My Advice for “MAKING IT” in the Music Industry

[@TomButwin]

If you’re not on the Superdanger Studios train…you’re slipping. This is so good.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks my bro!

[@markbeling3330]

Man. I love your channel. Your musicality is really beautiful to listen to. Maybe your time is now. The world wasn’t ready for you back in the New York days

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow. That is a great perspective. I think you’re right, and I wasn’t ready back then either. My approach was somewhat immature and set my goals far too broad. Thanks for the insight! This helped me view this last 15 years in a much better light. Cheers!

[@slideguitarist]

@@SuperdangerStudios As a nearly lifelong NYC resident, I'd like to share my view of musical life here. I find that the distinction you make, between making music as an artist, and making music for a living, is spot-on for musical life in the City. Perhaps that contributed to your decision to take a hiatus from music. NYC is the one of the last places I'd recommend for an aspiring player to move to for making a living at music. I find NYC to be an exciting place to be an artist, but much more challenging than many towns when it comes to paying the bills working at music. NYC is a magnet for musicians, especially straight-ahead jazz players, many of whom can play practically anything. So on the supply side, there is a out-size concentration of great musicians in the City compared to the relatively small number of paying venues and gigs. On the demand side (bookings, gigs etc.), that limits the amount of money venue owners are willing to pay creative musicians, which puts musicians at a financial disadvantage. On many weeknights, for example, you can go to clubs on Bleeker Street, and see world class musicians--names you would know--playing onstage. It's a great thing, but they likely don't take home enough to cover dinner and round trip cab fare with an amp and guitar. To make ends meet, many NYC players join club date bands that play cover tunes at weddings, sweet sixteens, parties in the metro area. The best of those can pay quite well but they are usually not artistically satisfying. The situation has evolved over the decades since I stopped paying the bills with music. In the 1980s, there was still a vibrant recording studio scene, with good-paying jingle work (especially for slide guitarists, due to Levis commercials, which suddenly popularized that style!). Technological advances in recording gradually made jingle work decentralized, so it's moved out of pricey NYC. But over the same years, more and more small live music venues have popped up, catering to the growing number of tourists. Still, the pay at clubs remains too low. I have not lost my passion for music and guitar. That's where the advice in your video about advancing one's musical art is particularly helpful and personally meaningful. Time for me to dust off the half-finished tunes and start playing out again. Thanks very much.

[@JimmyDevere]

With a degree in music and trying to be a professional musician I would never recommend it for so many reasons: financial, emotional, spiritual. At the end, it just doesn't matter. However, I would never discourage someone from being a musician. There is nothing preventing someone from taking lessons, joining a band or just playing for fun. Nothing wrong with doing an audition here and there. But don't bank on a profession. The industry are lifestyle is not worth it.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Ah Jimmy I'm so sorry it didn't work out for you. Sounds like you hit a lot of speed bumps. I am no stranger to that. I think the difference is that I was just describing being an artist whereas you described a profession. There is a lot of overlap but also some key distinctions between them both in practice and in mindset. When I took my time off I knew I was running away from my calling. Even now after facing difficulties and setbacks musically in Nashville, I still love it. Again, I'm sorry the industry left such a sour taste in your mouth. maybe that fire will be rekindled one day. Cheers.

[@JimmyDevere]

@@SuperdangerStudios Thank you. I am a musician and I play and enjoy music frequently. My advice, for the younger generations, perhaps not very clear, is to embrace music, particularly folk forms or derivatives thereof, but avoid the profession. A good profession outside of music will contribute to being able to play more music in the long run....

[@mr.d.572]

After college I knew I wasn't a good-enough guitar player to go into music, so I went into finance because I wanted to make money. I played on and off during this time but one of my problems was lack of discipline at the same time that I was trying to be something I wasn't (a metal guitarist). I was chasing a fantasy and of course got frustrated because I didn't have the same abilities that others had. Put the guitar down for 14 years and thought I was done for good. Cut to 2021. I had been medically retired since 2016. And for different reasons I decided to pick up a guitar again. Only this time, I'm not trying to play metal anymore. What comes out is more blues rock with touches of metal and other flourishes from years of eclectic music listening. i start trying to actually learn some modes. I will come up with riffs that are not always original but they are good, and I record them on my phone. That's where I am now. I want to take the next step and do some actual recording but I'm overwhelmed by the new technology and equipment and my inability to navigate it. I'm not sure where to start. There are so many choices of DAW's, and other equipment, but I need something simple. Do I need an interface, or should I just get an amp that has its own interface? Or should I go to the ampless route with a modeler? How to handle drums and bass? And how to do this in an apartment where I have to keep the volume low?? So many questions and so much uncertainty. So many choices and not knowing what next step to take. For now I'm just continuing to work on my playing, which sometimes gets derailed by shoulder injuries. But one day I would really like to do some recording.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Sorry to hear of the injury but great that you’re back to doing music! I am thinking of doing a video on how to record simple music on a DAW. I think it’s really important as a musician to write. And daws make it so easy now.

