Thinking about giving up on music

[hepcat]

As some of you may know, I'm a musician and has played in several bands in my life that have had varying degrees of success. I'm also a recording engineer with a BS in Audio Engineering.

I've been thinking about quitting music all together. I've invested thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars in everything from instruments, recording equipment, lessons, my education, etc. But there has been no return in the monetary value of it all, and honestly I'm starting to hate playing music. Maybe it's the town I live in, that has made be believe that being a musician has become a cliche. To the point where it doesn't matter to anyone if you're good, talented, write catchy material, or even try at all. It's just a ridiculously over-saturated market full of delusional wanna-bes, that in the digital age we live in, full of free downloads and youtube videos, being a musician is a sadly unsatisfying walk of life.

I've had some signs stack against me lately pushing me to think that I should quit it all together and do something else with my life. At least take a break from it. I want to make a difference in my life, however small way I can, and writing stupid little songs no one will hear my whole life won't do anyone any good. There is no "once a musician, always a musician" clause I've ever heard.

Just needed to vent.

[Tyler Durden]

If I were you, I'd keep on keeping on...

At worst, I'd open up a studio and actively seek other people to record... regardless of how you feel about their genre or whatever...

Let someone pay you to do what you love... If you find whatever else you're seeking in the process, more power to you...

[Zcustom]

Sorry to hear that man. Few people outside the industry understand how soul crushing it can be. Most people do their lifes work because it's fulfilling in some way, few would trudge on if their work was met with indifference and apathy on a regular basis. That is what you face as a musician. Not to mention the financial struggles.

I've been feeling the same way recently. I feel your pain.

[Tyler Durden]

yeah, the sooner you come to these revelations as a musician, the better...

It sucks, but that is the industry for you...

[DirtyMagic97]

It's too bad to hear that. Music is too beautiful a thing for you to start hating. I consider myself a musician, but I do not consider myself a professional musician. I enjoy learning every type of music I can. I have written many many songs, most of which due require a tremendous amount of talent. I played every instrument and did all vocals. Not even my friends tell me they are good. So, I understand how you can feel sometimes.

[hepcat]

I can't even listen to a song unless it was produced well. I miss the days when I couldn't play anything, didn't know anything about recording and mixing, and just enjoyed music I liked.

It's getting to the point where I don't enjoy music anymore. I'd rather be someone who knows they can do it and chooses not to than someone who thinks they can do it but fail constantly.

[Tyler Durden]

To me, it sounds like you are investing too much into it, and it is making you sour...

That happens to a lot of musicians, believe me...

I got out of management because I hated seeing such talent go to waste at the bottom of a bottle... So many empty promises, and nobody really works hard these days... You can blame bubblegum pop music and industry heads for that, though...

[bleys]

a lot of people realize their favorite hobby has turned into a job...

[Tyler Durden]

a lot of people realize their favorite hobby has turned into a job...

this too...

and like any other job, it takes work, and not every day will go as you want it to go...

[Carolina Husker]

I support your decision to quit.

[thefuzz]

Working hard doing something you love, but making no money is not work, that's called a hobby.

You need to figure out how to make $$$ to make it in this world.

[The Saltman]

God if only husker would make a thread about quitting posting.

[davos]

As some of you may know, I'm a musician and has played in several bands in my life that have had varying degrees of success. I'm also a recording engineer with a BS in Audio Engineering.

I've been thinking about quitting music all together. I've invested thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars in everything from instruments, recording equipment, lessons, my education, etc. But there has been no return in the monetary value of it all, and honestly I'm starting to hate playing music. Maybe it's the town I live in, that has made be believe that being a musician has become a cliche. To the point where it doesn't matter to anyone if you're good, talented, write catchy material, or even try at all. It's just a ridiculously over-saturated market full of delusional wanna-bes, that in the digital age we live in, full of free downloads and youtube videos, being a musician is a sadly unsatisfying walk of life.

I've had some signs stack against me lately pushing me to think that I should quit it all together and do something else with my life. At least take a break from it. I want to make a difference in my life, however small way I can, and writing stupid little songs no one will hear my whole life won't do anyone any good. There is no "once a musician, always a musician" clause I've ever heard.

Just needed to vent.

Honestly from one musician to another, if you are hating doing it, I think that signals for a break but not quit. You can't get wrapped into the return on investment too much when it comes to your art. It can be frustrating thinking of the whole struggling musician shtick too much but keep truckin ;)

Do what you want with what is given

[Dpantherman]

God if only husker would make a thread about quitting posting.

You've said this before. :lol: