Five habits of highly-effective musicians.

Ten years ago I was living in Auckland struggling to find work as a musician. I had the odd gig here and there and I was meeting people, but it was a slow and arduous journey.
Now, I live in beautiful hotels in exotic locations around the world because I developed and maintained these following five habits which I am going to share.

Five habits of highly-effective musicians:

1. Build a dream, write it down, and look at it each day. Without a well-defined dream, vision quest, goal or whatever you want to call it you may well find that you lose focus and direction and end up squandering much of your time. Try to write your goals down using SMART criteria

SMART criteria explanation

2. Do something each day that brings you a little bit closer to achieving your dream. As a musician this could be as simple as practising or adding a new musical friend on facebook, or going to watch a gig. It was said that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Heed that and steadily work towards the realisation of your dream.

3. Display unwavering commitment to your dream. Do not let life get in the way of living. Too often we give up on something because so many hurdles seem to pop up, and jumping them consumes your time and energy to the point where you feel that you just can't jump them anymore. The thing is, maybe the finish line is just over the next hurdle...

4. Surround yourself with things related to your dream. Hang out with people that are heading in the same direction that you are, or with people that are already doing what you want to do. Put pictures of musicians up in your room or under the bridge where you may be living. Never put your instrument back in its case...

5. Ask for help to achieve your dream. No one in the history of the world has achieved their dream alone. We all need help at various stages of our odyssey. Do not be too proud or naive to think that you can solo it all the way, because you can't.

Here is what I did in relation to those 5 habits.

1. Build a dream, write it down, and look at it each day. I learnt this while I was trying to build an Amway business in the late 1990s. I still have the piece of paper upon which I wrote down my dreams. I wrote down such things as:

•  travel to places like Angkor Wat, the pyramids, Maciu Piccu,
•  own a home etc
•  have 50k in the bank 

I have accomplished some but not all...yet! The power of writing your goals down should not be cast aside lightly. If you don't write your goals down you run the risk of being sidetracked, or you will change your goals to suit your circumstances and possibly not achieve that which you considered to be of paramount importance once upon a time.

My fiance and I at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A dear friend of mine and great band leader, always writes his goals down. Several years ago he was a member of a band during which time he became disillusioned with his band leader . So he decided to leave and form his own band. He wrote down his goal of becoming a band leader and six months later myself and five others became part of his dream. We went on to become one of the most popular bands in the Middle East "KAHA- THE POWER".

A DJ that we worked with in Dubai made this for us. (I'm the alien)

KAHA- THE POWER

2. Do something each day that brings you a little bit closer to achieving your dream. For me this was usually practising. I also committed time to looking and advertising my services in the local newspapers, and when the Internet came along I would often peruse websites for gigs or for opportunities to post my biography in the hope of gaining someones attention.

3. Display unwavering commitment to your dream. I was super determined to become a full-time musician. I enjoyed teaching for the most part but it was never as fulfilling as performing on stage and having the opportunity to display the results of all of my years of diligent study to an audience. In hindsight I remember one of the hardest things for me was seeing a lot of my friends getting jobs, buying nice cars, their first homes, having children, while I was still struggling away trying desperately to find more regular work as a musician.
I did do quite a few non-music related jobs to support myself such as:

Farming- slashing one of the paddocks on the farm

• cutting firewood (a super hard job that I would only recommend for the heartiest of souls)
• commercial fishing (another tough job but at least you could eat the fish)
• farming (again, not an easy job but it did provide me with the single biggest cheque of my life when I sold all of my cows circa US$24,000)
• kiwifruit picking ( I hated it so I gave up at the end of the first day)
• Marketing (I was the head of Marketing research for a Credit Union and I also did private research for a firm that was developing a business program for personal development)

The view from home, Torere, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

4. Surround yourself with things related to your dream. I had guitars, Cd's, videos, music books scattered all through the house. Almost everyday I would head to my brothers house and we would play for hours on end. He is also an outstanding musician but he has never been interested in performing publicly. This was all done in a tiny community called Torere, on the East coast of New Zealand's North island. Which just goes to prove that you don't have to be from a big city to 'make it' as a musician.










