5 ways to keep gaining traction when you feel like your music is no good

5 ways to keep gaining traction when   you feel like your music is no good         

By: Pistol Page  

Have you ever noticed that you completely suck at writing songs and told yourself you should just get a real job? Its like, one minute you are so dope that you can’t even contain the elation and confidence, and next thing you know you are beating yourself up with an iron fist because you feel like you will never achieve greatness.  

I go thru this all the time. Highs and lows of the perfectionist. In this article I have compiled a list of things I do to keep a positive outlook on my current skill level and achievements in order to push thru the times where I feel worthless.  

1. Make unrelated skills relatable 

When I am feeling like I suck at music, and I need to take a break I would be all over the place with other projects of various types. Maybe it is the ADHD or something that made me feel like I sure did a lot without getting anywhere. Not to mention the fact that I am not the kind of person who picks small goals or easy hobbies. So, what I’ve done to create a balance in my ultimate dream of selling out arenas is to have all the things I do bring me to that in my mind. I like to draw a lot so when I am tired of playing music I draw. That would be a bad way to get to the Grammys unless I found a way to give my drawings a purpose in my endeavor.  I decided to make a Pistol Page Coloring book journal to sell at my shows. I believe it will give me an edge because it will stand out from the people selling tshirts and wrist bands. 

1. Play back old tapes 

When I need some motivation to remind me where I am trying to go, I pull out my phone and listen to the recordings and videos where I shine the best in my own opinion. For some reason this gets my heart racing and puts me into alignment. I am pretty sure there is a science there. In doing this you will notice that the project you gave up on because it sounded crappy doesn’t sound as bad as you thought. In fact, it is kind of dope. How the fuck are you so tight. 

1. Take a nap 

Sometimes when I have shows coming up or something that involves promoting myself in some way, I tend to burn myself out with all the pressure I put on myself to be the best. I’ve come to realize just now while I’m writing this that it is ok to get some rest. I know you don’t want to waste a second of your time but that is exactly what you will be doing if your brain turns to mush. If you are like me and find this impossible, try watching YouTube videos on how to be a better__________ you fill in the blank. 

1. Write out a list of things you have overcome 

Gaining some perspective on how far you’ve come and the obstacles you have overcome will help to ease your mind. Remember that even on your worst day you were still the fastest sperm in the bunch.  Seriously it will help relax your mind to know that your hard work is measurable.  

1. Write out your short term and long-term goals 

Once you see how far you have come you will probably start thinking about how far you want to go. I don’t know about you, but I find that I base my self-worth largely on the goals I achieve. I love the feeling of having a checklist where all the boxes are checked. What I would suggest is to first decide your motives. Why are you making music? Then prioritize your tasks. After that maybe make some new goals for the future. For example… 

I make music because I want to win a Grammy. So short term goals are.. 

• Finish writing my album 

• Get the songs recorded 

• Publish songs (singles or whole album) 

• Book shows 

• Enter song writing contests 

• Submit music to record label agents 

• Study pop culture to learn what people like 

• Make YouTube and TikTok videos 

• Establish your brand 

• Pray like heck that people will love your song. 

Long term goals 

• Write acceptance speech 

• Become a mentor 

• Get a star on Hollywood Blvd.  

• You get the point.