]

In the last 2 years I felt a type of stuck and lost that I had never felt before. Every piece of advice you list in this video gives words to the exact habits I've stumbled upon that have made me feel better, so it's great to see the approach validated by the Big Snack - These 100% work! What you said about the voice not making a sound just hit me like Mr Rogers

[@steknika]

One of the craziest things about you, Jess, is how you 'get it.' I've spoken with countless people in my life, and many seem clueless about this. I demolished my self-confidence, only to rebuild it using my so-called mirror technique. I'm not sure if it's valid, but what I usually do is gaze into the mirror, speaking aloud, looking into my own eyes, acknowledging my weaknesses and where I fall short. However, after that, I affirm to myself all the things I appreciate and find valuable about myself-the entirety of my positive side. This trick has been helping me for around 20 years, enabling me to become a better version of myself. Despite this, I still grapple with imposter syndrome because I feel the need to handle everything alone (which is my usual approach). Another aspect is feeling like I don't belong in the music scene. Yet, the phrase 'SO WHAT?' has been instrumental in overcoming these feelings over the years. My mind goes into overdrive, obsessing over not having many fans, views, likes, or numbers. But when I face the mirror and say 'SO WHAT? You love what you do-it fills you with joy. You have fans, maybe not a multitude, but each one is incredible and genuinely cares about you. This is your way of expressing your emotions beyond your chaotic mind. Treasure it. And pocket is life... ' Something along those lines. Often, it brings tears to my eyes, yet offers immense relief. I'm thankful you're here and truly grateful that you understand...

[@colemangoughary]

Thank you Jesse ❤ this deeply hits home for me as an aspiring artist who is constantly around a ton of professional artists. I especially like your tip about treating yourself as you’d treat a friend, focusing on the self-compassion angle. So hard to do when you’re comparing yourself to others you admire. Bless you for your strength in publishing this. Hugs

[@mixedatmidnight]

Bad snacks you inspire people with your honesty and talent. You inspired me nearly 3 years ago to go and buy a Roland Groovebox and get back my passion for writing music. I have created almost 100 music videos and constantly learning something new everyday. Today I learnt from this video that we have something in common and i thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️. All the best ☺️ Rod.

[@shawndaniel7673]

This rules!! I appreciate you being vulnerable with this. I’m sure it isn’t easy. Not enough people (I think especially in creative-minded industries) talk about this!!!

[@alexsitzemusic]

For me imposter syndrome acts like false humility. If you strive to stay humble and not pretentious or ego-driven in a competitive music industry, sometimes imposter syndrome will answer by lowering your self-esteem and getting you to stoop to worse ideals, rather than instilling the real kind of humility talked about here at 12:50. If you struggle with this specifically, I like to say, "don't think less of yourself, but think of yourself less" as a way to both keep humble, see the inconsequentiality of it all, and at the same time not put yourself down.

[@michel_laforge]

BadSnacks, you are a wonder of a human and I am happy you exist. Thanks for this video. Signed, another human who had a rough « life as an artist day » and just needed a sign (even if it came through a video from a stranger on the internet). Cheers

[@scizophreniac]

why do i always feel that imposter syndrome videos are by people way better than me...? jokes aside, great video!

[@violao206]

One of the best bits that one of my mentors told me about the music business is that talent and ability have nothing to do with it. I really helps so that you don't do your head in. I think Bad Snacks is the cutest kid that makes amazing productions. I can't remember how I discovered her online, but as a professional Jazz musician, I am not exactly the first in the cue for Dance, Electronica, and EDM that my little nephew listens to. Bad Snacks' videos have opened this old dinosaur's ears to some of the delights of the medium. She is not only as cute as a button, but she also possesses rather amazing musical and production chops. Oh, and musicians love musicians that sing (I still kinda hate singers). I am a Reason (Pro Tools) kinda of guy and she has really demonstrated the power of Ableton in her Red Rocks gig rig demo alone. Keep up the amazing work Jessica!

[@obeseninja93]

Dude you literally inspired me to move out to LA and pursue production. You helped me pursue my own self production. Thanks for everything!

[@badsnacks]

:’)

[@rhinoskin7550]

I never understood the need or want to be in LA in order to do something with art.. I get it, Hollywood. But you're essentially throwing yourself in the same pool as everyone else.. After a lot of traveling, I met the most interesting and creative people in the mountains, middle of nowhere.

