Musicians, stop questioning everything you do

[@robertcella6051]

Love your channel and your playing......but trust me....those of us who work jobs we dont love bring all kinds of things home with us. Nobody is immune from this nonsense.

[@PhoShzel75]

I get so much out of your videos Justin. This hit me on many levels. Your willingness to be "real" is greatly appreciated.

[@shawndeveau]

You are mentoring ~50k fragile artists and we love you for it! You will officially be known as Uncle Justin from now on. :) Thank you for sharing dude!

[@JustinOstrander]

Haha thanks

[@Grant_Ferstat]

nicely put.

[@dekeknox007]

I worked 40 years as a freelance cameraman… always waiting for a call. Jobs could be for one day or one year, you just need faith that something good will turn up. Finally, just as I retired I won an Emmy. I see a lot of parallels between the session musician and the film/TV pro.

[@RyanWellsMusic]

I too have struggled with this. For me, instead of trying to be on the lookout for triggers and whatnot, it's more about replacing fear with gratitude. I think it's that simple. When fear and uncertainty start to creep in, ask yourself what it is you have to be grateful for and acknowledge those things. I watched this thing years ago where this guy carried a small polished stone in his front pocket daily. Every time he put his hand in his pocket and touched it, he would remind himself to be grateful. That kind of stuck with me. Gratitude is super healthy medicine. It leads to humility, ego check, balances fear...

[@JustinOstrander]

Absolutely. I’m grateful for all of it.

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

Two years later, he realised he had polished his left bollock to the size of a cashew nut.

[@Tonecaster]

You are so right. It was for me a reason not to be a full time musician. I didn't want to hate what I loved. Thanks!

[@TimsGuitarWorldwithTimFeskorn]

I hope it clears up soon i'll be down is a few weeks on Broadway.😎 Very fitting video. Thanks Justin for your great content.

[@thepanda4067]

Absolutely nailed it Justin Many thanks! How many out there have thought " wow..I pulled out some good stuff on that gig" to be met with total indifference and then on the flip side you play total crap for two hours and an actual musician approaches to say how much they enjoyed listening to you. Yes... guilty as charged. I always aligned my self worth to reactions to my guitar playing until I realized it was all my own ego. Social media really doesn't help and people are real keyboard karate experts. Reading books is better for me personally and two come to mind: "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius and "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner. If I could get close to following a third of what is contained in those books, I'd be in great shape. Love your channel and playing. Respect and best wishes to you.

[@dannymacnevin3939]

Great video Justin. In the mid 90's, I recorded in Nashville, at the studio now owned by Jamie Tate, it was owned by Lonnie Mack's drummer back when we were there. I got through it, but being a 25 year old kid from Canada, I was overwhelmed. I stayed at it, I've toured, and done lots of tracking, can read number charts etc... however, shortly after our recording sessions, I set my sights on Computer Programming, and that has been my career for 20+ years. It's still a form of creation, with those same ups and downs you speak of. But I still do music as much as possible. I'm hired to do shows, and I take every gig serious! We did a 2 night Led Zeppelin celebration last fall, I just finished doing an 80's and 90's female country show and I am currently working up all the guitar parts for a Cream celebration which we are doing in early March. Music has been my life long passion, but I never made it a career. You speak of moving rocks, when I was learning all the stuff for the 80's / 90's country show I just played, I was familiar with every song they were doing. I learned all the guitar parts, and what got me the most, was back then, a lot of the sessions were Albert Lee! I remember trying to learn them when I was a teenager, and into my 20's, and struggled. But this time around, they all just felt great. It was more getting the feel right, and the rest just fell into place. So even though it had been 30+ years, I had moved that Albert Lee rock... and really enjoyed playing that show! I wish I would have had this video to watch 30 years ago. Maybe I would have stayed in Nashville! Keep up the great videos!

[@kurtc2894]

I'm an anesthesiologist and describe our role akin to session musicians. We're there for the surgery (i.e. song). Appreciate the candidness and you really gave some sage, well thought out advice. This is one of the best guitar channels on YT. Cheers!

[@nickm8354]

Man, sometimes you just have the right video with the right message at the right time. Thank you Justin!

[@mikedr1549]

You're definitely the Bob Ross of session guys. So soothing and calm! Thanks for the pep talk.

