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Mentor John Beland.
Q: You have done a bit of everything in the industry. What have you learned from being a session player, artist, writer, producer and live band member, and what bits of wisdom can you share to those of us who are only one of the above? We could use the insight to try to understand the others we work with everyday. And who do you think has the hardest job?
A. No matter what you do, write, play in a band, sing, etc., the secret is pure dedication. That's a word most often used lightly. It means total devotion to your craft along with a healthy competitive drive. It also takes an open mind as well as a willingness to adapt to the ever changing business of music. It was drilled into me, as a17 year old recording artist, to always think ten years up the road. Plan your career...and treat the music business for what it is..a "business." Know about publishing, retailing, licensing, etc. Study all you can...banging a guitar in a band will be good for a couple of years..then you have to figure out what the hell to do with the rest of your career.
I think A&R people have very hard jobs. They have to pass on hundreds of acts..and if they sign one that doesn't fly..well, they lose their gig. But in the end, the hardest job is being an artist. The competition is so enormous and sharks are everywhere. Its always a struggle for survival..even if you're Bruce Springsteen.