Another Contributor to Burn Out
I’m in the A Room trying to finish as many beats as possible so I can send them out so that I can enjoy the holidays with my family. I’m bouncing between dropbox folders, email threads, group chats, whatapp group messages, facebook messages, and instagram dm’s. My desktop is a mess as my background is drowning in MP3’s and multiple versions of beats that I am sending off. At the same time I’m trying to shoot content while the interns are getting the B room prepped for their next session. “Man hell nawl” I mumbled as I close my laptop and look for the next train back home. I’ve hit burnout and I know damn well what the root cause of it all is, I’m trying to work with everybody.
The Thin Line: Stretching Yourself Thin
In the murky world of music production, it’s tempting to take on as many clients as possible, fearing missed opportunities or financial strain. But just like anything else, stretching yourself thin can lead to a downward spiral. Overbooking can result in compromised attention to detail, reduced creative energy, and an overall decline in the quality of your work. Remember, it’s better to focus on a select few and deliver exceptional results than to spread yourself too thin and risk underperforming on all fronts.
The Case of Neglected Clients: Attention Deficiency
Each client deserves the attention of a seasoned detective. Working with too many artists simultaneously can lead to neglect, leaving clients feeling overlooked and unappreciated. Building strong, lasting relationships with artists is crucial for success in the industry. By being selective, you can give each client the attention they deserve, fostering trust and collaboration that elevates your work and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.
The Elusive Refresh: Taking Time to Recalibrate
Producers require time to recalibrate and recharge. Constantly being in the studio, day and night, can lead to burnout, impacting both your mental and physical well-being. It’s essential to step away, indulge in other passions, or simply take a break to gain fresh perspectives and renew your creative spirit. By embracing selectivity, you create space for self-care, allowing yourself to return to the studio refreshed.
The Power of Saying “No”
Learning to decline projects that don’t align with your expertise, artistic vision, or personal well-being is a skill worth mastering. By saying “no” to certain opportunities, you create room for the ones that truly resonate with your creative spirit. This discernment ensures that you work on projects that inspire and fulfill you, ultimately elevating your craft and enhancing the final product.
Arrive at my stop and walk up the stairs out into the snowy night as I hear “Stand clear of the closing doors please.” I exhale and tell myself not to look at my phone as I make my own to my apartment. I feel the pressure of the DM’s and text messages piling up. The phone goes on DND and into my backpack. “Next year” I said. “I’ll holla at y’all next year…”