[@JustinOstrander]

Hahaha thanks

[@seanzinger]

I lived in Nashville for 3 years from 2003-2005. We arrived in January 2003 and the day we drove in it snowed a TON, and then not again a single day we lived there. Hope the kiddos enjoy! Great topic also. I’ve struggled with this a lot, even as a teacher. I’m constantly bringing work home and living in that head space.

[@Puckburglar]

I really needed this tonight. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Justin.

[@tristanavakian]

This was very helpful. I got called shortly before the holidays by a big legacy producer - one of my heroes actually - who offered me a project in May. I immediately jumped through a lot of hoops to lock in a sub to cover my road gig, and and told the producer I was now 1000% available. His reply? He was "waiting to confirm". Nothing since. I get more communication from heckin' Sweetwater. All this at a slow time of year for me, so I have too much time to ruminate, and that is bad for me. Thanks for reminding me that I've come this far and, one way or another, I'll get through - if I keep showing up and working on my craft. Oh yeah - and that not everything is about me.

[@ScottyJohnson17]

Well I am up to speed. I started from the first vid and just finished the latest one. I feel like I started class late and had to catch up with the rest of the group. But it was worth it. It is synchronistic that I have been wanting to ask about plateaus for a professional musician and how you get past them since I was about half way through all of the vids. You answered the question in this your latest session...just keep hammering away...just keep getting better. Thanks Justin for all you do.

[@michellerolando9578]

Justin this a great perspective! I can tell you after 50 years of session work the insecurity always raises it ugly head. So none of us is immune.

[@michellerolando9578]

sorry Justin this Larry Rolando. I must been on my wifes account.

[@marcicmusic1]

Great job on this topic. It’s something no one talks about. Bravo for even bringing it up!

[@keeppressingkeeppraising]

Really appreciate your transparency and insights Justin.

[@6oundStudio]

I really liked the part about looking back and not forward. I'm always afraid that I will lose my client flow, but it literally never happened. I just need to let it go and work with what I have now. thanks for sharing

[@Tonetwisters]

Justin, you talk to that camera as if you are sitting right here in my office/music room. That is a gift. Another guy I watch who can do that, is a guy named, Evan, from Country View Acres. In your "spare" time ... look him up.

[@jp_guitar]

That's such solid advice!! And I love the rock analogy, I'll definitely use it with my students. Thanks for the consistently great content!

[@LakeandLyndale]

When my dryer breaks I know who to call 😂...Great stuff Justin, such a great topic that isn't discussed enough!

[@JJukstratfan]

Thank you Justin. Very wise words. As someone who has just stepped away from an I.T. to concentrate on guitar playing and youtube videos like this are really helpful. Thanks again.

[@RickGtr271]

Great stuff! I was rehearsing a worship gig and the worship lead wasn't happy with my effects. I got offended and said he should hire a session player that plays guitar for a living to figure out all these effects. He then said 'I'm just asking you to turn a knob' You're right, I let my self worth get in the way of solving the problem for the song. He even told me later about his experience in Nashville how the producer doesn't care about your emotion, just get the job done. Love this channel and advice you give. Let's just say of all the session guitarists in Nashville, you're my favorite uncle, if you know what I mean!

[@Frettedchaos]

Keep this kind of content coming, Justin. No one really addresses the psychology of being a musician. This video was cathartic for me. ❤

[@JxLamdin090]

Thank you dude. For many of us trying to take music to the next level, these kind of insights/ pep talks are invaluable. This was good to hear today 👍🏾

[@ScottyJohnson17]

It is strange that I do not really care for country music. I started to abandon this channel, but something made me stay. I am glad that I did. I am not always just a fan of the music, but a fan or maybe an admirer of someone who is good at their craft. I was not that into SRV's music, maybe somewhat, but the guy could play and that is what I liked to watch and hear.

[@mediocrecoverbandguitarguy2416]

Thank you for this video, a lot of people don't realize they are not alone.

[@onechosen2]

Thank you, Justin… I needed to hear this! I’m moving back to the Nashville area for a creative job, and this line of thinking has crossed my mind. Your encouragement is appreciated!

