“In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future.” - Eric Hoffer
If you are anything like me, you spend a good amount of your time thinking how you can do MORE of the things you LIKE to do, and LESS of what you don’t.
How do you get there?
How do you get to that future that you want. That you’ve always wanted?
Well, I’ll tell you how I got here and everyone who I know is there, got there. (AND, how I plan to get to the next place!)
I took advantage of changing times, and made a name for myself. I read, studied, and practiced waiting for an opportunity to arise, then when it did, I SEIZED it!
Folks we live in a crazy time. If you are musician or artist of any kind, then this really is a freaking renaissance.
If you have designs on doing something at any level, there has NEVER been a better time to get going.
But you have to work and prepare for it. It won’t happen magically, even though God can line things up so it seems that way. But He is content to wait until WE are ready. And sometimes we don’t say YES right away.
Sometimes it takes being in the belly of the whale to make us say YES.
You have to say yes, make up your mind, and then get to work.
And yes, I mean now! What are you waiting for???
Why wait and drudge through muck hoping that once you retire, get out of debt, finish raising your kids, whatever - THEN you can do something creative with your life. THEN you can achieve your dreams?
That’s Crazy Talk.
In the meantime, you’re missing fantastic opportunities that are cropping up more and more as the world changes.
Yes, the music business is a mess, there are no clear roads to “the top”, and yes there are a holy ton of artists doing exactly what you want to do.
But there is still a wide open audience that is growing every day for your unique niche art, and a clear purpose for your talents that God had for you before you were even made.
I’ve mentioned before how important it is to read, study, network, and learn. If you are in your waiting period, meaning you know what you want to do, but haven’t done it yet, then at least be studying your craft.
Know EVERYTHING about everything.
Long before I moved my business to Nashville, I was (and still am) a voracious reader of music trades, music magazines, examining and reading all the music books that come out. Coming to Nashville and meeting folks for coffee that I wanted to glean info from. Going to conferences, classes, and seminars about production, equipment, songwriting, publishing, and more.
I was hungry, and could not get full. I still am.
THAT’S what I’m talking about.
And because of that, when the music industry changed in the late 90s and early 2000s where independent artists were able to begin using the services and talents of former label-only people, then I knew just how to take advantage of that.
I actually formed a business to help artists find and use those resources.
Like you, I am an artist and songwriter. I’m also looking toward the future as to how I can get my music out to my niche audience.
It’s exciting, but also a bit daunting. Where to start? What to do first? I’m sure you have the same questions and apprehensions.
That’s why we keep learning and studying and practicing and writing, and when the time comes, God finds a use for it all.
As a busy producer, I’ve found homes for dozens of songs that I wrote in the past 20 years. Songs I wondered if anyone would hear back then when I was mainly a songwriter. But they found a home in my future life as a producer here.
Now I’m working on new jazz CDs of my own, wondering when they will be used. Maybe in my next future life???
So, keep working, studying, attending conferences, and emailing folks for answers.
The future is opening wide, and God has a plan. Be ready!
Have a great week!
EC
---
Eric Copeland is a very studious guy who on top of producing and consulting for his Nashville-based company Creative Soul, he is going back to school studying music history and composition...why? Who knows what’s next? For your studying and reading pleasure, visit http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
For the Creative Soul > The Beauty of the Beginning
"The beauty of the amateur is that they are not yet fooled by success into thinking they are better than they really are." - Eric Copeland
Yes, I just quoted myself.
I was going to put Benjamin Franklin, because everyone nods in agreement at a Benjamin Franklin quote.
But this came to me the other day when I was trying to figure out what I loved about working with folks at the beginning of their creative quest.
I appreciate people who are genuinely desiring to be better. I love seeing the light come on, and then their passion to make something happen in their life.
A person who has a heart for God AND a talent they want to grow.
The beginner, the aspirer, the wonderer, the hungry learner, and the thankful patron.
Once I get people motivated to DO something, and the floodgates open, and they see how POSSIBLE it is, then the fun begins.
They finally start to realize a part of themselves that they wish folks had known about them all along. People at church, work, family; folks everywhere see them in a new light, realizing there was more all along to this "normal" person. That God had given them (and all of us if we go after it) a very special gift.
Hey we all have to start somewhere.
And usually that's from a place of inexperience. We start stabbing at the air with our talent, giving it our best shot.
Often times this brings less than desirable results. But that's OK. Trying is very important.
“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.” - Beverly Sills
You have to take a step. That's how you can get on the road to the next place.
And yes, sometimes we wait until later in life to get started with big ideas we want to try. But that's OK! I sometimes think God wants us to have a steady life (somewhat) and a good bit of life experience to draw from to build a strong ministry.
So, don't be scared or embarrassed to step up and get something going if you feel God tugging towards using your talents for him.
Taking those first steps can be exciting, fulfilling, but moreover, are a testament of your faith and service to the Lord.
