Being an introvert as a singer and musician in the music industry is like having a recurring dream of walking backwards.
I’m trying to get somewhere. I WANT to get somewhere.
I’m moving… so I think. But my actions are constantly pulling me and drawing me back into my sweet spot.
And an introvert’s sweet spot is in their head.
In my head, there’s a constant party going on.
Thinking and overthinking. Thoughts, thoughts and more thoughts about this and that, and that.
Constantly observing what I see around me. Absorbing everything and everyone around me.
Feeling their feelings. (Many introverts are empaths. I am one.)
My desire and love for helping others constantly sucks me away and pulls me into other people’s dreams.
SELF PROMOTION IS A LEGIT PART OF IT ALL
I sing the praises of introverts, and what makes us so amazing.
But it’s been the most difficult obstacle in my life. To want something so bad. To put your all into it the best you can. And STILL. Things aren’t what you want them to be.
It’s not easy. It’s not easy learning that being a singer is being an entrepreneur. In order for people to notice what you do, and want what you sell, you have to constantly promote yourself.
Hey look at me! Look at me! LOOK. AT. ME.
It. is. so. hard.
Because I’m an introvert. A quiet introvert at that. And as much as my heart yearns for and loves to sing. As much as I DREAM of traveling around the world to sing to big crowds on huge stages. To sing my babies, my songs I write and love, to the people I hope will love them too. To inspire people to be the best version of themselves and be kind to others. To love one another and be happy.
The last thing I want is attention.
Sounds really dumb right?
Just like walking backwards.
MEETING NEW PEOPLE CAN BE WEIRD FOR US
True story: I once sat in a songwriting session with LaShawn Daniels. Yes THEE LaShawn Daniels. I was living in Los Angeles at the time and I got a call to come to the studio. No details, just come to the studio. I had no idea he’d be there, along with about 3 other artists.
You wanna know what I did in that session?
I sat there.
Yup. Sat there. What does a quiet introvert do best? Observe.
We soak it all in. We warm up to new people we don’t know. We try to figure out if we can trust them. We think, are they trustworthy? Can I trust them with my ideas? I know I’ve heard of this person but I don’t KNOW this person.
In my defense, in my naivety I didn’t know I was sitting in a songwriting session until I arrived there. I learned quickly you have to be ready for anything in LA. But I digress.
As I drove home that night I thought, “I was in a session with LaShawn Daniels. THEE LaShawn Daniels.” And that was that. May he rest in peace as he’s now in heaven.
STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF
Yes I flub. I’ve forgotten entire verses to songs mid performance, are you kidding? I’ve had so many flubs in life.
I’m going to share my journey as best I can. And I hope this will help someone else feel not so alone on their life as an introvert. Cuz at the very least.
I’m still gonna keep walking. And I’m not sitting down.
So you shouldn’t either.
STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF. You are not alone.
Wishing you so much love and happiness today and every day,
♥♥♥
For more about Introverts, check out my Guide for Introverts here!
