One of my favorite songwriters, Terri Hendrix, has a line in her song Wallet that says, “Hold the key to your chains.” It’s a good sentiment in general, but what does it mean for someone pursuing a career as a performing singer/songwriter? As far as I can tell, it means three main things:
1. Pinpoint Your Weaknesses: Be Ruthless
You have strengths, of course. You probably have a pretty good idea of what those are, and the more you put your music out there and perform live, the more you will find those out.
Weaknesses are a different beast, though, and they could be the chains that hold you back from being the dynamic, successful performer you want to be. Friends and fans are probably the last people to ask about this, unless you have an extraordinarily honest and impartial friend. They like you because they like you, and they’re not seeking out your weaknesses.
Is your songwriting grabbing them? Are your vocal chops up to par? Do you have an engaging performance style? All of these are essential components to a performing musician’s gig. If there’s something that nags you constantly…”I should really work on (nailing that chord/hitting that note consistently/promoting my shows better/working the room),” you probably have a good place to start. Be ruthless on yourself; it’s how you reach the next level.
2. Address the Weakness: Fix It or Work With It
Self-awareness is key, but oftentimes being of a professional caliber means learning from professionals. Mentors, coaches, and teachers are trained to identify and work you through your weaknesses. Doing so might involve deconstructing bad habits or forming brand new ones. Reading books or watching DVDs about what you need to learn more about…stagecraft or the anatomy of the voice, for instance, is also recommended. Seeking information turns a weakness into a skill that you are improving on.
Keep in mind that sometimes a weakness can be turned into a strength. Can’t belt a torch song like Aretha? Maybe your deal is a quiet, intimate vocal style. That has its own audience. Use the flip side of what you are not accomplished at to see what you are capable of doing.
3. Don’t Let Your Weakness Discourage You
We don’t like admitting we have them in the first place. If you are to the point where you are performing, writing, selling records, getting gigs…then you’re probably doing a lot of things right. Don’t let go of that thought. However, being aware of what will hone your craft even more and allow you to be even better at what you do is never a bad thing. Hold the key to your chains and take action to practice your art on a higher level.
“You cannot run away from weakness; you must some time fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand?” – Robert Louis Stevenson