If it helps, I believe in you, and you KNOW God does.
And now for a real Benjamin Franklin quote.
"Words can show a man's wit, but action shows his meaning."
- Benjamin Franklin
Have a great week!
EC
----
Eric Copeland is a producer, counselor, and songwriter and works regularly with folks stepping into the Christian music world for the first time.
For more info on how things work and how you can get started, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
Even More News for Beginners (and Veterans!)
Introducing: From the Moment Music > Songs for Artists
Do you feel like you'd love to start down the road towards a music ministry, but you don't write songs and there's just nothing to sing?
Creative Soul was born out of songwriting.
People often ask me how it is I came to be a producer. I tell them, I didn’t try to be a producer in the first place.
I just write songs. I loved and still love writing songs. I love writing them, playing them, singing them, recording them, showing them off, selling them, giving them away! I love everything about composing.
But as I started to record my songs as a teenager in my Dad’s basement, people said, “I’ll have what he’s having”, and knocked my door for me to record them next.
So, I'm getting back to my roots a bit and announcing formally "From the Moment Music". Your source for fantastic songs, AND original custom songs for you to take out in music ministry.
Of course this is what we have been doing for 30 years for our clients, but want to make sure you know that this is available for you!
For more information and to hear what we have done for other artsts just like you, check out http://www.FromtheMomentMusic.com
Yes, I just quoted myself.
I was going to put Benjamin Franklin, because everyone nods in agreement at a Benjamin Franklin quote.
But this came to me the other day when I was trying to figure out what I loved about working with folks at the beginning of their creative quest.
I appreciate people who are genuinely desiring to be better. I love seeing the light come on, and then their passion to make something happen in their life.
A person who has a heart for God AND a talent they want to grow.
The beginner, the aspirer, the wonderer, the hungry learner, and the thankful patron.
Once I get people motivated to DO something, and the floodgates open, and they see how POSSIBLE it is, then the fun begins.
They finally start to realize a part of themselves that they wish folks had known about them all along. People at church, work, family; folks everywhere see them in a new light, realizing there was more all along to this "normal" person. That God had given them (and all of us if we go after it) a very special gift.
Hey we all have to start somewhere.
And usually that's from a place of inexperience. We start stabbing at the air with our talent, giving it our best shot.
Often times this brings less than desirable results. But that's OK. Trying is very important.
“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.” - Beverly Sills
You have to take a step. That's how you can get on the road to the next place.
And yes, sometimes we wait until later in life to get started with big ideas we want to try. But that's OK! I sometimes think God wants us to have a steady life (somewhat) and a good bit of life experience to draw from to build a strong ministry.
So, don't be scared or embarrassed to step up and get something going if you feel God tugging towards using your talents for him.
Taking those first steps can be exciting, fulfilling, but moreover, are a testament of your faith and service to the Lord.
If it helps, I believe in you, and you KNOW God does.
And now for a real Benjamin Franklin quote.
"Words can show a man's wit, but action shows his meaning."
- Benjamin Franklin
Have a great week!
EC
----
Eric Copeland is a producer, counselor, and songwriter and works regularly with folks stepping into the Christian music world for the first time.
For more info on how things work and how you can get started, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
Even More News for Beginners (and Veterans!)
Introducing: From the Moment Music > Songs for Artists
Do you feel like you'd love to start down the road towards a music ministry, but you don't write songs and there's just nothing to sing?
Creative Soul was born out of songwriting.
People often ask me how it is I came to be a producer. I tell them, I didn’t try to be a producer in the first place.
I just write songs. I loved and still love writing songs. I love writing them, playing them, singing them, recording them, showing them off, selling them, giving them away! I love everything about composing.
But as I started to record my songs as a teenager in my Dad’s basement, people said, “I’ll have what he’s having”, and knocked my door for me to record them next.
So, I'm getting back to my roots a bit and announcing formally "From the Moment Music". Your source for fantastic songs, AND original custom songs for you to take out in music ministry.
Of course this is what we have been doing for 30 years for our clients, but want to make sure you know that this is available for you!
For more information and to hear what we have done for other artsts just like you, check out http://www.FromtheMomentMusic.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
For the Creative Soul > Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar
Recently I was journaling and came up with this quote:
"Everyone does what they want to do, but few people do what they COULD do."
There is a difference between being able to do something, and actually trying to do it better than anyone else.
I kind of have a rule about starting a new business (which I am wont to do at the drop of an epiphany).
The rule is: Unless I can be the best in it, why start it? Unless what I do can really be GREAT and SPECIAL in this particular venture, and not just something I could do because I'm headstrong and will take the initiative, then I should re-think the plan.
WAYNE W. DYER, PH.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development.
He says, “Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.”
Ducks quack alot and make alot of noise. They announce plans and hold release concerts, then paddle back onto the water. Still quacking, sometimes never to be heard from again.
