Advice about entering the industry or once you are in, what to do?
Our Artist Advice this month is from Guest Writer and Artist Loraine Moxham. Loraine is our Spotlight/Artist of the Month from August, 2022.
Entering the music industry is going to look different for every individual. There isn’t a one size fits all method. I’m not even deep into the industry like other big-name artists but I can share my story and what I have experienced and gone through so far. Growing up in Southern California I struggled, in the beginning, to really find my sound. I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be. I grew up listening to Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and the list goes on! I always loved country music and fell in love with its storytelling.
I guess my journey started when I was working dead-end jobs 9-5 while performing part-time at whatever coffee shop or bars would hire me, and I also busked ( street performing) as well. I started singing to overcome stage anxiety and stage fright. If you would have told me 6 years ago I would be performing full-time and genuinely enjoying it, I would have laughed at you. It was never my dream to be on stage. I loved writing and I loved singing and that was it. A lot of my life’s trials that were thrown at me really made me realize that this is what I wanted. That this is what I’m meant to do.
In January 2022 I decided to quit my job and pursue music full time. My advice is, if you can do it, you should. It can be scary letting go of a constant paycheck but trust me it’s worth it. I have grown so much as an artist. One thing I live by is always saying “YES” to every gig you are offered. I never say no to anything even if it’s not paid well, I still will take the gig. This mindset has helped me come across so many amazing opportunities. You never know who you will come across.
You also have to let go of the mindset of being a people pleaser. I truly believe at the end of the day, if you believe in yourself and are willing to do what most artists aren’t willing to do then you will reach your destination. Once I started pursuing this for myself and no one else I started seeing a shift in my success. Sometimes you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to grow as an artist. For instance, I quit my jobs and decided to sing on the street making all my income on tips. To make it in the industry you have to always push the envelope and strive to become better. And doing things that many people are afraid to do. As time goes on, it gets easier. You get used to the uncertainty of it all. Nike says it best with their quote “Just Do It.” Three simple words but it’s so true.
If you want to pursue music full-time, quit your job. If you want to go to Nashville and record with amazing producers, book a plane ticket. You want to move to Nashville, make the move, etc. We only have this one life. We might as well do what we love doing. And live for a purpose. My journey is to inspire the underdogs. To show people that if you put your mind to something and truly believe in yourself you can reach anything you want in life. One day I will be on the same platform as Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgrave, and Maren Morris. I will be on stage next to them and realize that I got myself there with my hard work and determination. It starts with you taking that dream you have and believing in yourself.
~Loraine Moxham
Be sure to check out all the other amazing blogs about Loraine and her musical career right here on Rt66 Country Music, where you will be able to follow all of her social links.