[@StanleyKubick1]

@@rhinoskin7550 if you're trying to produce for a specific label or artists, it makes sense to be where they are

[@altuervo]

Year or so later, hows life been going??

[@kevinpannetiermusic]

Suffering from it in all creative aspects of my life, but also at work, I cannot help but relate to what you said. That being said, I'm struggling BIG time with my music, my latest EP didn't encounter the numbers I expected (1000 streams on the main title) and those kinds of events are a real pain in the ass, I don't know how you can deal with those and I'm taking a break for now because of that.

[@JusticeConstantine]

Great video Jesse. Thanks for the Pep Talk. YOU, Jesse, Ms. Bad Snacks, are so talented. Especially with your background as a singer/songwriter in the folk scene, being trained in violin in the Classical music world and your variety in the electronic world; you aren't here with all your success because you are another pretty face. You are truly talented. I recently went through hardcore Imposter Syndrome that my therapist pinpointed when I was asked to play piano for Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon) and Rachel Haden (That Dog/Daughter of the Jazz bassist Charlie Haden). Both of these artists I was obsessed with when I went to college. And now, I got to play with them. Like you stated how you wish you made this video earlier, I do too; but I am so happy that you made this video even now because you were able to target MUSICIAN Imposter Syndrome and I can refer to this for future events when this occurs in me. And I am going to forward this video to a lot of my musician friends and family who suffer through this. Again Jesse, great video. Your quality of topics are on point.

[@Avaruuskettu]

This, to me, is your most important video. 💕 I wish so hard I had someone in my life who thinks like you do.

[@matthodek]

Thank you for putting yourself out there like this. I only do music as a hobby, but this resonates with all of me. The only other advice I can think of is to protect your social media spaces and fill them with people that are real. While I can't control who follows me (which isn't many...), I try very hard not to follow people because they are popular or flashy. I follow people because they help me believe I can be me. Yes, Bad Snacks, you very much fit that bill. Keep rocking your jam, I'll be there to listen.

[@jonathankessler9853]

I love seeing bad snacks pop up on my feed cause it’s always wholesome, feel good content that’s inspired by hardship and genuine emotions. I’ve been going through a big bout of imposter syndrome myself relating to music college which is a mess we all know and love but this was exactly what I needed to help push through this morning. Thanks snacks! Hoping you come to Vegas soon so I can catch one of your sets!

[@Deinorama]

Great video, as always, and thanks for the excellent tips. Number 4 especially helped me out a bunch over the years. Not necessarily from a people pleasing standpoint, but as you describe in the video - if someone asked you to do it, then it's not for you to judge if you're good enough or not, it's their call. I've struggled with this for ages long before I became a musician, and I still do. Last year I got invited to teach part time in the same place I took my guitar lessons and it still feels like I don't know anything, or I just lucked into it or whatever... I can't change my own mind most of the time, but I can keep on trucking along. Never stop :)

[@dareangelmusic]

For real! And pre social media as well. I racked up some huge credits in the 90's and that feeling is real! It still gets me too but maybe with an added level of expectation. It doesn't matter if you are a total beginner or a huge star. We are all just people with real people issues. One thing I know is none of us are any less deserving of all the good things life has to offer than any other.

[@gigirodriguez3794]

Listening about your experiences and your tips about dealing with impostor syndrome really made feel like I was attending a lecture, you have taught me a lot over the years. Thank you, professor Snack. ❤

[@PaulJonesy]

Thanks for the honesty, so common in my experience in so many areas of life. It gets less as you get older mainly because you tend to naturally adopt many of the strategies you talk about here (if you’re lucky!).