[@BrockBarr]

Just what I needed to hear at exactly the right time. Thank you Justin

[@jeremyversusjazz]

dude. dude. 🙏🙏🙏 love you bro. i spent 33 years in a creative field-half of it as a freelancer (not music or guitar related) and everything you’re saying here is 100% exactly how that 33 years felt. I used to make the plumber analogy a lot. 👊

[@daliusBSP3]

Yep. Someone once told me you have to get something wrong before you get it right. That's life. Regards to you all from the UK. Great channel!! 👍👍

[@markinthemix6055]

Enjoying your channel more and more. Blessings to you in 2024

[@josephroaden]

So much great wisdom in this video sir! Being able to take feedback without taking it personally is a skill and takes time and practice just like anything else. Separating ourselves from the art we create takes a lot of the pressure away too. Thanks for sharing something that rings so true to many of us!!

[@edwardgordon4309]

Great topic, Justin. Every video is another piece of the puzzle to store away... not only in a direct application sense but also as far as life lessons. Love your content and your choice style of playing 👏

[@Andrew-Hood]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with everyone. I completely agree with everything you’ve said on this video. The only other thing I would probably add is to be realistic about what success looks like. I have been getting frustrated because the one guitar professional I have been unwittingly, trying to impress refuses to ever say anything positive about my playing, yet my family, friends, and many people online love my work. I’m not sure why I have been so caught up in getting one person’s approval. He is not even that nice of a person.

[@justinprizant1980]

Amazing insight Justin. Thank you for talking over some experiences youve had! Very helpful❄️

[@CRP2426]

Thank you so much for addressing this topic. This is what makes you so helpful, Being a creative person has so many psychological aspects and layers, more so for musicians, thank you for sharing your experience & Knowledge.

[@kevinhines3487]

Excellent commentary. The statement at 14:02 is vital. I learned that from watching my grandfather work. I also learned that from learning about U.S.Grant finding his footing in the Civil War. He kept trying things until something made a breakthrough.

[@glenncohen4023]

Great video. Failure is the information you need to improve. Embrace failure. Encourage honest negative feedback.

[@DanielRettberg]

This has been a breath of fresh air hearing these stories/circumstances from someone of your caliber. I thought I was the only person who heard the “I’m definitely gonna call you again” line and not get called lol. You’ve inspired me to keep going, Justin. Thanks for your content.

[@telecasterbear]

I learned many decades ago not to get too excited about anything. Expectations can lead to disappointment. I have been disappointed. I enjoy the ride, as it comes.

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

Imposter syndrome was live and kicking well before social media. Probably worse now with internet.

[@guitarsinhats6721]

Imposter syndrome is huge. Good video!

[@marcgreene6343]

Don’t be afraid to try! Excellent!

[@diegozamorano3467]

Wisdom words. I really appreciate all the goods you share in your channel. Amazing “zen like” channel and awesome playing and tone. I will continue learning from you mate. Thank you very much

[@SIXSTRING63]

Oh believe me Justin you can take your day job home with you. I have been a gigging guitarist for 40+ years and played full time for ten years out of high school. When the bottom fell out of bar gigs at the end of the 80’s I had to fall back on a trade I took in high school, being a machinist. I went to work at a small job shop while still playing every Friday and Saturday night for the next 30 years. I put hard work into my day job by getting into an apprenticeship program and going taking college math and a metallurgy course as part of my classroom time. I finished my apprenticeship in two years of a four year program. I became a project leader and later the head lathe programmer making everything from military aircraft parts to MRI machine parts and anything else that we bid on. The reality was that I would take that job home every night trying to figure out programs, fixtures and setups, tooling purchasing………….unfortunately if you wanted the top pay that was the price. My operators would run the machines and leave every night without a care. Being the guy doing the programming is just like being a session guy coming up with a good part for a song. I know I would be thinking of a great guitar part as much as I did of setting a machine to run a quality part. I guess it depends on the job you choose that lets you walk out the door and not think about it until the next morning.

[@robmcd]

Dude. The first song in your Spotify playlist list Cody Johnson - Til you can’t. If that week ahead is a little under booked seize the day.

[@IndianNuclear1]

Really great advice. I’ve worked with producers who loved me, and I’ve worked with ones who definitely haaaated my guts, but at the end of the day you just have to just let a bad day go and keep working, because you’re going to have more bad days, but you’ll have good days, too.

