Inspired By the Oasis of Grace - That's Grace Potter....
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| Grace Potter |
I write this article because it's valuable for all us to pay attention to those we admire so that we can allow their voices and journeys to inspire us. And I want to share these tips because perhaps they will inspire You too on your journey!
Look for the Oasis Don't fall for the Mirages that we create Inside our heads
Inspiration #1 Be Patient with your Dreams
I know a lot of you readers out there are artists/writers building your careers. And if you are not in the music industry I am sure many of you are working towards other goals and realizing your dreams in other professions. Here's a story to inspire you....
For many years, I was a Talent Buyer in Nyc (that's a fancy word for the person who books the bands at a music venue) About 6-7 years ago, a demo came across my desk by an unknown band called, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. I dug them! BUT I was unable to book them. It's just not possible to book a rock band in a quiet jazz room! (but I did send them a nice note and suggested other venues)
Two things I want to share from this story
I thought the band was great but could not offer them a date. I even still have the promo CD.
Mirage: Just because you don't get the cut, date, promotion, etc does NOT mean you are not good. Sometimes the situation is simply just not the right fit and we all have to learn the lesson of not taking things personally and continue on following our dreams! Which brings me to #2
This gig would not have been a paid show!!! It would have been a 45minute set for Tips only. Sobering to think that 6-7 years later this same band is getting mainstream airplay, sold out their first date at the Ryman and had to add another show!!!
Mirage: We have to remember that sometimes the journey towards our dreams takes a while, very often much longer than we want to wait. This is a strong lesson in Not Giving Up and also a reminder to Show Up for Every Opportunity that you can.
Tip #2 Be your Voice and Share Your Joy!
Her Voice! Seriously it's transporting, and it's amazing how she does it. For me, it's reminiscent of Janis without the edge of Southern Comfort. And on stage she's like the energizer bunny. It's wonderful to see someone enjoying what they do plus the craft & technique to do it so well. And I need to give a shout out to The Nocturnals, they are great musicians, tight, groovy, funky, joyous and talented
Mirage: Your 'voice' is more than your ability to sing, it's what you express to people with everything you do. What message do you want to communicate?
Think about it - Embrace it & Express it! And make yourself the Best you can be while doing it! Give in to what you do. Love it, Remember, that genuine joy uplifts others
Inspiration #3
Well, it goes without saying, I am inspired by Grace's music, energy and unique voice. This takes shape in a lot of the lyrics. I will close out with those from her song, "Oasis," at the bottom. But first I wanted to add an
Addendum Inspiration and a little plug for the Beauty of Nash-Vegas.
Yes! Kenny Chesney came out on stage and joined her for a beautiful rendition of "You & Tequila Make me Crazy" and that was great! It was written by Deanna Carter & Matraca Berg and Only In Nashville would they also invite one of writers onstage to sing it with them! Awesome!
In Closing - Be Patient with your dreams, keep believing in yourself as you travel, Embrace your Voice and Share Your Joy. Look for the Oasis and don't fall for the Mirages In your Head that hold you back
Steal your crown
Hold your head to the ground
Just keep on walking
Don't let your soul lose control
Let you roll down the mountain you climbed
Don't let the sand blind your eyes
Realize they're only lies and
Keep on walking
Let it cover you with grace
Let it take you from this place
And as your heart races
Pack your suitcases
And in the middle of the desert
There's an Oasis"
-Oasis (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)
Love Light, Music and Grace
Meredith
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