[@illutible823]

Hey, thank you for this. Thank you for being genuine. Also, your music is rad and your tutorials are great. I hate the idea of self promotion so much that I sabotage myself.Thanks for the little push. :)

[@theabirus]

Omg. I have a very weird feeling. I kind of feel good for having imposter syndrome, because if my producer crush Bad Snacks has it , who am I not to have it? Love the video! It's very hard to talk about those things! ❤

[@Sound-Lord]

In the music industry/world the only important thing is how good you are. If you are great mix/master engineer (in practice) - your age, sex or education doesn't matter. If you are bad at mix and/or master audio - your age, sex or education doesn't matter. If you have a hit song - your age, sex or education doesn't matter (there were some debuts at 50). If you have not any - your age, sex or education doesn't matter :) So really don't waste time for any syndromes ;) Use your time to become really good :)

[@tapwaterstudios2559]

Thank you Ms. Bad Snacks. Glad you were vulnerable and gave some helpful tips. This is definitely an issue I struggle with a lot.

[@connorsol]

I'm recording a 69-minute progressive metal record with a deadline of November, working with nearly 50 musicians who are helping record music parts, vocals, etc. I have to finish writing lyrics according to my back-story's lore and then record 140 minutes of guitar parts and then record a bunch of percussion instruments and then manage everyone else's recording results and hand it all off to the engineer in like 2 months. Imposter Syndrome has been hitting me pretty hard just this week, so, well-timed. 😁 thanks for the reminders and motivation to not ask for an extension from the engineer. I can do this ✊

[@badsnacks]

You got this!!!

[@Whiteseastudio]

Yeap! I’ve got it as well, its not easy to deal with, definitely not on KZbin… Great tips! Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@ddeafner]

Ive been suffering from imposter syndrome off and on for YEARS. Not just with music, but within other parts of my life as well (but lets stick to the music side of things 😂). But I feel like the older I get, the less it affects me. It does creep up from time to time, but I know how to battle it now since I have experience. One of the things I stopped doing (at least off snd on) is that I just stay off social media; I haven't been on any social media for the past year or so. I thought that it would help inspire me more seeing everyone on their grind with their music, but it was actually the opposite and more distracting than anything. I know us music folks need social media to get ourselves out there, but for me not being on there, its helped me focus on whats important instead of doom scrolling and being distracted. Hell, I'm going through imposter syndrome right now 😂 thanks for the video!

[@codyrathman]

After the last two years of recording/producing for friends for cheap/free, I just landed my first paid gig doing a singer/songwriter's first album. Felt great to shoot them a price per song and have them agree to it immediately. Luckily, my portfolio and reputation is what sold me for them, so it was all worth it. Imposter syndrome was always there and will continue to be there as I know I am not ever going to be the best at this, but these coping strategies will be helpful. Thanks Bad Snacks!

[@ThomasKobrick]

I have mad imposter syndrome but I keep doubling down, and sometimes it comes back again pretty hard, but I keep doubling down. But to have actual tools like the ones you shared in this video - I wish I had had these under belt earlier this year, and last year, and the rest of my lifetime before that. I am going to write these down and tape them to my speakers, to my monitor, to my guitar, to my forhead. And yes, double down yet again. Thank you for making this video. I believe you will be affecting people's lives with this. ❤ Mad respect for Bad Snacks.

[@goob6095]

hey just wanted to let you know i stored all my memories from 2020 to 2021 in your songs, listening to your music takes me back to those years and is so nostalgic i liked fender bender and wallflower the most also in the atmosphere

[@rowegardner9673]

Might be the best video on your whole channel!! Thanks so much for this! Love it.

[@banc_arg]

thanks for this video. You have no idea how your words helped. thank you

[@eliseintheclouds]

Hey Snacks, you're so wholesome! I love that. Thanks for the advice, feeling very positively reinforced now 😊

[@kalaalefaio5108]

Yes! We already know these things! Thank you!

[@OmerAssraf]

Thanks for being this type of voice. Amazing stuff

[@heatherpruner2284]

Thank you SO MUCH for this! You dropped this video on the EXACT day I needed it!🙏🙏❣

[@5StringTheory]

The 2nd tip is my personal favourite!

[@georgewhite1972]

Super helpful video, Jess. I thought I was the only one who struggled with this! ❤

[@ChrisRobify]

A lot of this stuff lines up with the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I agree, whoever you are, you are good enough!

[@DJCosmicLatte]

The mock Fantano reviews tickled me to death while also kinda validating me, cuz my content gets most of its attention from a couple Twitch streamers and their audiences and I frequently fantasize about their reactions to my unreleased content to motivate me to finish and release it 😅💦

[@TimDaleMusic]

Thank you. Very helpful video. I go to big events and meet some true legends, and ask myself (in Talking Heads style) "how did I get here?". Had a brief attack of imposter syndrome last week when my latest project made about 10% of the money I was expecting. Turned out to be an admin error, but I was worried for 48 hours.

