How to Stay Sane As A Musician in the Social Media Age // 13 things I’ve learned the hard way

[@Wildlonesome77]

A great guitarist with great insight. Appreciate the playing,and good words. Always a tremendous pleasure. Thanks a Ton.

[@TheLucasKadeHolder]

Great points Alex, thanks for your perspective. Alot of these points really resonate with me. Even outside of music. These are great points to take!

[@wbjr6715]

Your rhythm playing is my inspiration, Alex. Bless your heart ;)

[@MrGreglarry]

Thanks Alex

[@coolblues14]

Good stuff Alex- thanks for sharing.

[@alexgraf8417]

Glad to hear you liked it!

[@FrankBillingsly]

I really appreciate u taking the time to make this man, certainly some words of wisdom I needed to hear

[@kylemacero290]

Thank you for a video like this! Good habits are so crucial to a healthy life as a platform for our creativity. Meditation specifically has changed so much in my ability to find that eternal place within of effortless love and creativity. Cheers!

[@loganchildersmusic]

#1 is definitely something I do as well.

[@learnguitarwithandy]

So much wisdom here. And so well spoken. Thanks man!❤ Just read “The Inner Game of Music”. It’s got a lot of helpful tools.

[@zml6580]

This is really great, thanks Alex. A lot of what you're saying reflects pillars from the Stoicism branch of philosophy, especially the maintenance of our sanity. I studied jazz a lot of my life as a saxophonist/doubler and relate to a lot of what you're saying. Oddly enough, bluegrass helped me revive my love for playing the woodwinds again. Have a good one and as a fellow, though relatively anonymous musician, I'll keep supporting you and doing my part to keep the network supported :)

[@alexgraf8417]

Thank you for the support! Cheers!

[@hancelangley4281]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Number 7 is especially resonant with me, in the sense that asking for involvement is a difficult mindset to get into, especially if one has doubts in themselves as a player. Your perspective is super insightful and helpful.

[@RickDeevey]

Lots of great points here. And your last one is the best one.

[@alexgraf8417]

Thank you

[@JohnWallbanger]

needed to be said. thanks.

[@alexgraf8417]

Thank you

[@swampgrassdc5804]

Thank you for this post! Music is so much more mental than people like to think, it's nice to talk about it.

[@alexgraf8417]

Absolutely. Thank you!

[@macallisterarmstrong]

The first time I had a video hit 1k views multiple haters jumped on the thread to do what they do best. It just means someone is jealous.

[@alexgraf8417]

I don’t see anyone doing that here! There’s still time though

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

♥

[@alexgraf8417]

💜

[@loco.joe.goldfinger]

I think I should preface what I'm about to type with this: I don't advocate (excessive) substance abuse on stage. BUT: If you're gonna be having a few of whatever tickles your fancy while you're on the clock, it helps to have practiced your instrument (and, if applicable, singing) in that state for a good amount of hours. Practice when you're sober, practice when you're buzzed, practice when you're tired or sleep-deprived. Practice in different states of mind in general, then, whenever you're in that state again, your subconscious will recall whatever you did in that state before. Again, I don't condone getting absolutely hammered. But if you're gonna have a beer or two on stage, this makes you a better and more confident player in that state of intoxication. Just my 2 cents, coming from almost a decade of gigging experience. That being said: thanks for this video, I didn't know I needed that today until I watched it. Also: bless your heart ;)

[@makeitcount179]

I liked your Preface plus the part about practice. Thanks

[@CraigS5.5]

That was well said Alex! I’m just a 65 yo dude in Wyoming trying to revive my guitar after 35 years of life getting in my way. Some of the points you made expand beyond music and can be applied to life in general, especially when you spoke of social media. When I first found you on You Tube, what I witnessed was you inspiring me to learn some flatpickin bluegrass stuff and giving me confidence I could do it. I totally admire what you do, what you say, and the wisdom behind all of it. Enjoy Colorado!

[@VictorVectorMusic]

Started playing professionally at age 16, I am 58 now. Boy how times have changed. The number one obstacle today is social media IMO. As it does offer an opportunity on a level unlike before to get seen/heard, at the same time everyone is a 'star' now. Not only musicians but anyone, even pet owners, with an opinion and a phone, a pretty face or story are cashing in. No longer do you have to work for recognition the way you did in the past. This has jaded society creating a whole new realm of thought that one has to overcome to be successful. It is WAY more difficult than it ever was.

[@trayromero4120]

I'm picking up what you're putting down with #2. I feel like we musicians are well aware of all of our errors big or small. We're our biggest critics which drives us to learn and grow, so unwanted harsh criticism can seem even more abnoxious when coming from that mindset.

[@alexgraf8417]

Yup and hays for sure. Thank you.

[@davidpatrick1813]

I appreciate this. Sounds like you have a level head about all this. There is a biblical saying, “comparing yourself to others is not wise.” Keep in touch with personal connection learn and grow etc. I am new to playing bluegrass weekly (in my first month) and the players are very very good etc. and totally encouraging, kind, helpful etc. Thanks for your work and time, still leaps and bounds from where I am and I look to learn. … thanks again…

[@alexgraf8417]

Thank you!

[@khushaggarwalguitar]

❤❤

[@makeitcount179]

Bro, if I don't reflect on how I played, what I played and how the people reacted then I don't think I could call myself a musician. One thing is I try to stay positive and keep the wheels turning.

[@alexgraf8417]

Absolutely

[@lebe220]

Roger Waters is king. They say he is negative. But his songs are wonderful. Otis Redding noticed that his music lacked depth. Then he wrote "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay". Its a pity he died when he opened up musically.

[@This_is_fine2024]

This is why I don't beat myself up. I've been playing guitar for 6 months. I keep the groove and sing. Picking up the guitar was the best decision I've made in my life

[@alexgraf8417]

I love to hear it. Cheers!

[@MrGreglarry]

I find people that are basically alcoholics, but they hold off while they're playing .... while I appreciate them only have one beer per set ... they are still unstable and a problem for the band. Their priorities are a messed up.

[@johnreilly9748]

Ah yes go to the Alan Holdsworth planet and breath deeply everything will be OK!

[@alexgraf8417]

I like the sound of that!!

[@johnreilly9748]

@@alexgraf8417 Hope to hear you live sometime

[@MaximMoney]

Yo Alex, is there a good place I can send over a quick email?