Yeah, Right. I grew up being pummeled on all sides by that message. Somewhere along the line the "Music Business" began to offer a free pass to an excessive, self-destructive lifestyle. Heck, I even dreamed of that glorious land of Rock, where it was all possible. Ironically, the most sure fire way to NOT make it in the music business is to follow the trinity cocktail of excess noted above. In fact, it will most certainly lead to disaster.
Here are my “Top 3” tips to stay healthy and stand out above the competition in the music business. I wish someone would have told me otherwise in my younger years when I was first starting out on my musical journey. My hope is that you will heed my advice and not have to learn these lessons as painfully as I.
1. Drink more water, less beer. Hydration is essential to feeling good and sounding good. Drink plenty of mother nature's finest... H2O! Beer is great, in moderation. However, there is really no reason to ever consume alcohol while working / performing. Drinking on stage might look cool and feel cool, but it leads to sloppiness and often more troubles. If your dream is to be in a bar band, get drunk during the show, and play covers at the local pub for the rest of your life then it might work. If you want to succeed as a professional musician and entertainer, leave the booze alone and fill your body with water instead.
2. Sleep. In my late teens and twenties, my motto seemed to be "I'll sleep when I'm dead." It catches up to you, trust me. There is no substitute for a good night's sleep. One performs at a much higher level well rested, as opposed to rocking after an all-nighter spent partying with friends and fans. Skip the after party and plan ahead for the next day, the next show. Leave the partying to others and you'll thank me in the morning.
3. Eat Healthy on the Road. That one is always a challenge. McDonald's and Taco Bell just don't cut it. And, if you've ever had food poisoning far from home, or in a foreign country, and still had a couple weeks of shows, then you understand the pain. I fill up my van and cooler with fresh fruits, whole grain breads, sandwich meats & cheese, granola bars, water, nuts, juices, and other healthy foods. Try it. You'll save money, feel better, and perform better.
It's really not that difficult to do the things we all know we need to do to take care of ourselves. Sure, it's important in life to take time to smell the roses and have a good time every now and then. Just don't do so in a manner that is detrimental to your career, yourself, and others. Take care of yourself and it will show in your music, and in your performance.
Enjoy the ride! :)
-H
Here are my “Top 3” tips to stay healthy and stand out above the competition in the music business. I wish someone would have told me otherwise in my younger years when I was first starting out on my musical journey. My hope is that you will heed my advice and not have to learn these lessons as painfully as I.
1. Drink more water, less beer. Hydration is essential to feeling good and sounding good. Drink plenty of mother nature's finest... H2O! Beer is great, in moderation. However, there is really no reason to ever consume alcohol while working / performing. Drinking on stage might look cool and feel cool, but it leads to sloppiness and often more troubles. If your dream is to be in a bar band, get drunk during the show, and play covers at the local pub for the rest of your life then it might work. If you want to succeed as a professional musician and entertainer, leave the booze alone and fill your body with water instead.
2. Sleep. In my late teens and twenties, my motto seemed to be "I'll sleep when I'm dead." It catches up to you, trust me. There is no substitute for a good night's sleep. One performs at a much higher level well rested, as opposed to rocking after an all-nighter spent partying with friends and fans. Skip the after party and plan ahead for the next day, the next show. Leave the partying to others and you'll thank me in the morning.
3. Eat Healthy on the Road. That one is always a challenge. McDonald's and Taco Bell just don't cut it. And, if you've ever had food poisoning far from home, or in a foreign country, and still had a couple weeks of shows, then you understand the pain. I fill up my van and cooler with fresh fruits, whole grain breads, sandwich meats & cheese, granola bars, water, nuts, juices, and other healthy foods. Try it. You'll save money, feel better, and perform better.
It's really not that difficult to do the things we all know we need to do to take care of ourselves. Sure, it's important in life to take time to smell the roses and have a good time every now and then. Just don't do so in a manner that is detrimental to your career, yourself, and others. Take care of yourself and it will show in your music, and in your performance.
Enjoy the ride! :)
-H