[@eristoy]

This is just wonderful. Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing this.

[@dad_fi]

I feel this way about my skateboarding when I see that cats and dogs skate better then me. Then I remind myself it’s only the internet, I didn’t see the struggle, never give up !!! One day I’ll be as good as cat or even a bulldog.

[@distillednoise]

as someone who is having a sort of career with music (or at least, at the moment i am making money out of it), my impostor syndrome consists in the feeling of not being talented enough to deserve that career and so the fear that it can end anytime soon. Sad thing, since I'm doing what I love most. Thanks for your tips!

[@MrTinymonkey]

You're adorable. Thanks for being so open.

[@AntshayMusic]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice. Crazy to think that you felt that way through your major successes (brain feeder, red rocks etc). I succumbed to the imposter syndrome by quitting, which is not the best way but I feel I’m on the road to recovery.

[@jonnysee2948]

Thank you, great vid! It’s 3am and I can’t sleep and I got work in a bit and just took gigs on an instrument that I haven’t really gigged with and my nerves are getting me. I struggle with nerves. Anyway, thanks again, this helped 😅🌈🤙🥰

[@MikeeHollMartz]

Sometimes, people approach me and afterwards think I’m an asshole cause I don’t talk a lot about my successes and when I do, I talk about them like their nothing worth talking about. They take it as if I’m being arrogant when I’m actually having a hard time accepting that I may be really good at what I do. It sucks that I can’t describe what I’m feeling or why. But yeah, it’s been hard, but I’ve managed to beat my insecurities. Thanks for this video. 😊

[@electrolyteorchestra4214]

The Anthony Fantano bit really got me, that’s awesome

[@tillg.6450]

Thank you for sharing your coping mechanisms. I’m in a different field, but I have the same thoughts. Greetings from Germany

[@nicox8913]

Like, seriously and most sincerely... thank you for posting this amazing video. Mad respect and gratitude, ~NICO X

[@carbonvibes]

Thank you for sharing, Professor Snacks 🙏🏻

[@KINZOisHERE]

I don't know if these words will resonate with anyone but here I go: I simply don't believe there's any chance to break through if I don't become a salesman. Additionally, the music and videos I create aren't for the masses. I create material that is suit only for very small niches. Being said this, I believe I'm good at what I do and I love what I do, I can't imagine myself not creating this kind of material from time to time. So I guess what I'm saying, is that if what you create makes you feel good in the vibe you are hoping for you already have done the best part of the job, if you really want to take the work hard on promoting yourself you are already successful because you are fighting for your passion, AND if eventually you don't get the results what you were expecting, remember that in the first place, you pleased yourself with your creation and that's something that not too many people in this world can achieve truthfully.

[@garrettlajoiemusic3577]

Beautiful video. Thank you!

[@z-boss]

Thank you for putting the time and effort into making such an amazing and helpful video 🙏

[@tech-nomade]

Jonathan Blow said once one interesting thing, he thinks that most of the people who think they have an imposter syndrome just interpreting wrongfully the correct feeling of being bad (or not as good as they would like to or should be) at something. Thus one important strategy to cope with the imposter syndrome would be to improve yourself in whatever you are doing.

[@mlzellers]

Very good video. I think these are great techniques for someone that has been successful in a field. I'd like to hear some tips for people like me at the start of their music making journey and are seeking validation.

[@JustinPittman]

Holy F. I needed THIS! Thanks.

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

Wicked good job! It's always great to see your videos you give such great perspective - I jus tlove it! Thanks!😄

[@henryinvisible]

I love this so much… beautiful advice

[@francishetherton1837]

Excellent honest brave and so helpful - Thank you

[@ddudley26]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings..

[@8628416]

Thank you.

[@facunaproducer]

Gracias por compartir tu experiencia y tus tips !!! 🙂

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Thank you, Jesse! These are great tips.

[@backbeatben]

great advice!! needed this !!