[@lmrecorders]

Too often I comment before a video has ended but your description of hearing the term and understanding it immediately was my exact experience. I don't think it was even in a context of music or music production. I've been surviving as a professional musician since 1992. I've been producing and engineering music in Los Angeles since the late nineties. Last July I walked into a professional meet and greet type event at a multi-room production facility in Los Angeles and the sense of not belonging hit me like a wave in the ocean. It almost physically pushed me back off my feet. I nearly turned around and left. It was shocking how strong and physical it was.

[@N8Gregory]

Can’t tell you how much I needed to see this. Thank you!

[@rocketsauce5067]

It is all relevant. Iv'e cooked in busy restaurants, I have logged and I'm a musician and what you are talking about translates. I forgot to add, Thank you.

[@marklandrum233]

Justin, thank you for your candor & humility. Great video!

[@Vern859]

Justin A few videos back you said (Your Crazy!) I was crazy.. Lmbo!!! I will assure you i am the most un-crazy person you could ever meet.... I enjoy your channel. If i was not so old and poor, i would support your channel. Keep up the hard work. You're a great guitarist. 🙋‍♂️

[@BeefNEggs057]

Thanks uncle Oz! Yeah I don’t envy professional guitarists. I’m happy to keep work and making music separate.

[@createlovehappy]

I’ve been on both sides of that. Working at something you hate doing, or at least don’t love is draining on the muscle of creativity. It seems like a waste of time. But when I was immersed in music my creativity was on tap, seemingly available and close to the surface ready to go. Songs were floating through my head all the time. I would rather have to practice self care while doing the creative work so I don’t bring home the stress. Truth is I brought home the dust and damage and injuries from working construction, but never brought any of that from the creative endeavor.

[@ChrisJustice]

Such a great video Justin! The advice you offer from your experience to solve this is awesome! I made notes!

[@tbluesboye]

Great perspective Justin! Way cool

[@Dang...]

Justin thank you.

[@fiddlefolk]

Thanks Justin! It is a tough subject because we all feel this way at one time or another. I was a firefighter/paramedic for 20 yrs and the pressure of that job is great. Not only are you subject to the public's scrutiny but your peers as well. Working with high level individuals makes you better at your job but it also makes you vulnerable to the fact that there are others better than yourself at certain things so all you can do is be the best that you can be and continue the pursuit of being better. Not be an asshole. Help others. Compose yourself when the rest of the world is losing their minds. Be NICE! The little things turn into big things and it is the sum of the little things that separate good versus great! God gave us two ears and one mouth because we should all listen twice as much as we speak... My grandpa taught me that long ago in a poem called the Wise Old Owl: A wise old owl sat in an old oak... The more he heard, the less he spoke.....the less he spoke, the more he heard...Why not be like that wise old bird!

[@CalebPeavy]

Art is already vulnerable. Add in being a creative entrepreneur and it can feel debilitating. I still struggle with it in music and with my business. I just try to focus on what have instead of what I lack and enjoy every moment.

[@BobMaulucci]

Thanks Justin for some great inspiration. I suffer from imposter syndrome a lot, and my friend and guitar mentor gave me "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner. Lots of similar advice therein. It meant a lot to get the book because it showed me that at least he believed in me, and because it is a whole book its inspiration lasted a long time. Highly recommended. Really appreciate your expertise and advice.

[@TheFeelButton]

I've been faking my way through music for 11 years now! Cheers Justin!!

[@hearpalhere]

+1 for saying that Imposter Syndrome is a thing for all sorts of jobs (even ones that you may hate haha). Love the overall message of your video.

[@BryantCreative]

You and Uncle Larry should start a podcast and talk about this stuff haha. I’d listen to every single episode

[@audioglenngineer]

I was visiting an engineer friend in Nashville 10-15 years ago, when you had another big snow storm. This poor young lady was trying her best to turn left from a stop at an intersection. She tried two or three times through the traffic light, before I gingerly asked if I could give her advice. When she agreed, I told her to ease into the gas verrry gently, as us more common snow-dwellers know. KANSAS SNOW SKILLS FTW! Good for something I guess hahaha! Loved this man, from your stories to the encouragement.

[@erwinaddison2030]

Thanks for being honest...

[@BrandonAlbert]

Love the honesty here Justin, your videos are so valuable to guys new to town like myself. Keep it up!

