So I recently applied to perform at a convention that takes place next year. I knew ii wasn't a guarantee, but I for it and had high hopes for a favorable response. Anyway, they got back with me a few days alter and advised that they would keep me in mind, but generally only book performers who have 500+ followers on social media. Now, I could have been angry and bummed out, but I decided to turn that nice rejection into my new motivation. I DO need to build my fanbase. Its not enough to have the skills, but you also need to be able to show that you have the ability to draw a crowd. I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I basically do everything myself when it comes to music. I am a part of a few collectives, but I have no "team" per se. So all the shows that I get put on, the distribution of music, recording, mixing, mastering, etc are all done by me. I do all of that on top of working an 8am-5pm job, which makes time is kinda scarce. The point I'm trying to make here though, is that the people that have been "put on" and in the spotlight work really hard (whether its just them solo, or with a team) to get where they are. It doesn't happen overnight, and i finally have my goals in place that I believe are going to get me to where I need to be. All I have left to do now is follow through.
Remember, theres always someone out there working harder than you, getting less sleep than you, and pushing the boundaries more than you. My goal from here on out is to work harder than I ever have before. Stay tuned :)