5. Ask for help to achieve your dream. So many people have helped along the path that I simply can't acknowledge them all. But if I had to name 5 prime movers and shakers that got me along the path they would be:

• Mum n Dad
• Tama Karena
• Tama Waipara
• Patrick Siolo
• Kere Amohau

Those five people above have been instrumental in helping me achieve so many of my goals. I don't know where I would be now if it wasn't for their faith, support, guidance and assistance during my odyssey.

I can't think of a better way to end this post than publicly thanking each and everyone one of the many people that have believed in me.

Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui! ( Be strong, Be peaceful, Be resolute!)

Right actions = Right people

 I am going to discuss what I believe to be the single most important action that I took to journey from a semi-professional musician to an international, full-time, touring musician.

 In brief, I advertised myself on a website in New Zealand. There was a section for musicians available, and a sub-section for guitarists.
I posted a brief description of my qualifications, experience and work ethic, and a picture.

 I had essentially kind of forgotten about my ad when out of the blue I received a phone call from a New Zealander who was living in Shanghai, China. He was leading a seven piece band. All of the members were from New Zealand and he had to find a new guitarist because their guitarist was leaving. He only wanted to work with other New Zealanders so he was constantly perusing New Zealand websites. During one of his perusals he found my ad and called me immediately.

The website that started it all!

 We talked for about thirty minutes during which time he explained the lifestyle and work requirements. I could scarcely believe that a life like that existed. Don't get me wrong, I was an experienced musician with a publication about my accomplishments in one of the UK's most prestigious classical music magazines, I had done National tours, given numerous recitals, played in more bands than I can remember, yet, despite all of that experience, I had no idea that there was a scene for musicians to travel around the world, live in hotels, perform, and earn a pretty good wage at the same time.

Details of my nationwide concert 2005

Why did I not know this type of job existed? I have often asked myself that question and I believe that the answer is quite simple.

Incorrect actions = Incorrect outcomes!

Consider my situation:

• I was an ignoramus
• I was an ignoramus from a small village (>200pax), in a small country, with a small population (New Zealand)
• I played classical music which meant that I was primarily exposed to classical musicians and music lovers, which meant almost zero contact and exposure to the Top 40 scene.
• I didn't really understand promotion and how to market myself effectively
• I knew no one that toured internationally for a living

Given the above its quite a miracle that I made it out of that scene at all. However, during the course of the next few days we talked frequently and developed a good relationship and a few weeks later I was flying to Dubai to begin my first job as a full-time professional musician and I haven't looked back since.

To summarize, you have to gain exposure somehow. It was many years ago when I did this and the social networks that are now in place did not exist then.

In my next post I will give you some tips on how to promote yourself efficiently and effectively to break free from the tyranny and oppression of a day job.

Halloween Night, Rockbottom Cafe, Abu Dhabi, 2011

So you want to play music for a living? Here's how...

So many musicians want to use their musical skills to pay the bills. We want to chuck in our dreary day jobs in favor of fulfilling our ambition to play tasty solos, or lay down killer drum grooves with the band.
 Sadly, many musicians never quite break the chains of that day job. They may be playing several times a week but somehow its just not earning enough to allow them to quit their job and play music exclusively.
 My post today and following posts are going to reveal how I made that transition.

Step 1: Hone your craft

Become a good player. Before I carry on lets clear up a common misconception. You DO NOT have to be a virtuoso on your instrument to earn a living from performing. Let's face it, if you are in an International touring covers band, playing predominantly Top 40 hits from the past 40 years you can get by with a moderate degree of technical ability.

Step 2: Know what band leaders expect of you

Band leaders usually expect the following from a team member in order of importance:

1. Reliability. A band leader cherishes reliability like a dog loves a bone. It speaks volumes about your character and it means that the band leader doesn't have to worry about you turning up to the gig late, or worse- not at all. This simple quality lifts a huge weight off the band leaders' shoulders.

2. Being prepared. No band leader or band wants to sit around at rehearsal while you learn the signature solo to 'Hotel California' or the 'Porcaro shuffle' for 'Rosanna'. Learn all of your songs prior to rehearsal and your band leader (and band) will respect you all the more for having done so.