[@FenderLewis]

On the last klon video I said, “if super danger videos get any better my head will turn into a klon”, well I watch this and it’s going to be hard getting into the car tomorrow morning for work…

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Hahaha you warned us all and still we marched forward. Apologies

[@FenderLewis]

@@SuperdangerStudios that’s okay, klon head is kinda fun now that I’m a little more used to it lol!!! Seriously though, your videos and content is top notch inspiring.

[@rufex2001]

This channel is def. on the way up!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you! Onward and Upward

[@nandoholgado3050]

I play guitar since i was 7, and all my life was like "I wanna be a guitarist, i don't care if i'm an artist or if i play for another people, I just wanna play". When I turned 15 and really became conscient of what a solo guitar artist need to approach, i decided to be the guitarist of an artists. So, now, with 32, I have played with some artists, at the same time that i play in a really successful cover band and work in an office in the morning (because more is more). Where I found myself is that working for artist, isn't that beautiful; Rarelly, you will play songs you like, sometimes, you won't be recognized for your labour, even one of them can yell at you above and below the stage. Then some of your band mates will maybe sabotage you for his benefits, the artist will pray for borrow your gear to record a whole record and doesn't allow you to record or even pay you a dinner with him... I don't know, i just got the reallity in my face and it isn't that beautiful. I feel like the things on which to base my life were a fiction that has been dismantled and now I feel more lost than ever, without really knowing where to move, while I play gigs from Monday to Sunday, in the rhythm of life. most frantic I have ever driven in my life. It's like driving a really fast car downhill with no brakes. So be careful about what you want for your life, persuit your dreams, but be realistic. Sometimes things doesn't looks like how they really are.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for sharing Nando. I am sorry things didn't work out as expected for you. I have faced similar situations and there are only 2 ways to deal with it. Let it make you stronger/smarter, or let it burn you. Good luck out there!

[@nilsx3020]

You’re such an authentic, likeable guy! Definitely inspiring… True words! Love that the channel is taking off.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Such kind words my guy. Much appreciated. More to come! Enjoy the weekend!

[@nilsx3020]

@@SuperdangerStudios Same to you! Loving that Squier Jaguar.

[@TomButwin]

Side note, the pest control metaphor is so right on, for so many reasons. As someone who has both had a literal hornets nest issue & who has gone through similar artistic ups and downs this really hit. 🐝

[@SuperdangerStudios]

The only mentality that I can hold onto is that the journey is the reward. Unless if that journey has a literal hornets nest. Imagine telling yourself from 10 years ago what you do now! You’d be so stoked! I know I would be.

[@grimlyfiendish7474]

I’m right there right now. I played music all through my 20’s and early 30’s. I quit because of family and self inflicted responsibilities. I’ll be 50 this year and once again creating music is my life. I wish I’d never stopped. All that lost time…….never again until I’m dead in the ground.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

AMEN MY MAN! Let us shake the pillars of the underworld with our music. It’s our calling!

[@clayteasouth]

Thanks for this inspiring piece, both music and message.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching! And for the kind words. Have a great weekend.

[@BrianVallotton]

You are a blessing. God bless you and all you love my friend. It is never too late to start again.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you my friend. You're right. We are called many times in our life. It is up to us to answer with confidence and enthusiasm. Cheers!

[@Serbofreak]

Your channel is a hidden gem, and it needs to grow.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

I AGREE! We must grow!

[@kevinnickens]

Great video man. The filmmaking is incredible

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow thanks so much! Appreciate the kind words. Cheers!

[@Lorneplumber]

its lovely just listing to you. great vibe, great sound, great visuals. I hope people pick up on our channel sooner rather than later

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much! Happy you enjoyed and I think this next year is gonna be great for all of us! Cheers!

