After years of learning the basics of music creation, production, promotion and distribution I feel like I am just about getting the hang of this crazy music business. Of course I will never know everything or even ever create the perfect mix. Can a...
Spotify's" Wrapped" for artists is a great way to check to see how my songs did on their platform. I wish Apple Music, Pandora and more would send me the same kind of summaries but with better graphics. The only thing I don't like about their "Wrapped" is that the colors are terrible. So here is how my 2021 went on Spotify:
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And this is last year's wrapped....
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I would say the result is about the same as last year. Less listeners that listen more means I'm finding my fans? Or, am I loosing impact. I think it is obvious that I need to release music faster and make sure that music is better.
Looking back, I can honestly say that I had a rough year and was surprised that things went as well as they did in 2021. The main problems were 1. Distractions. 2. Lac of discipline ...as always.
The need for structure: The greater part of this year I had multiple time periods when I had trouble finding meaning in creating music because I was constantly bogged down/distracted by housework, doing errands and serving others' needs. But as I talked with God about it I realised that I am here for just that - to love on others. When I accepted the fact that I can't do music as fast as I do and that serving others is more important I think a lot of the stress and depression gave way.
In order to make more music better and faster next year, I will have to keep this new attitude AND plan in blocks more, keeping housework and errands before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. as much as possible.
What is normal? At times I just wanted to give up and get a job, a pay-check and a "normal life". But I always come back to the fact that doing music is what I really want to do. I'm thankful for having a husband who provides for us both so I can do this full time! Attitudes can drag you down or keep your head afloat! There's a really good verse about all of this and it is this:
"Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life". Proverbs 4:23
I need to guard my heart more. If I start comparing myself to others in this industry - how great they look (and how dowdy I feel; how many songs they have released compare to me etc, my heart can get downcast rather quickly and I won't get the other 30 songs I've written out there.
The last song froze: Another thing that bugged me was the fact that, because I was distracted and down throughout the year, I couldn't get myself to complete the final song of the year, (Jesus Jag Älskar Dig). I started it i the late Spring and still couldn't get it together until about now. I'd go off and do other projects like music videos on my older songs, make political songs (posted on GAB) or whatever. I think it is the fact is that this song isn't a typical song for me. It was too slow and too long for my taste. (Although I believe that some churches are going to like it that way.) Not being able to release the song got me down and out as Christmas approached.
What is left to do on the final song? I need more time for referencing (to check sonic consistency). and need to take the time to feel comfortable with mastering it. (I am new to mastering my own songs). I don't think I'll release it until after Christmas/New Years. We'll see, there are a few days still left.
In 2021 I started learning about mastering and that took some of my energy and concentration away from new songs.
I created songs for the Patriots in Tune Show that were added to GAB but not uploaded to YouTube or Spotify at all and I made new music videos for the remaining songs on the Change My Mind album instead of concentrating on new material. I lost ground with my fans that way. They want more live, more new and more me but I hid.
Chord Progression Tips: I'll just throw the video on the top in here because it is informative and fun. It has great tips on how to use the circle of fifths to make your songs stand out.
Until Next time....
Find my music on this link htpps://linktr.ee/ekitzing