[@pablopicasso7343]

Thank you very much! This is exactly what I am experiencing since I do what I love. Good to know I'm not the only person. ;)

[@ggman946]

This video post is pure gold. Thank you for the good words. 😃👍🏻

[@superreality3823]

Such valuable thoughts on the sources of our self worth. Thank you

[@jwright8838]

Thanks, Justin. Great life advice as well as advice for artistic endeavors. I'm a player and can struggle with nerves. Its all rooted in what you have discussed. Practice and progress. Its the antidote.

[@leonardinterior6881]

thank you for posting this Justin👏

[@toddj9548]

Really enjoy this channel. Thanks Justin!

[@billyslide7645]

I live in Nashville, have sleds and enjoy them. One of my Furnaces broke today. The great technician (Joslyn Heating & Plumbing), thought I was crazy for worrying about my guitars more than the rest of the family 😊 They can put on coats 😊

[@Jabelius99]

Great video! Greetings from Helsinki, Finland. Plenty of snow here. If our kids got a day off when it snows, they wouldn't learn anything :D

[@michaelcoudriet5896]

Part of what I think you are describing is the difference between a W2 employee VS Self Employed (Entrepreneur). It's much the same thinking. Some of what you are describing is irregardless of being a full time musician I think.

[@seanoflynnmusic]

Wow. I have never seen anyone else mention this and I can relate to it. Bigtime.

[@jojjen09]

This was a good one. I think most of us agree with all of it. 👍

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

David Bromberg quit music after a decade or more of touring. He thought he couldn't be a real musician if he was feeling that way and he quit. Came back many years later after just jamming with a few neighbors in a new town and realizing how enjoyable it was to play. He's the first to tell you he can't play fast anymore having once been quite the player. Humility.

[@jamiepregnell6603]

This was great Justin!

[@coffeewithmyfatherjwolfe5317]

Great heartfelt advice sharing.

[@rfritzandthedogwalkers1986]

Good honest discussion, been in that mind field too often. Thanks.

[@rustybanjo96]

Very wise words!! Thank you Justin!

[@smokeynewport1591]

Thanks for this video! Good stuff that I needed to hear right about now.

[@playguitarguy]

Great video. I do Handyman work as well as play guitar (indeed, often in Nashville!). I feel I.S. in both fields at times. For Handyman: "Did I overcharge? Did they like the work? Do they like me?" Blah Blabbity Blah. Thank God my Wife is a great cheerleader. I am 60 and getting better at dealing with it! ;-) The struggle is real.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Demons and dragons.. We all have them.

[@andrejgregoric1324]

can relate to so many things... great thoughts!

[@sseltrek1a2b]

lot of truth, here...i don't think it matters where you tend to live in your musical journey- having your value tied to your skills as a player is a really bad place to be...i will say, though, that i get really weary of people offering me opportunities that they never follow through on...i think it would just be better to not put it on the table in the first place, so that if something comes out of it later, it's a much more welcome thing...

[@ryanacree]

Anyone can get imposter syndrome because we carry our talents with us. We always still feel that we can be found out at anytime. Part of it is because I was laid off once and our office was reduced during a downturn. So it means the office made a choice and chose the three weakest people on the team and I was one of them. So it can happen to anyone. I love your channel. I’m in Nashville, maybe I’ll run into you sometime.

[@bigwavedave8492]

Thanks for the "pick me up" without the BS

[@ChristofferKeizer]

Great points, sir.

[@robertmellang6998]

I am trying to duplicate the solo guitar in the Breeze by Lynard Skynard. Its a rock, but I am retired. So I play for fun. but i wanna move this rock. I think I might make up my own solo.

[@brianolson_music]

Thank you for this video. So timely for me. 🙏

[@TonyThomas10000]

You are not an imposter, Justin. You are the real deal!

[@erikberg8352]

Don't look ahead on the calendar is strong medicine.

[@aminahmed2220]

What a wonderful video have a good weekend justin ❤😊

[@discardedmischiefmusic9494]

So many "regular " jobs are toxic and trust me you bring it home, you worry about quotas, downsizing, sales goals etc not to mention the social culture that you must maneuver through everyday. Crazy bosses, out of touch CEOs and overly ambitious coworkers....corporate America has many many issues that live in side your head 24/7.

[@davedavid7061]

I'm a cabinet maker and no matter how much people said they loved their kitchen, I felt like an imposter. It goes away though