Chapter 7: I’m Afraid of My Audience

Posted by admin on March 12th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

I had a gig last Friday and showed up to a venue packed full of people.  I didn’t expect it to be so packed, because a lot of bars in NYC require the artist to bring in their own clientele but this bar was different.  It was packed and there was no music on and Arthur and I were scheduled to start and 9 pm.

We walk onto a very small stage and set up our gear.  The packed room, all enjoying their food, conversation and beer took notice but didn’t offer any sign that live music would be welcomed in any way.

We began our set playing a song that most people would know; a cover of Human by the Killers.  We do our version slow and bluesy, not like the original.  I could feel that most of the room was not unhappy with the added sound, some were indeed quite happy, and a couple did give me the “I wish you hadn’t showed up here” stare.

I knew that my job was to convert the strangers in the room who had never heard me before into fans by connecting with them on an emotional level; by creating moments in the music that would help them feel something deep or profound and make them want to hear me again.  I might have done this with a couple people, but in truth I found it very hard to emotionally connect because of my own fearfulness.  Again, I was reminded how much work I need to do as a performer.

I’ve spent the last 10 years becoming a guitar player, a songwriter and singer, but haven’t focused on what it takes to be an exceptional performer because I thought they were the same thing.  The are not. As soon as I step on stage and am present to other people all that other stuff goes out the window.  I know that what will connect with others is vulnerability, passion, and heartfelt storytelling and yet those are the things that scare me most.  Being vulnerable for strangers, giving them my heart and showing them my passion? It’s my gift to give them, and yet I surprise myself by how scared I am to give it.

So my first step to fixing this problem is I invested some money into a 7 DVD set by Tom Jackson, a world famous performance coach.  I’m very excited to see what I learn from him and will dive in head first.  I will not be the same performer a month or two  from now.  I am a fast learner and I practice my ass off everyday so a month or two from now I will melt your face off.

In other news, the PR company I’m working with helped me come up with a “15 second” pitch to descibe my music.  The point is to be able to give strangers a glimpse into the world of my music in 15 seconds or less that helps them understand it, and also intrigues them enough to want to listen more.

We came up with “Fiercely Playful Soul.”

You like it?

Chapter 1: How I’m Going to Make It: Anything Can Be Accomplished In Life With 3 Things

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

This is the first chapter of a story that both you (the readers) and I (the author) will have the pleasure of seeing and helping unfold in real time. Here is the basis of the story:

I believe that ANYTHING can be accomplished in life with three things:

1) A vision: my definition of vision is a clear, burning, and unbridled desire manifested in the form of a dream, or a want to become or create something in life. This could be becoming a doctor, a father, the president of the United States, a teacher…whatever.

2) An unwavering belief in oneself. This is self-explanatory

3) A shit load of hard work. Again, self-explanatory

This story begins with me, Zach Maxwell, who has had the vision of being a world-renowned singer, songwriter, performing artist, guitar player and motivational speaker since I was a young lad.

Why is this my vision? Because I believe that I have something to offer people, and that I have something to say. I believe that my soul is here to express my unique flavor of joy, passion, connection to God, the Universe, whatever you want to call it for the sake of helping others experience something greater for themselves as well. Call this arrogance, call it self-confidence, call it what you like. I call it my vision and it’s unwavering.

For the past ten years I have spent thousands of hours, at times, regularly practicing my instruments alone over 8 hours a day; refining, focusing, living and breathing my craft 24/7  to get to a point where I feel I am remarkable enough to offer something of value to people. I will continue to consistently practice my ass off and get better as this story unfolds.

For the past year also, I have been reading a lot on how the music business has changed, and how independent artists have a chance to “make it” in ways that they never could before with a lot of hard work and the technological resources available to us that weren’t available even 5 years ago. I am going to prove it.

Not only am I going to prove it, I’m going to use this blog to transparently share the steps I’m taking, as I’m taking them for all the world to see. This will be my “story.”

Just so we’re clear on what my vision is: My definition of “making it” is becoming world renown. Not being on the cover of People Magazine, not being a tabloid “celebrity,” but being a “world renown” artist…known for making a difference for people with my music and message. Right now I have about 10 fans. A few people, if any are reading this first post. At the end of this story I will prove to millions of people that with a burning desire and vision, a firm and unwavering belief in yourself, and the willingness and integrity to work your fucking ass off for your dreams, ANYTHING is possible. How long it will take? A year, 2 years, 10 years…who knows?

Stay tuned as the story unfolds.

And if you would like to help make this story happen, feel free to comment, share and spread this post to anybody and everybody that you feel would be interested.