Eagles go about their business. They see what they want, and fly towards it with persistence and confidence. There's no quacking. Just doing. And they do it with skill and precision.
I think it's easy to be sitting somewhere in your corner of the world and think, "Well, I'm not sure this will work, but I will give it a shot. I just can't afford to do much, but I'll stick something out there. That way, in case it fails, I don't have much invested. No one wants CDs anyways, and MP3s are lesser quality, so it's OK."
It's a good thing God doesn't think this way.
For our sake, I'm thankful he said, "I'm not content with the way I currently relate to my children. I will give them the best I can. I will give them my Son."
Whoa.
Put that in your spreadsheet and run it.
I say this alot, but it never gets old: Our best for His best.
And striving to be the best at what we do is the least we can do, and maybe the most we can do too.
I often check myself with these questions:
"Am I doing what He made me to do?"
"If I were to leave this earth tomorrow, have I made an impact on the world for Him with the skills He gave me?"
"What can I do more or less of to serve Him more?"
I have to admit, what I'm having for lunch also figures in there at some point.
(What? I'm a saint???)
My point is that we have to quit quacking and start soaring.
How do we soar? By striving for excellence at EVERY turn.
And this isn't only about money folks. Learning and growing is a big part of this.
For the first time in almost 30 years, I stepped back into a college classroom this semester, as a student.
Yep, EC is Joe College. Again.
I just decided that I had some growing to do of my own. That if one day the Lord leads me to teach or lead at a higher level, I needed me some more educatin'.
Just dipping my foot in with a music history class (which I love!), but I plan to delve farther as I try to FINALLY finish my bachelors in the next few years.
And yeah, it cost money I didn't really want to spend. But we decided it was worth it.
There is no end to the learning, growing, and doing. Not until our time on this earth is through.
So, will you quack or soar? Are you a duck, or an eagle?
There is no limit to what you can do. Just what you WILL do.
Have a great week!
EC
---
Eric Copeland is a producer, composer, arranger, and (once again) a student. His company Creative Soul helps Christian artists grow to a new level in quality and effectiveness in music and ministry. Find out more at http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
"Everyone does what they want to do, but few people do what they COULD do."
There is a difference between being able to do something, and actually trying to do it better than anyone else.
I kind of have a rule about starting a new business (which I am wont to do at the drop of an epiphany).
The rule is: Unless I can be the best in it, why start it? Unless what I do can really be GREAT and SPECIAL in this particular venture, and not just something I could do because I'm headstrong and will take the initiative, then I should re-think the plan.
WAYNE W. DYER, PH.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development.
He says, “Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.”
Ducks quack alot and make alot of noise. They announce plans and hold release concerts, then paddle back onto the water. Still quacking, sometimes never to be heard from again.
Eagles go about their business. They see what they want, and fly towards it with persistence and confidence. There's no quacking. Just doing. And they do it with skill and precision.
I think it's easy to be sitting somewhere in your corner of the world and think, "Well, I'm not sure this will work, but I will give it a shot. I just can't afford to do much, but I'll stick something out there. That way, in case it fails, I don't have much invested. No one wants CDs anyways, and MP3s are lesser quality, so it's OK."
It's a good thing God doesn't think this way.
For our sake, I'm thankful he said, "I'm not content with the way I currently relate to my children. I will give them the best I can. I will give them my Son."
Whoa.
Put that in your spreadsheet and run it.
I say this alot, but it never gets old: Our best for His best.
And striving to be the best at what we do is the least we can do, and maybe the most we can do too.
I often check myself with these questions:
"Am I doing what He made me to do?"
"If I were to leave this earth tomorrow, have I made an impact on the world for Him with the skills He gave me?"
"What can I do more or less of to serve Him more?"
I have to admit, what I'm having for lunch also figures in there at some point.
(What? I'm a saint???)
My point is that we have to quit quacking and start soaring.
How do we soar? By striving for excellence at EVERY turn.
And this isn't only about money folks. Learning and growing is a big part of this.
For the first time in almost 30 years, I stepped back into a college classroom this semester, as a student.
Yep, EC is Joe College. Again.
I just decided that I had some growing to do of my own. That if one day the Lord leads me to teach or lead at a higher level, I needed me some more educatin'.
Just dipping my foot in with a music history class (which I love!), but I plan to delve farther as I try to FINALLY finish my bachelors in the next few years.
And yeah, it cost money I didn't really want to spend. But we decided it was worth it.
There is no end to the learning, growing, and doing. Not until our time on this earth is through.
So, will you quack or soar? Are you a duck, or an eagle?
There is no limit to what you can do. Just what you WILL do.
Have a great week!
EC
---
Eric Copeland is a producer, composer, arranger, and (once again) a student. His company Creative Soul helps Christian artists grow to a new level in quality and effectiveness in music and ministry. Find out more at http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
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