Hi Everybody,
In Today’s video we’re going get “real” and take the opportunity to share a different type of message – one that is important, and that is on the subject of dealing with adversity, working in music.
And we thought it best to ask the incredible Ali “AMAC” McGuire (platinum mix engineer, motivational speaker, and PLAP Academy collaborator) to share her first-hand wisdom, and overall perspective, on what can oftentimes be a difficult journey through a career in the music industry.
Check out her latest course “Advanced Vocal Production For Hip Hop” here!
In this modern age – despite being so connected, and able to share our stories – we don’t often see professionals covering the struggle that is a career in the music business, whether it be related to:
- The financial implications.
- Time spent (and sometimes wasted).
- The harsh judgment.
- The grueling hours.
- The negative attitudes of those, who hold the keys.
And, lastly, the place of vulnerability we can find ourselves in.
It can all certainly take a toll on one’s mental health, dealing with these issues like “toxic guidance”, drug abuse, etc.
In this video, Ali helps us navigate this terrain with positivity and actionable advice.
She starts us off with a premise, in the form of two core values that she often checks back in on, regularly:
Authenticity and growth.
And later, the concept of checking in with your “why”s (as if following a personal compass).
She elaborates that your motivations are everything and that too sharp of a focus, on shorter-term pay-offs can lead you down the wrong path.
“I spent a lot of my years blindly making decisions for my ego…I kept myself in a lot of bad situations, out of fear.”
This is a sentiment many of us can probably relate to and, I can assure you that you’re not only not alone in this but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“Ask yourself, how do you really want to live your life…there isn’t one way to make it in this business, and WE are the ones responsible for how we do that.”
One of my favorite personal philosophies she shares is aiming to make an “impact” on anything she touches, and finding “joy” in that process – a wonderful approach!
The Tough Aspects of The Business
Music quite literally saved Ali’s life. It made her feel that she was understood and belonged to a community but, getting there had its obstacles and lessons. She shares the struggles she’s experienced along the way as well as some great advice on dealing with adversity.
Long Hours
If you’re working as an engineer, producer, or session musician, you surely know that the clock on the wall merely feels like a suggestion, rather than a guide.
Ali remembers many moments “held hostage” by unreasonable expectations.
It’s an unfortunate reality that deadlines culminate at inconvenient times (for nearly everyone involved) but there are only so many hours in a day. Sleep is still essential and never mind one’s personal obligations, like family and friends. There still needs to be a balance, and personal boundaries in place.
Ali mentions her many young peers wearing their lack of sleep like “a badge of honor” but that, no matter what, it will always catch up with the individual.
“I saw people who were 25 years old look 45.”
She continues,
“Remember to enjoy your life, and the process but, prioritize your sleep and your health.”
Well said!
Bad Attitudes
There are many tales we can relate about people who grossly undervalue the contributions of others, and the sacrifices they make to achieve a collective goal.
Ali handles this point with grace,
“‘Hurt” people, hurt people.”
Surely, there are those who behave unprofessionally but, also may be doing so due to their own private struggles.
Yet there are definitely scenarios based on willful disrespect,
“We were in sessions for 12 hours or more, and people were doing drugs.”
And as a tactic for coping, Ali recommends regularly asking yourself the question: “Am I living in my values of authenticity and growth?”
And to, “Walk away from things that don’t align.”
Substance Abuse
It’s no secret that drugs and alcohol have always had an insidious presence in the music world – I’ve unfortunately witnessed this firsthand, (more times than I care to remember). An expectation sometimes also exists – on all those creating, or aiding in the creation, of great music – that you somehow must “play the role” of the rockstar to “get the job done”. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Ali reminds us that you don’t have to be “high”, miserable, or have adversity in your life in order to create great art.
“We need to tap into pain but we don’t need to live in it…life will never stop giving you something to write about…validation comes from within”
A profound statement indeed.
Please take a moment today to listen to, and share this beautifully candid and inspiring message from Ali, and know that our community is always here to help and listen.
Have a Wonderful Tuesday!
-Warren