Currently, musicians are becoming more and more aware that they need to use social media for their online PR and presence. Sites like Facebook, blogs, and Youtube are critical for musicians.
In fact, social media has helped me build my career and I am very thankful for these new outlets. It’s the new way musicians do business.
I’d like to introduce a technique of mine which I call “ECKMA” . This is a “secret” forgotten technique which will help you reduce your time spent on social media and increase your time spent playing music and practicing.
(Read on to find out what “ECKMA” stands for….)
If you spend a lot of time on the computer, on Facebook, on blogs, the most important thing – your music – can suffer. IMHO, coming up with new music and keeping my chops up is critical.
If you get burnt out on the computer, are feeling overwhelmed, and unsure of how to attack the music industry, then this is for you.
How do you find more time to focus on your craft? It’s easy – say “ECKMA”, which stands for….
“Everybody Can Kiss My A–“
That’s right!
Now there is a wisdom in this, despite the humorous twist. It’s about your “core talent”. Focusing on what you and only you can do is something you need to spend time on every day.
Mediocre musicians with great Facebook techniques and email lists do not interest me, or anyone. A flash in the pan and news of the day does not amount to a substantial musician who creates timeless songs.
If you don’t take a stance to work on your craft daily, all the social media in the world means little. You and only you can put the balance in your life.
You have to do
– your own pushups
– your own songwriting
– your own practicing
– your own inner spritual work
…as well as your marketing. But don’t forget about your craft.
And this means TURNING OFF the computer, the iPhone, the TV and giving yourself the essential gift of silence, time and the joy of creation. Everyday you should unplug for a chunk of time.
So, when I close my laptop and shut the cell phone and leave my apartment and take ONLY a guitar with me, I say “everybody can kiss my a–“. Then I have the focus and silence to practice. I unplug. Yay!
That’s to give myself the fundamental, essential gift of time, silence and solitude…which is an integral part of being human.
Bassist John Clayton says that after all the noise, buzz, news, and PR it comes down to 2 words…”the music”.
Good Luck!
– Adam
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The Best Blog I’ve ever read. Turning off the computer now…
Amen.
Well spoken, sir. A good lesson for those who have gotten too steeped in the marketing end…
Yeah, Adam! I work as a salesman and travel around with phone and e-mails even in the car. Three years ago I bought a car-guitar – as a kind of therapy. I always have this Baby-Taylor on my backseat and if phone work is becoming too much or if there´s trouble with costumers or even with our company, I park the car, take my baby in my arms and play. Now I know how to call it: “Eckma” – that´s it!
This takes stress level down and my life´s level way up high.
Great entry, Adam. It´s a great advice that all aspiring musicians (or already musicians) should take, myself included. Thanks a lot for sharing your views and knowledge, reading this blog really pushes me forward and helps me to keep going with the music. You´re great! 🙂
Amen Brother!