Because Iam in the entertainment business I generally think about passion related to artistry; however, success in anything is determined by what you put into it. Having worked with several aspiring artists over the years I found most of them had a passion for fame but not for their art.
I've worked with vocalist who would show up late for recording sessions with no consideration that time is money. The reason for missing the agreed upon start time was usually lame at best; I've worked with instrumentalists who didn't know their instrument. An example of the above situation is: While in a recording session, the aspiring artist was being produced by an industry professional with the chops to back up his gold. This producer gave feedback to the artist on his lack of knowledge of his instrument and offered ways to correct the situation. Rather than be elated that he was getting the benefit of this advice for free (we paid for this session), the artist got huffy; and pouty. He resented the advice and feelings were hurt.
Another example of passion gone a rye is an artist who writes fantastic music and lyrics that encompasses multiple genres of music. He hasn't created anything new in 5+ years and can't understand he needs to keep writing and composing. What he's written so far may marketable but it is dated and would need to be "sweetened" for today's listeners.
When I look at the above examples (they are just a few), the thing that is common to them all the lack of passion; passion would not allow an artist to show up late for a (non-emergency) recording session...not when you are still an unknown...like NO DIVA button on your jacket!
The second example is a young puppy resenting a Big Dog telling him his stuff didn't stink as well as it should and could with a little help. Believe it or not, he didn't take the advice or referral and is still performing little gigs in small arenas (often free).
Finally the last artist...still working with him and encouraging him to write and write and write. Life has thrown him plenty of curves the past few months alone! Those curves provide many opportunities to write about. He's working it out.
It takes Passion to be the best at what you do; a hunger that won't be satisfied until you've gone beyond your known limits...taking you to another level. If that hunger is missing, go somewhere (try prayer) and meditate on what is causing your inability to move from where you are to where you should be. It often takes looking deep into stuff you've buried, it takes an ability to say; "maybe I need to work a little harder in this area". It takes putting in time effort and real consistent practice otherwise; you'll always be a want to be and never an "IT HIT".
Next blog to focus on a Spoken 'Word Artist that will go mainstream because she has the passion and the work ethic that comes with being a success!
Tuesday, May 5th 2009 at 6:22PM
Phyllis Franklin
Wow! No the power isn't missing, the focus is missing! People wonder why they are one hit wonders.
Tuesday, May 5th 2009 at 8:49PM
Gwen Coleman
You can tell the difference between those who want to be famous and those who are artist by the passion they bring to their art...,i.e., time spent perfecting their craft, recognizing there is always something to learn and there is someone out there that can take you to the next level, realize there will always be someone better than you are so artists cannot afford to be satisfied!
Wednesday, May 6th 2009 at 5:10PM
Phyllis Franklin