3. Responsibility. Take care of your own gear. Make sure you have everything you need to get your part of the job done. If you are playing guitar have spare strings on-hand and any tools you need to repair your guitar. Drummers have spare sticks and any tools you need for your drums. Keep your equipment in good working order and don't rely on others for tools or cables or straps. Try to have a spare of almost everything within the realms of practicality.

4. Beware the demon drink. Try to limit your consumption of alcohol. If you're a non-drinker, then great. If you are partial to a drink or two or more know your limit. Depending on the situation you may or may not be able to drink at your gigs. Most leaders I know will only resort to banning someone from drinking if they feel it is detrimental to the show.

A personal story of alcohol ruining a guys career...sad but true.

 I was performing in Dubai in a fantastic seven piece band at a great club. We were hugely popular and had just hired a new singer. He was in top form for about four weeks and then we noticed he was starting to come to rehearsal late and he was starting to make uncharacteristic mistakes at the gig. He said he wasn't feeling to well due to a chronic injury he sustained several years earlier.

Another week passed and now he simply wasn't coming to rehearsal at all. Then, the same night that he didn't come to rehearsal we started our usual show and he was nowhere to be seen. We sent one of the guys up to his room...he was still asleep. Fifteen minutes later he showed up, jumped onstage and basically went to sleep on the congas. When it was his turn to sing he forgot all of his words and then proceeded to give the crowd an in-depth speech about his childhood. Our leader had no choice but to get him offstage, at which point he engaged one of the security guys in the club in a bit of boxing match.

Not long after that he on a plane flying back to his old job.

Tune in on Saturday for some more tips on how to work your way in to full-time work as a musician.

Thanks for reading.

Josh

To Guitar or not to Guitar?

To guitar or not to guitar? That dear reader is the question!

I have been playing guitar for 24 years and during that period I have been asked countless times about how I make a living doing what many people may have dreamed of doing when they were younger or as the case may be, dream of doing when they are older or indeed right now!

To answer the question is quite lengthy so in true form, I'm going to start at the end.

2000- 2012: FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL GUITARIST

Current location: Osaka, Japan
Gig: The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz Carlton
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Osaka/Default.htm
Position: Singer/guitarist

At the present time my fiance and I perform in one of Japan's most exclusive five-star hotels. The hotel pays for our flights and visas from New Zealand to Japan, and back to New Zealand at the conclusion of the contract. Our contract is six months in duration, during which we are expected to perform six nights per week from 7pm until 10:40pm, doing four sets interspersed with three- twenty minute breaks.

We live in the hotel and enjoy many perks that standard employees are not privy to, such as free meals, a washing allowance, free internet and more.

We are paid monthly in tax-free US$ and we are able to save most of it because we don't have any expenses apart from personal expenses such as entertainment, eating outside of the hotel, sightseeing etc.

1996-2000: SEMI-PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN

Location: Torere, Opotiki, Whakatane, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Auckland
Gig: Teaching, numerous weddings, bars, pubs, clubs, concerts, tours
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtYa06AywE4&feature=g-upl
Position: Teacher, roadie, farmer, student, semi-professional musicain

Hmmm, how do I define a semi-professional musician? I believe a semi-professional musician is someone that is performing live on a regular basis, maybe a few times per week, but isn't quite earning enough money to quit their day-job and become a full-time professional.

Sixteen years ago that was me. I was doing fairly regular work in a band and picking up the occasional wedding gig or doing the odd solo or collaborative concert here and there. My other occupation at the time was.....teaching guitar.
At various times I was teaching at as many as five Secondary schools (ages 12-18), privately from home or traveling to students' homes, and for various private institutions.
I entered and exited two serious relationships during that time and I also somehow managed to gain a very handy qualification from the Trinity College of London- an LTCL in Classical guitar performance (with Distinction).

http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/

Not long after I gained that qualification my second relationship ended. So I quit teaching, sold all of my cows (I was also rearing calves at the time), packed my trusty Mitsubishi Legnum stationwagon with a large part of my worldly belongings and headed to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city with the hope of becoming a full-time, pro guitarist.

