The 2010's

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Enjoy The Moment

When was the last time you stopped to enjoy the moment? When you’re at work do you constantly wish you weren’t there? Where would you rather be? The beach, Paris, or just home? When life gets tough and we find ourselves in tense situations we immediately forget that regardless if we are at our jobs or at the beach. Wherever we go there we are. If you are unhappy at your job do you really think a vacation is going to drastically change your happiness? Instead of being miserable for weeks and hoping for that two week vacation in Florida. Enjoy each moment. 

The Forest

Let me give an example, you go to work but you are frustrated because someone else got a promotion. Now you feel ignored, unappreciated, and you let it ruin your whole week. Meanwhile you have a kid at home who is healthy, happy and adores you. You end up ignoring them and that nice picture on the fridge they drew for you. At this point you need to stop! You need to take a deep breath and focus on your forest, not just the one tree that didn’t grow the way you want it to. 

Enjoy The Gift Of Life

Life is a gift, it doesn’t  matter your social status, title, or position! Yes, not getting a well deserved promotion is frustrating but think about what you do have. Reflect on what you’ve been blessed with. You only get one life! Don’t spend everyday wishing you had whatever is you have your eye on. Life has so much more to offer you and what worries you right now may not be a big deal the next day. Next time you find negativity over-staying its welcome, take a step back, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

#beextraordinary #LeBakerMusic #Nashville

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Rise Above The Noise

Rise Above The Noise Photo

Marketing your music to rise above the noise is no easy task! In fact it’s quite a challenge! In a sea of daily tweets, posts, and likes. You find yourself asking the question how do I stick out in the saturation? Here are some tips to help you.

Branding

 

This has been said so many times, but many people miss it. You have got to build your brand! Do something unique that helps you stand out in the crowd. For example if you do Taylor Swift type music and you love crafting. Sell your crafts at your shows. This creates a unique and lasting experience for your fans. You become known for your crafts and your music as part of your brand.

Be Yourself

Don’t just post when you’re having shows on your social media. Retweet a nice comment from a fan, talk about a movie you saw recently, or post a family picture. The sky is really the limit when it comes to social media. Fans want to know the real you. They want to connect with you. With social media the days of unreachable musicians are virtually over.

Interact

Don’t sit around and wait for an opportunity to slip in your lap. However, don’t spam either. Interact with potential fans on social media. Comment on how much you like something they drew or encourage them if they are having a hard time. This will mean so much more and make them more open to listening to your music then just spamming them with direct messages begging them to like your latest single. 

Music Licensing

If you do some digging you can find sites that allow you to pitch your music to movies, shows, etc. RTTM Music Group, Musicxray, and Taxi all have opportunities you can submit to. Make sure to follow the rules and pitch appropriately. For example if a production company is asking for a Country song you probably will not get anywhere if you submit your latest Grunge Rock or Hip Hop song.  These are just a few of many ways to get exposure and make some well earned money for your musical genius. 

These are just some of the ways you can rise about the saturated music market. Remember though success is not an overnight thing. Steady plodding and persistence will pay off so be patient and stay motivated!

 

#Musician #LeBakerMusic #Nashville

 

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Don’t Give Up

Are you tired of being ignored? DON’t GOVE UP. You give it all you got and it seems like no one cares? Do you just want to give up? I have good news for you. Here are some different ways to help you keep going. 

Build Your Team

Are you doing it all on your own? You don’t have too! It is so important to build your team so you can bounce ideas off someone. This will make it easier to develop a strategy to target the audience or platform you’re trying to gain traction in. 

Think About What You Have

When we are ignored we feel rejected and disappointed because we aren’t gaining anything. Think about situations where you weren’t ignored. That friend that always listens to you, that person that left you a nice comment on social media? It could even be as simple as the joy of a family member acknowledging your existence! You are never really being ignored it’s all a matter of perspective. 

Change Your Mindset

Stop saying things like; failure, rejection, or I had a bad day. Replace those thoughts with; today was a challenge, I didn’t fail I found a way not to do something. For rejection (which is something most people fear far more than anything else) here is a mind blowing fact. When you get “rejected” that is nine times out of ten a reflection of that person. It really has nothing to do with you!

Don’t Give Up

When it seems like our hard work will never pay off. Remember these three things you can tell yourself. Build your team, be grateful, change your mindset. These things are simple, but don’t worry if it takes time to fully understand them. We all have our mountains to climb, but when the top seems to far away, don’t give up!