[@jamesbell1701]

Mate, your channel is absolutely brilliant. Thanks so much.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Very kind of you to say. Thanks, friend!

[@wouldoox8024]

Dude, your playing here is magical - it kind of remind me spoke with folks by David Torn. Great great - would love to hear all album like this just to chill out alongside. I’m a doctor, but I’m also a musician who is to afraid to finish his songs and put in the regular work to it, and it makes me sad a lot of times, because I love music from the time I was little kid. It’s the one constant thing throughout my life. Cheers mate

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Let's make a pact. Finish one song by the end of the month and send it to me and you can tell me about your writing process as I listen to it. No reason to regret when you have the power and drive to make yourself happy.

[@rockymarquez5873]

Funny story...when I was in my 20's and 30's I work hard as musician to make it but it never happened. I'm 66 now but still a working musician in a band celebrating 50 years in Chicago/ northwest Indiana and happy. I had a young keyboard player working with us and I encouraged him to move forward towards his biggest dreams. He moved to NY and made it. He met Norah Jones and married her, has kids now. Pete Remm is his name.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Wow amazing story. Glad you’re still playing!

[@furi0nblack363]

Damn...you right you right...time for the change. Thanks for the inspiration my dude. You're legit very very authentic. Thanks.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Time for change man! Imagine looking back 5 years from now on the changes you made. Monumental!

[@ToddRichmond]

in addition to releasing music, I'd add getting out and playing live. For a few years I took any gig I could (on bass), just because playing and recording by yourself is one thing, interacting (and taking risks) in real time in front of other humans is another. 140 gigs a year while holding down a day job. Was it hard? You bet. But in the long run clearly worth it. And DistroKid is awesome. The last two years I've used a 2 week holiday break to record an album, then release via DistroKid. Totally lowered the barrier to getting my stuff out there (they'll even handle mechanical licensing for you - no more having to deal with Harry Fox direct). Because...nostatic.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Absolutely! Playing live is the last piece of this puzzle and I am going to do a multi part series on playing live (jam sessions. Other studios, writers rounds, etc)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Also the system you came up with sounds perfect. Congrats on your success there. Must see great seeing all your hard work best fruit. Cheers!

[@ToddRichmond]

@@SuperdangerStudios thanks for the kind words but I think it is a "system" in hindsight. At the time, my motivation was much more primal - I'm getting older and if I want to get to the next level with my playing, I need to combine deliberate study with any opportunity too play out. I remember some dreadful gigs, but even in the worst situations you can learn something. And at the end of the day, your attitude is determined by you. At some point I came to dread Mustang Sally being called (that and Blue Bossa). I mean, really...again? But then I went back to Victor Wooten's Bass Nature camp and a lightbulb went off. There is nothing wrong with the song, and who you're playing with at that moment is who you're playing with. My job was to elevate the band and play the best version of Mustang Sally I'd ever done - the crowd deserves that. So these days, whatever gets called, the goal is to play it like I mean it. Dig your channel, look forward to the next series.

[@jaymelani]

Love the practical use of the credits at the end. Great idea.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Gotta bring back credits for 2023!

[@yikelu]

Awesome video man. You're definitely killing it.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Amazing thank you!

[@edwardh5021]

WE GETTIN' OUT OF THE HOOD (negative thoughts and mindsets holding us back) WITH THIS ONE FAM 🔥💯

[@SuperdangerStudios]

SHOUT OUT TO FLUIS! Without him none of us would be here.

[@thiagocesaro]

I know... Not so simple, to follow your heart, though. I'd say it to myself and to others at my age (45), wife, kids and lots of bills: "It's ok! It really is! Be proud of the person and the professional you are! You are important to so many people you can't even imagine! Now, you absolutelly can release some music, even if your are not a full-time musician. Go on, be brave and do it! It will be amazing! You will want to do it again, and again! Let this feeling of being a part of the art you love embrace you. Get opinions, go on classes, get better at it. On your time. Enjoy this process. Do it for you! Because it may not be your primary occupation. But it is an important part of you!". Thanks Alex for that lovely video!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching and for your insight. Art never leaves your soul. It waits to be released. Sometimes it has to be set aside but ultimately you must address it and respect it! Cheers my friend!

[@slideguitarist]

Truly sage advice, Alex. This is a welcome wake up call. Many thanks.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you, Slide! Happy to help. Have a great weekend!

