Believe in YOUrself

No. Let me guess, you’re pretty familiar with that word? Yeah, so am I.

People tell me “No” all the freakin’ time, and I’m so sick of it. We both know that “No” isn’t just a word; it’s rejection, pain, the end to dreams, etc.

These past two years, I have been living in Nashville, Tn., just trying to figure out my life, and the music industry! Obviously, I haven’t figured out too much, considering I work at a law firm full-time, but I haven’t let that stop me! I have been working so hard to get in with a music company; any music company. Whether that’s a label, a management firm, a booking firm, a licensing company, or whatever. As long as it’s in music, I think I can deal! But every time I get that rejection email, sometimes even five minutes after I applied, it’s like a hit to the face. They don’t want me, and I’m not good enough. That’s what that tells me, and that’s what my mind only hears; another “No."

I have learned throughout these two years, that just because someone isn’t knocking on your door, doesn’t mean you can’t knock on theirs. Sometimes you have to make your own opportunities, and don’t just play the game, but own the game! And that’s where self-confidence comes in to play.

I meet all the requirements on all the applications, but still I get rejected. If I had to guess, I’d say my limited real life experience in the industry might have something to do with that, but I never understand how they expect you to have experience, when no one will offer it to you. Which brings me back to making your own opportunities.

Last year, I had enough. I wanted to work with artists so bad, that I went with the easiest way I knew how: booking. I put a post up on the almighty Facebook, asking if any bands needed booking help. I was overwhelmed with the amount of responses I received! So, I sorted through them, and chose the band I thought I would do well with. Now, I’ve been with that band for a little over a year, and I have learned so much! Wellllll, I’ve mainly learned that I hate booking; I mean hate, hate, hate booking! And if it wasn’t for me going out and finding a door, I would never have known that! Aside from the business aspect, I recently decided to pursue some of my music! If you live in Nashville, you will completely understand what I’m about to say! It’s extremely difficult to put out any music in Nashville, and feel successful. There is always someone better than you! And that’s where you take those “Nos” and throw them away!

In a way, I have been told “No” numerous times. I have been told that I have no rhythm, that I can’t sing on tune, and various other things. But, I chose to ignore those and be confident in my abilities! So, to prove myself right, I have my first single coming out soon! And I worked with some amazing, creative individuals who don’t just believe in me, but also my music! This is the part where confidence comes in the most! As long as you love your music, and you love yourself, no one can stand in your way. I would suggest this path more than finding followers and fans.

So, moral of the story: Do things for YOU! Whatever YOU want, is completely up to YOU; no matter how many “Nos” come your way. Say “No” to all the “Nos”. You’ve got this, believe in YOUrself!

Emily Hefta is the main journalist who heads up the online blog The Emily Eliza (theemilyeliza.com), and doubles up as a booking manager, a legal document clerk, and a consultant.