[@alphamegaman8847]

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me."🥰 --Stuart Smalley😁 "You can Live in Grace and Comfort, in the world that you Transform"🖖 -- Neil Peart, RUSH. "That'll do pig, that'll do!"🐷 As long as YOU know, you do Good work, thats all that really matters!👍 Mike in San Diego.🌞🎸🚀🖖

[@caglarongan]

That was really *good snacks*. Thank you

[@thesecretisyouaddreverb]

Thanks snacks, this was a good one.

[@DeeJayAARonYT]

W Snacks as per usual 😌‼️

[@aurax4]

Thank you. it was really helpful 🌹

[@yujmusic]

thanks for posting a new video!

[@AMTunLimited]

In my time, I've been a professional: * systems administrator * systems analyst * theatre tech * musician * software engineer And in all of those ive had pretty solid imposter syndrome.

[@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard]

Thank you for this video and message

[@davidespinosa1910]

There's always somebody better. You can either live with it, or find work where you ARE the best one. And how much fun is that ?

[@LiveGusto]

This is the good stuff!

[@GarviHere]

I can't have imposters syndrome Im not successful yet

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

My big insecurity recently is wondering whether I'm getting too old for the business to find me appealing and want to do work with me, insofar as being a performing artist on a stage. I've spent so long in a day job for years at this point to afford the tools to do the things I wanna do. I feel like I'm running out of time.

[@hauptaupt]

I have a folder of screenshots and voice notes from friends and followers who have said wonderful things about a piece of music that I’ve released. I dip into that when my imposter syndrome pipes up

[@nicovandenberg_]

As a 40 year old guy who passed up big dj gigs in my 20s because of bad anxiety and imposter issues I can only add that 20 years from now you would wish you had taken those oppertunities, crashes and burnes included.

[@SKymodsomemore]

I never knew about this about myself

[@Klangraum]

Imposter = Hochstapler/Betrüger = Cheater... I see no problem. The thing is, we naturally take inspiration from things that someone else has done before us. Karl Bartos from Kraftwerk once said that there is no shame in copying your heroes. He himself loved the Beatles and copied them. What came out was something completely new, as we all know.

[@CharlieSolis]

🦾❤️‍🔥🙏 much love bad Snacks!

[@TheMixClub]

Good Job. Enjoyed.

[@yiannbeats]

thank you for this

[@endorphinsmusic]

Thanks

[@QBellowMusic]

Right on time 😅😅

[@bardistass]

I've been in it for so long now that I honestly believe you're doing it wrong if you don't have imposter syndrome...

[@altuervo]

I just uploaded my music today , and i dont believe it is anywhere near as good sounding as it was when i originally made the songs, but all my peers friends and family say its great stuff, i hope i one day get to look back at this comment and laugh instead of gaze upon it shamefully, if i ever achieve the success people have told me i deserve...

[@MaWa_uk]

One day you'll get over your imposter syndrome enough to rebrand yourself as Good Snacks ;) You're so cool!

[@gratoo]

Thank you, I need(ed) this!

[@billy_pirie]

🎯

[@craigreeves5465]

I honestly suffer from downright debilitating imposter syndrome. I know for a fact that it has had a negative impact on my career in music. I hardly ever trust my own creative instincts or my own judgement concerning what I'm doing when I'm creating. So often I feel like I have no clue what I'm doing, that every creative decision I make in the studio is the wrong one and it oftentimes causes me to shut down and quit, not releasing something I worked weeks on. Considering how long I've been at this, I'm aware it should not be still happening but it does. I'm in my 30's and have been doing this since I was 16. And even at this age I very often feel like a noob who doesn't have a clue...

[@badsnacks]

[@itseggboy4]

Every human being should see a psychologist, or a counsellor as you guys seem to call them. The human mind is filled with ego and biases and all sorts of weird shit, and every single human on the planet can improve mentally. We get taught physical health in school, go to the gym but people seem to think mental health is for people who have a mental illness. We need to change the way we look at seeing a professional, as they're literally armed with the same knowledge a fitness instructor is, but for our mind.. But no, we will judge ourself and expect everyone else to judge us for seeing a professional.

[@amaliacandido5687]

❤❤❤

[@delphisignal]

Red Rocks! That is legit big time!

[@GillamtheGreatest]

I stopped. been trying to start again ever since. still not there