[@MagnusonMusic1]

This was very motivating - thanks for all you’re doing!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much for the kind words. More to come!

[@muzikjay]

Love this message! Thank you

[@SuperdangerStudios]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@Ernest-lc1ly]

I kinda felt sad when the video was over, its so good

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks so much my man. More to come. Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!

[@abrahamkinard803]

I love all the tips. Underrated channel.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad you like them! More to come!

[@lfannaly3]

Beautiful message and beautiful playing. Well done sir!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you kindly! Appreciate it. Cheers!

[@jeanvella87]

Thank you for sharing! Really enjoyed this one. Excellent playing as always, too. Big fan of your channel - happy to see your content getting more views.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Appreciate the kind words. I am thrilled that my videos are reaching a wider audience too! Onward and upward!

[@MusicFed]

Amazing video! Can you confirm which of the pedals you used on the intermissions? On the outro jam the tone sounds different, as if you had some stronger univibe on? Very impressive

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching! Great ear! You are right I changed it up w each musical idea.All riffs had the m-eq driver and the deco with slap back echo on. First intermission had bias tremolo from the strymon flint and spring reverb. Second one had vibrato from the j rockett tranquilizer with plate reverb. Last one had photocell tremolo at a high rate from the flint and 80s verb with decay almost at maximum. Cheers!

[@tuentc4817]

Te sigo desde hace unas semanas. Tu canal debería tener mucha más repercusión. Es elegante, de contenido muy interesante por el enfoque que aportas y además eres un gran musico

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you my friend! Very kind of you to say that. I know the channel will grow in time so I am just trying to be grateful for anyone that enjoys them. Cheers!

[@mikem668]

Nice video. This is a complicated topic. No simple answers. Joseph Campbell, who wrote about the Hero's Journey, used to say follow your bliss. And yet "artist" is an awkward word. It implies apprentices are starting at the top. And in a way downplays craft. Your advice on saying you're a guitar player is similar to that given people chasing another dream - screenwriting. We used to say that writers had to say I'm a writer and mean it. Felt strange, especially when you were starting out. I felt writers were lucky, though. No one can stop you from writing. The reading isn't really up to you, which is why writers often read and critique each other's work. Yet what about architecture. You need to be an artist and an engineer and have someone give you millions of dollars to build a building. Big ask. My advice would be to play. And figure out your strengths, so that you can combine your talent with others who bring something else to the table. Which means networking, as you say. I've know several great musicians, meaning they got close to the big time. Two were guitar players. One played guitar with Sun Ra, who had Count Basie as his opening act. Another played keyboard on the original RCA recording of Girls Just Want to Have Fun in the writer's - Robert Hazard - band. My closest friend was a stunning guitar player. His problem was that he had nothing original to say. He was a player, not exactly an artist. He signed a deal with Geffen Records, made a record, but I don't think it was ever released. That said, he was from California and had friends whose parents were in the industry. But all artists make choices. His best friend was a bass player. He liked jazz, but played in a garage band formed by a couple of brothers. My friend had a gym bag full of their practice tapes. The bassist quit to play jazz. A couple weeks later the band got a record deal. Van Halen. You probably heard of them. The best advice I can give other than playing and always be listening to other great music of all types is to be a nice guy or gal. My kid took drum lessons from an older kid at his school. This drummer would play with anyone. He took lessons from an old big band drummer. But he played in punk bands, the school orchestra and jazz band, for a musical, with anyone. The jazz band was wretched. The teacher was horrible and the students, including my son, were worse. But when the drummer came in it was another world. One of the best musicians I've ever heard. Who was also kind to everyone and treated them as equals. He too went to New York City. I lost track of him and one night I Googled him. He's in Nashville now. The last place I would have expected, but knowing his personality and musicianship would be welcome anywhere. One last thing. Robbie Robertson just died. Earlier I said not everyone has something to say. And yet, how do you know unless you've tried. So writing is extremely valuable. It's amazing how often in music history the guys who write - music and/or lyrics - end up on top. For a long time. At my age and skill level the music - learning, improving and playing - is its own reward. That said, I wish I'd given it a shot when I was young and didn't care. Like all the kids who formed a band after seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Best of luck to all the dreamers. Hope your dreams come true.