I duly moved into a house in Auckland with a cousin of mine who was an aspiring song writer/singer. We did some work together and a couple of mini-tours around New Zealand. During my time with him I advertised myself on a website for musicians which was started and administered by a local music instrument retailer known as "The RockShop"

http://www.rockshop.co.nz/

Lo and behold after two months of very little work, and my savings almost depleted I received the call that changed my life and propelled me almost instantly into the highly coveted world of full-time musicianhood.

A New Zealander called me from Shanghai, China. He told me he was leading a professional, touring band of Kiwis (colloquial term for 'New Zealanders') and that their guitar player was leaving. Thus, they were searching for a replacement. He had seen my advertisement on that website and decided to call me.

He asked if I was available to do an audition in two weeks time in Wellington. He gave me the date and I couldn't believe that it was the same day as Joe Satriani's only performance in Auckland to which I had bought tickets to only days before. Nonetheless, poverty has a way of making you see straight and I decided that watching Joe Satriani was not going to help my financial woes or see me into the realm of full-time work as a guitarist, so without hesitation I agreed to do the audition.

Fast forward two months:

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Gig: Ramee Regent Palace, Rockbottom Cafe
http://www.timeoutdubai.com/bars/reviews/2734-rock-bottom-cafe
Position: Full-time guitarist for "Native Soul"

Working the crowd in Rockbottom, Muscat, Oman

To guitar or not to guitar? TO GUITAR!!!

Dubai- dirt cheap?

Dubai- dirt cheap?

Dubai, the modern jewel of the Middle East is often regarded as a playground for the rich and fabulous.
But is there another side to Dubai; a side that doesn't require a well of oil on tap to fund a desire for fun and frolicking under the omnipresent Middle Eastern sun?

I believe there is. During the past 7 years I have lived in Dubai on four separate occasions, totaling about two years. I first traveled to the sandy city in 2005 as a musician working in one of the first bars to cater to English-speaking foreigners.

In 2005 I lived in one of the older parts of Dubai, Bur Dubai. I shared a four-bedroom apartment with the rest of my bandmates which was an experience in itself and will be the subject of many future blogs!

This brings me to the main point of today's blog: Is Dubai dirt cheap? In a word- yes.
Dubai has its unfair share of elite and a far greater share of immigrant workers primarily from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, who appear to do the lion's share of the work and yet receive only the lion's leftovers of the money generated in the city.

As a result of this, many shops and markets can be found that have priced their goods to sell to the masses that are unable to afford to eat or shop in Dubai's famous malls such as the Mall of the Emirates or Dubai Mall.

Inside the Dubai Mall.

One of these markets is located in Bur Dubai and is known locally as Karama or Al Karama. Since the construction of the Dubai metro, Karama is easily and affordably accessible from anywhere in Dubai. Simply hop on the Metro.http://dubaimetro.eu/dubai-metro-map  and exit at the Karama station.

A sample of spices in Al Karama souq (market).

The Karama area contains a multitude of stores and eateries selling everything you can think of from Indian rugs and sandals, to freshly cooked Pakistani and Filipino nibbles, and most importantly, musical equipment.

Here is an example of prices of items in the Karama area:

T-shirt: US$3-5
Lunch for two pax: US$4-8
Fake Rolex watch: US$7-12
Metro ticket: US$2 approx
Taxi fare: US$15-18 (if you are at one of the farthest points in Dubai from the Al Karama souq).

N.B: Don't forget to haggle with the vendors. They will often charge outrageous prices at first. In some instances I have managed to get them down to as low as 10% of their initial asking price amidst cries of 'you are taking the milk from my children's mouths' and 'now I am losing money selling this to you' etc etc.

For musicians, I found that prices here were really no different to anywhere else I've lived in the world, with possibly Indonesia being the sole exception, and the selection isn't great. Despite having a huge community of international musicians, Dubai, has a notable absence of great music shops. Don't get me wrong, all of the basics are there, and there is one great music shop in Al Quoz. We bought a Nord Stage Revision C from there in October of 2011. The owner is a big Canadian keyboard playing monster of a man, with a generous nature. We paid in cash so we got a free travel case and stand with the keyboard...nice!

http://www.musicianswarehousedubai.com/