According to Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Take a look back at what you did in 2011 with your music career. If none of it worked or you failed to “blow up,” instead of New Year’s Resolutions, you may need to make some New Year’s Realizations.

Your music career should be up for re-evaluation every year. Perhaps you feel you have done everything right! Well ask yourself, “Did I really commit to my project? Did I cut corners while expecting to get the best results? Did I get out around the city and beyond to network with like talent in order to gain access to potential opportunities to perform and gain fans?”

If not, a new realization would be as follows — complete a project, promote it, perform and network. Show and prove. When people see how hard you are willing to work, doors open because the hard work is the key that gives you access to the big boys. There are no guarantees that you will make it, and even if you work hard you might not be among the stars you are shooting for. Asking yourself those questions can be difficult, but being realistic is the first step in resolving issues in your music career.

Defining yourself as an artist requires growth that happens though time and it can be a frustrating as well as an eye-opening experience. If you feel like you are banging your head against a wall, you are not alone. Professional artists who have been in the game for some time have to stay relevant in order to continue a successful career.

During a recent episode of VH1’s “Love and Hip-Hop 2,” R&B singer Olivia and her exasperated manager pondered reasons why “O” can’t seem to win.

Through tears, he told her he’s done everything he can for her career and that her career needs more from her. This sends her into a defensive/sensitive artist rage where, instead of taking it in, she angrily said that she’s done everything possible and put the responsibility of her dream back on him.

If Olivia has indeed done everything, then it is time for her to be realistic about her music career and whether it should exist. She should invest her time elsewhere because her dream begins and ends with her. Management and support teams can help you get there, but without the

artist’s growth and desire to

keep moving forward, there is nowhere for the team to go. After doing everything she thought she could do, there were still no labels willing to take a chance on an artist who had come out twice already and failed to make an impact. What Olivia should have done was take a step back to realize she has selfishly tapped her manager dry in every way (he has made nothing in return) and, perhaps, it is time for Olivia to do something different — like, listen.

Criticism is hard to take, but doing a hard-core evaluation of oneself is needed when straightening up your stagnant career.

When goals are made there should be a step-by-step plan of how you will reach them. Prepare for there to be more steps than you expected because this is a part of the process and do not be afraid to scrap the plan and start again.

Deciding you want to be a star is the easy part. Becoming a star, now that is where your journey begins.

The Mayan calendar says the end is near so make the best of your social network declaration that 2012 is your year!

As we continue on …

Tags: Martini Rox, On the Rox, VH1

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under On the Rox, Star.
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