I feel stuck. I love music and the art of music production don’t get me wrong. Anymore though, I feel like whats the point of it? I see guys like Avicii and Porter a year older than me (Porter is actually younger) tearing up the world with their mixes and songs, and I just wonder whats the point because of guys like that. I realize it may seem like I am doing it for the wrong reasons, but i truly love seeing what my potential is. I guess I am just looking for support. I am in college studying finance, and I am constantly told to stop wasting my time, as it will never become a career and i will never do anything but weddings. I understand the point of what they are saying, but playing music is what I enjoy doing. I am just wondering if anyone else has been in the same boat and how you got through it. As I sit here just staring at my screen, I feel like I am at a crossroads. I have invested thousands into equipment not to mention hours upon hours of my time to just stop. But then again I feel like these people are right at times, and that I should just play videogames like typical teenager. I feel like I could have talent, but I am not sure how to properly display it. I have no musical background and understand why people would say to stop. I do not know how to play the piano, and everything that I do know about music theory I have taught myself and learning from youtube has helped. Never did I expect to just plug in my Axiom and think i would sound like Avicii, but damn am I confused. Advice would be appreciated if you have had this experience. Thanks
Everything you just said applies to me man. I’m in the EXACT same boat as you, 17 yrs old last year of HS. I love mixing and plan on continuing it. I guess my advice is just keep with it, and try making connections with other DJ’s in your area. You never know when an opportunity will come up.
If what you want out of this is to be like Avicii or Porter, then either get all four of your wheels on the ground and just fcking start grinding on your goal or quit. Otherwise just enjoy yourself and see where this all takes you.
Don’t bother too much about, for me a day without at least two existential crises is a day wasted.
Also though I don’t know who Avicii or Porter are, I’m sure they are outstanding gentlemen well-worthy of your idolatry.
dude they are young as hell. Its the new age that younger artist are popping up. But people get found all the time hell Kaskade didn’t really blow up until he was about 35. There is plenty of time. If you have that type of attitude you will never succeed. The point is to just go out and play music and have fun.
I’m in a similar circumstance, I’m studying pharmacology in university. I DJ as a hobby, and if I get to play out in a club - great. But I don’t think of it as the be all and end all and I don’t really expect to have this as a career because that means I would have spent 3 years getting a degree for a job that doesn’t need one.
Look at Armin van Buuren though, he was in university studying law I think and became a world famous DJ afterwards. Judge Jules started DJing after he got his law degree. I’m sure there are many others too.
If it’s any consolation, I don’t know who Porter is. Although I’m off to find out now
I’m confused. How is making music “a waste of time”? Its a hobby, and a relatively productive one at that. Unless you’re so consumed in your music work that its affecting your school/work/whatever obligations I don’t see how its a “waste of time” at all.
As for the post as a whole, I’ve definitely had that feeling comparing myself to Avicii and feeling pretty useless, but I never got into this with the express intent of being a superstar - its just something I enjoy. If you actually want it to be a job, you’re gonna have to treat it like one. You may only see the rockstar side of things but those guys at the top have put in a TON of work to be where they are.
i’ve thought about quitting several times. sometimes i feel like i dont get the recognition that i deserve while others do (and get higher pay!). in the end i always remind myself that this is something i like doing for fun and that even if i dont get paid what i would like or if i didnt have a residency i would still like edm and dj culture. i would still be a midi and ableton nerd.
I think you gotta be mad to try and do this for anything other than yourself. Any success or profit is just a nice little cherry on top of the fun you’re having
If becoming big and famous was easy then everyone would do it. When I feel like this I put my equipment down and step away for a little bit. I know I love music and would be lost without it. Sometimes I get frustrated and think I suck and won’t go anywhere with it, but then I think… what does it matter? I’m having a riot doing what I do at any capacity.
If people tell you you should stop wasting your time, don’t bother paying attention to them. I mean, when people say things like that it makes me feel like they are saying, “Don’t do anything because in the end you die.” It’s just a bummer of a thought. So instead of letting people get you down, keep mixing, keep producing, and keep having fun. If you do it for the love of music then what else could possibly matter?
I’m not sure what way you’ll take this but here’s my opinion,
I’m 17, Starting music production in college next month. If i end up a huge name in the clubs and can live the huge dj lifestyle that’s great so be it, But if i can’t and i’m only bits here and there, i’m still gunna keep music as my profession when i’m older simply because i love doing it. Whether i make milllions or pocket dust. I’ll be happy, Because i know i’ll be doing what i love doing, And not trying to please anyone else.
We are at a point in history where the musicians (and DJs) have to get back to the original position of either finding a sponsor (like a king or someone with lots of money) or then just do what JS Bach et rest did, have a daytime job, maybe related to music and do whatever you want at your spare time. There will be exceptions but few in future.