 

#motivation #LeBakerMusic #Nashville

 

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The Power of Mindset

Have you ever used the phrase; “This always happens to me!” How about, “I’m a worrier because, it runs in the family.” When we do this we underestimate ourselves because of the power of mindset. Understand, the mindset is a powerful thing.  Sometimes we think everything is stopping us when it’s really ourselves. That is due to the power of mindset.

Getting To the Core

The vital core of leadership is based mostly on mindset. You may think all you need is to be rich, good looking, or powerful. However, what really makes a great leader successful is how they handle day to day challenges. They have made up in their minds that failure is not an option. Replace toxic phrases such as, “This always happens to me!” They say, “Oh, well next time will be better.” Instead of “Oh, it runs in the family.” They say, “No! It’s time to break this pattern!” “I failed.” Is replaced with, ” I found five ways not to do something.” 

Big Changes

Watch how things change when you do this. I’m not saying your life will be perfect and you’ll get everything you want. However, you’ll be surprised how confident you’ll feel when you get out of a negative mindset. You’ll see life in a whole new way. No longer will you feel trapped by the cards you’ve been dealt with. 

Taking Out The Trash

It’s similar to taking the garbage out. No one wants to keep garbage. Visualize yourself throwing away those negative thoughts. It is time to let go and be the leader you were born to be. What have you got to loose? Don’t wait till New Years to rewire your thinking. There is no time like the present! The sky’s the limit! Go out there and be a leader!

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Business Side of Music

Business Side Of Music Review | LeBaker Music Photo The Business Side of Music has a lot of great resources. The host Bob has a passion for helping those of us working as indies in the music business. He uses his podcast to share Music Business tips for the career musician. 

I have found a wealth of information spanning: recording, touring, artist interviews, booking and so much more. The “Business Side 0f Music” is almost like the Swiss Army Knife for an independent artist. Check it out at (https://businesssideofmusic.com).

For example, say you want to learn about songwriting, this website has several articles and podcasts on the different aspects of the songwriting process. Personally, song copyright is a priority for me. There is a saying in the music business, “Protect your children (songs).”  Skimming through the website, I stumbled across this podcast: https://businesssideofmusic.com/57-the-two-copyrights-required-for-your-songs/ as an example.

However, there isn’t just legal stuff here, there is a lot of excellent and helpful material. Who doesn’t want a free resource to a “world open mic guide.” I know I can benefit from one! This website has multiple resources for artists, engineers (which are artists in their own right), and people starting out who are trying to get a solid grasp on the music industry.

Now that you have a good resource what are you waiting for? Get out there and be what God has called you to be! “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed” (Robert H. Schuller). Here’s a secret we all fail! The difference is are you willing to get back up?

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Random Notes October 2012

 

Pictured Rocks National Shoreline, Lake Superior, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Repost of Random Notes October 2012 | In July, we were asked to return to the Lighthouse Coffee House in Clarksville, TN.

By early August we headed to Minnesota by way of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. What a beautiful part of the country, We came thru that little stretch of Wisconsin and made our way to Two Harbors, MN and ministered for a few events at Living Waters Church. Check out this parody of “Hotel California” called “Thawed Out Frozen Tundra” James and I wrote.

Back in Nashvegas I was back at the Hope Center for Women. I love these ladies. They have so much courage. In September I was back at Summertown but speaking this time instead of singing. Well I did a little of that as well. I preached a message on Forgiveness. When I was don’t the Holy Spirit took over and the altars were full. It always blesses me to see God work when I get out of the way.

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National Quartet Convention 2012

It is truly a wonderful opportunity but I am most excited about seeing some old friends…and of coarse singing. Sometimes I feel like God opens strange doors for me, because I am not really a Southern Gospel Artist, I just love the music, it get’s down to business with lyrics that still use the words “cross’ and ‘blood.” When God opens doors I love to see what He has in store. It is always a blessing! If you are coming to NQC – I am singing at 2:15 PM in the Jubilee Music Artist Showcase – room C1 on the main floor. Sunday – I am also leading Worship at my home church which I LOVE!

Pinch me am I singing with Karen Peck & New River

After NQC thanks to a contact from Clarksville I was scheduled to be at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We had a wonderful time in the Lord! I closed out the year with a surprise impromptu sing-a-long on “We Shall Wear A Robe and Crown,” with Karen Peck and New River in Murfreesboro, TN. I love Karen and her sister Susan. I love even more that at the end of this concert in a restaurant she gave a call to Salvation!