"Recording Industry Veteran." I've seen this term a lot lately. I may even be guilty of overusing it myself. So, why are long-standing recording industry professionals commonly called "veterans"?
Well... what images does the term "veteran" conjure up for you? For many, "veteran" is coupled with the word "war". "War veteran." Possibly a person who has survived insurmountable odds? Devastating conditions? Had bombs exploding around their head while wondering if they were ever going to see their family again? Not had a real night's sleep in weeks or a warm meal in days? New boots a distant dream? Wondering if the supply chain was cut off and would ever be able to reach them?
Not to detract from war veterans. I have an immense appreciation for their sacrifices and recognize that I benefit from them on a daily basis. I can't even pretend that working in the recording industry and fighting a war can be made analogous. My intent is to help prospective entrants into this industry recognize that "this ain't no picnic."
Surviving in this business for the long-term means beating insurmountable odds. While you may find success, the typical lifestyle includes some fairly poor conditions at times. Ever spent a night listening to a bombastic drummer that could only play full on? (check) Ever worked a 72 hour shift, covering six different sessions in a row, with only three hours off the clock in three days? (check) Ever lived on PB&J or cereal and milk for weeks on end? (check) Ever used gaffer's tape inside your shoes to hold them together because you just didn't have time to buy a new pair - or had an opportunity to go home and change? (check) Ever had a time when you didn't know where your next dime would come from - or if there would be a next dime? (check)
If you love it - and I'm talkin' about an undying, irrational passion. An addiction stronger than any other - then you will LOVE it. If you think you'll like it, or want to do it "'cause it's cool", or to get rich, or to meet girls, then it will probably chew you up and spit you out. Of the hundreds of professional engineers and engineering students I have met over the years, less than 10% are still working in this industry. I'm talking about successful engineers and serious students that shelled out tens-of-thousands of dollars to pursue a dream. Why? Because they weren't up to the fight. Something else became more important. Perhaps family, food, shelter, sleep, or an aversion to the word "no". I'm not judging them poorly. If anything, I admire their ability to shake this monkey of their backs. There are very few old recording engineers - perhaps because most either wise up or die young.
Veterans; war, recording industry, or otherwise, earn the title veteran because they survived. Decorated or unknown, General or Private, chief engineer or lifelong gopher - it doesn't matter. Surviving the tour itself indicates a brave soul who understands there are winners and quitters and is committed to winning. Or, a total lunatic who should be committed.
I used to say: "I wouldn't trade this industry for the world and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy." My suggestion now: run for the hills while you still can. No one will blame you, you won't get court marshaled or shot. And in the end, you'll probably have a better chance of keeping the girl.
Your other option: don't let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams. There is no in between. The choice is yours.
I heard an interview with Kirk Douglas [for you young-ins - he's a famous actor and father of famous actors] where he said that he tried to talk all of his children out of an acting career. He knew that if his words alone would stop them, then they could never overcome the other challenges they would inevitably face in the entertainment industry.
On that note, I had a student that once told me she was dedicated to a career in this industry post on Facebook that she was giving up on her audio-related job-search. I asked why and she said she had heard the word "No" twenty five times. (You know who you are.) Boo-hoo-hoo. The only music you'll hear in this business is the tiny violin I'm playing for you right now. A two letter word, twenty five times. 50 letters. There are more than 50 letters in the first sentence of this paragraph. Dedication. Yeah, right. I think I'll do an upcoming rant on how you can, and should, learn to embrace the word "No" and can use that to turn from a quitter into a winner. It's a method I learned that significantly improved the number of times I hear "Yes".
Until then, don't say you weren't warned. Now, go find another blog that has something to do with a "Real Job".
Additionally, the next time you see a veteran, the kind that keeps us safe and free, please remember to say "thank you".
Peace and Blessings,
Rob
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