[@JimmyDevere]

Joseph Campbell is a shill, a gateway for Aleister Crowley's "Do what thou wilt". It's ultimately a self serving path that leads to frustration, despair and death.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for sharing your insight, Mike. Music is a beautiful thing and the way it weaves in and out of people's lives is so interesting. You are absolutely right. Getting to know people and then saying something unique are two bug prerequisites for becoming an artist. I forgot to mention that it is really important to enjoy the music you wrote as well. Otherwise, why even listen to it. I can't remember who said it but on songwriting they said "I try to write songs I want to hear, or improve songs I have already heard." And I think that is important. You have to want to hear the song that is coming from inside. Something that will satisfy you emotionally. Otherwise you'll never be able to do it for long. Cheers!

[@mikem668]

@@SuperdangerStudios I agree enjoying the ride is important. But it's not always obvious how to do that. For example, I started on trumpet, eventually first chair first, but I was a reader. And worse, I'd never heard Miles Davis or the 20s Louis Armstrong. I liked playing marches, but not enough to wanna march, so I quit. I'm sure we are coming from a totally different level as far proficiency. Yet while I'll never be where you are, you've probably been where I was and am, if only for a short time. So my question is this... When you're starting out, how many kids really know what they're gonna like? One reason I like bluegrass and old time music is that in a musical family everyone plays. My guess is that there are a lot of examples of greats who wandered. Maybe way more than guys who knew exactly what the loved and stuck with it. Jimmy Page started with Flamenco. He played in a skiffle group. He feel in love with the blues, but was a session musician who played whatever was needed. All that went into Led Zeppelin. Dylan started out wanting to be Little Richard, banging the hell out of the piano at his high-school talent show. He "mastered" folk music, but has said it was a means to an end. Thank God for both. I know you can do it in different ways. But given my personality and experience, I wish I'd valued the community aspect more. And played as many different kinds off music as I could. It's probably easier as a drummer or bass player. But then one of the things that made both Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and the Grateful Dead so interesting was the jazz and other backgrounds of some of the key components.

[@aperezdeal]

And now I want ice cream. Also, great tones on the jag!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha get some ice cream! Thanks for watching!

[@wanderingtroll]

Love this Alex! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 keep flying 🦅

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you brother! Hope you and the family are doing great! Wearing the sea ranger right now!

[@CMEZA507]

This was great! I needed to hear this!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Right on! Go for it my guy!

[@retromacman620]

Love your videos man! Isn't the squier Jag nice btw? I had one, sold it so I could get a player jag, got one and it was nice... but not really in my budget like I thought... I'll get another squier someday I think

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Love this guitar. It’s such a blast to play.

[@ENOB19]

But Alex, you did not quit music! (Thank you plus brohug, and also here is a cookie 🍪 )

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha thanks for the hug and cookie my friend!

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

great message, from the heart. thanks

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thanks for watching! Was very different sharing parts of my past. Was careful not to make it self serving which can be tricky Haha! Cheers!

[@danhines2296]

Straight up! 😊

[@lowercase3635]

Gotta admit. Watching your content for the past year has inspired me to get out there more and my phone has been ringing off the hook this past summer. P.s. I didn’t know your real name was Alex!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Haha I've kept my identity secret for too long! Rad to hear you have been getting out there. Congratulations. Feels good man. Have a great weekend!

[@lowercase3635]

@@SuperdangerStudios you too brother. Headed to a gig now 😎

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@lowercase3635 right on! break a leg!

[@lowercase3635]

@@SuperdangerStudios btw. I’ve noticed before you have a son cause he snuck in during your video one time. How do you balance your family and your music? Most of us have a full time job and, in my case, I have a wife and a son. I don’t want to put my family on the back burner since I’m out playing more and more. Maybe that can be a topic for another quick video?

[@SuperdangerStudios]

@@lowercase3635 absolutely my man. It’s a hard balancing act. I will do a video on how I like to organize my time for creativity! Mostly it comes down to discipline and attainable goals.

[@TTKarlheins]

So incredibly well said! ❤‍🩹

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for watching!

[@ninagracelessly]

Proud of you ❤❤❤

[@SuperdangerStudios]

😘

[@zigballiveguitar]

You are a champ bro.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

🙏🙏 appreciate it bro!

[@AndrewMasters]

Fan #1

[@SuperdangerStudios]

You get the first t shirt I make.

[@mofateam1]

very motivational...it resonates.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@eddkapa6507]

Fantastic advice

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@personalfreedom2700]

Very inspiring!

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Thank you for saying so!

[@bigvaisolis]

❤ thanks

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Don’t quit!