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One aspect of working as a public servant is our success is dependent on how we’re perceived. It can become easy to seek validation. Musicians, artists, radio broadcasters or anyone working in the public eye would fall into the public servant category. Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend after one of our concerts and he overheard me speaking with some musicians. He wanted to know if it still feels good having folks, after all these years of performing, compliment my playing? He also wanted to know how I felt when folks didn't say anything. Interesting.
I don't think there's an artist walking the planet that doesn't appreciate complimentary praise from listeners or adulation from their artistic contemporaries. I sure do but here's the difference in this regard...I don't seek it. It's a bit tricky because some will twist and say, well if you put your work on your social platforms then you're seeking validation. Yes, many do in various forms, but promoting your brand or seeking employment is different than blanket validation. From a humorous perspective yes, I guess I am seeking validation from those that potentially would want to hire my group or would want to study with me.
On my social platforms for example, I post things that reflect my abilities and brand to act as a marketing tool for those that might want to hire my or my group’s services. Not because I'm hoping folks will say..."Wow, you guys are fantastic!!!" Marketing is expensive and what’s the big positive in using our social platforms? It's FREE! It would be counter-productive not to take advantage of these outlets if you're serious about getting your work out there to a larger community and performing.
I told my friend it doesn't bother me at all if folks don't compliment or acknowledge my work and efforts. I know clearly what I’m capable of and can do. What I’ve produced over the decades speaks for itself. I've been doing this a long time and I have complete confidence in my abilities, so it’s not necessary for me to seek validation. You get to a point in your career where there’s not much else left to prove to others, right? I still work hard to perfect my craft every single day, but that reflects my love of the process. It also reflects my desire to continue to grow and make a difference, not to get accolades.
The other part I shared with him is that some aren't necessarily capable of offering praise…for various reasons. It could be insecurities or envy. Maybe they never had anyone support them or they simply don't like you. Could be several reasons. Also, someone not saying anything doesn't necessarily imply they don't like your work. They're just incapable of letting you know. The fact too that they paid to come see and hear your show speaks volumes. I doubt they're into pain --coming to see someone they don't like. Ha! Those of us that work in the public eye also have critics. That’s a downside of the process. These critics like to listen for real or perceived cracks in your game to exploit to their buddies for the purpose of trying to minimize you. That's a sad reality but again, the work you’ve produced speaks above their nonsense.
I play music for the love of the process. There are so many beautiful things playing drums and performing adds to my life. I get to use my brain creatively. It's a passion and I truly believe having passions are profoundly important. It helps to keep you out of the proverbial dark rabbit holes. When you do things you love it keeps you positive and away from negativity. Playing drums is also very physical so it's a huge part of my fitness routines.
The reality is there are folks that appreciate your work and those that don’t, but you can't worry about it. Remember, too, we bring enjoyment and joy to people’s hearts and minds. That's profound. Performing is also a profession. It can be a great source of main or supplemental income if you work hard to perfect your craft. I'm of the mindset to let your craft speak louder than what you can verbalize, but I'm also a teacher so I share thoughts that might help aspiring students or even offer professionals thought avenues they haven't explored. With music it's considerably easier to talk the game than play it so I always keep that in mind. Play first and foremost for you and not from the perspective of seeking adulation or validation. Embrace what it brings into your and others lives and do it for the right reasons for YOU. When you're not centered on the WHY of your intentions, it will usually feel like work, and positive progression will be difficult to achieve.
Jae Sinnett hosts Sinnett in Session, The R&B Chronicles, and Students in Session on WHRV FM. He also shares his love of the culinary arts on Cooking with Jae on Facebook every Sunday at 6 p.m. Plus, catch up with past episodes.
