Have you ever been brought on to work on an artist’s project or single and thought to yourself, “I’m in way over my head”? If not, you may not be trying hard enough. If you have like the rest of us then you know this thing all to well called pressure. It happens when you think of all the scenarios that may cause you to fail. What if they don’t like my mixes? What if they don’t like the way I arrange things? What if we don’t get along and I blow this? What if I’m not using the right DAW? Even though these are all things that are made up in your mind, if you are truly focused on the goal then you shouldn’t even notice.
Tim Grover, the author of the book Relentless, talks about how guys like Michael Jordan, Kobe, and Dwayne Wade who would go into a zone that was impenetrable. Said it was the number one reason why these guys won so many championships. That same mindset can be applied to producing records for artists that you feel are way above your head. Even if you were put in the room with Rihanna you’re supposed to be so well prepared that you can handle anything thrown at you. Its a mindset that’s helped me this entire year. On paper and off, I have had one of my most successful years with the records and albums I’ve produced. The success that JDVNL was having before the pandemic going from obscurity to becoming a leading headlining act in just six months. Even the wave I was riding coming off last year’s releases all attributed to one thing, diving into that zone.
I’ve never been one to act like I have the most skills or talent when producing a record but I know that I can accomplish just about anything when it comes to getting that record done. The constant study of music theory, practicing the piano, ear tests, constantly making beats, and studying the business are all preparation for when the moment happens. The moment an artist points at me and says, “you’re the guy.” Or when I get a call from a small independent label telling me their artist has just fallen out with their producer and need someone to help them get a record they can pitch to playlists. All the wins, and lessons, are from constantly working on preparing myself for those moments. Do I always succeed? No, but what I can tell you is that I always get better and better. In fact, I’ve learned more from my losses than I have from my wins.
This mindset has set me on a course to achieve things I didn’t think possible. Recently, I just became the co-founder of a music production label that I’ll speak on later in the year. The ADD Music Producer position, Slim Cinema Music Composer, and being an A&R all add pressure and stress to my life that I don’t take for granted. Tim Grover has a quote that I absolutely love.
“There is nothing greater than the pressure to excel”
