Burnt Out on my Passion

Рет қаралды 723

Күн бұрын

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It's only January 2024, and I'm already sick of music. No I’m not over trends in the music industry, or think new artists suck, or anything like that... I’m just tired of music as a whole. Whether it be KZfaq, gigs, or simply playing for enjoyment (whatever that even means), I’m just kind of over it and I'm definitely experiencing musician/career burnout. So today, I want to share with you what my career in music as a musician, music director, and playback tech has been like, and give you an honest look into the challenges of a freelancing lifestyle.
Now don't get me wrong, this year career wise is off to a great start. I just did a couple playback gigs, one right before New Years and one right after. I've been hit up for some music director work for a couple of tours. I just launched a new Quad Cortex preset that I'm excited about. I'm in the process of music directing and arranging an artist's upcoming European headline tour. As far as January's go, it's not a bad month. Especially since the beginning of the year can be a bit slow in music.
So with all that, you might be asking yourself, why are you over it? You have some work, you have a little momentum, what gives? Well- maybe it's just my inability to live in the moment but reality hit me on my last gig. I have no work scheduled from mid February - mid May... Sure, I have scattered things from May - August. And a tour from September - October... but dang, that's like 3ish months with nothing. And it was that realization coupled with finding out that a tour I thought I was playing on has decided to hire local AND another tour I was supposed to be on is likely not going to happen anymore that left me with the feeling every working musician gets at some point or another: music sucks. I'm over it.
But that's what a freelancing or contracting career looks like for most. Whether you're just starting out or at the top of the game, every year is the same story of trying to string together enough gigs to stay afloat. And after 9 years of that, I am drained. If I could equate it to anything, it almost feels like I'm living on borrowed time. It's a version of, if I do this gig I get paid x, then I have another gig in two months that pays me 80% of my annual earnings, so I need to figure out how to stretch X for two months to get to Y... There's also the personal element of it. As a married person with a wife who works a "normal job" it's easy to make yourself feel bad in those in-between moments when you aren't working. She is extremely supportive. But that doesn't stop me from fighting off those thoughts of, Am I Being a Good Spouse? Do I need to do something else with my life? Am I being fair to her? Even thought I know I will make a decent living by the end of the year, it doesn't stop my head from spinning.
So what do we do when we feel stuck in the career cycle, or maybe even sick of it? I'd say take a note out of the College Football transfer portal. Keep doing what you're doing, put one foot in front of the other, and be willing to jump at new opportunities (that make sense for you) as they appear. Your next thing could literally be waiting for you tomorrow, you just have to put one foot in front of the other. You've got this. We've got this. God will lead us to what He has planned for us in His timing.
And while we're here, if anyone is looking for someone with my particular skillset, I'm open to discussing opportunities. I've got experience music directing pop artists, music directing in church, guitar performance, running playback, audio engineering/editing podcasts, and of course, KZfaq. There's ways to get in contact with me down below! Thanks everyone for tuning in. I'll catch you next time.
Connect With Me, and INQUIRE about Ableton Lessons, Guitar, Music Directing, etc:
IG: / justinmuncy
TikTok: / justinmuncy
Website: justinmuncy.com
Chapters
0:00 It's Only January and I'm Already Sick of Music
0:17 2024 So Far...
0:52 Why I'm Over Music
2:06 Things Could Change
3:12 What I'm Learning
5:02 It's A Love Hate Thing
Other videos you might enjoy:
I Re-Created My Pedalboard in the Quad Cortex: • I Re-created my Pedalb...
Pedalboard Rig Rundown: • Pedalboard Rig Rundown...
Let's Talk Musician Burnout: • Is This The END? Let's...
The Guitar Gear Community Will Surprise You: • The Guitar Gear Commun...
#freelancing #musicianlife #musicianlifestyle #guitar #guitarcommunity #guitarist #guitaristlife #burnout

Пікірлер: 23

@KristenMcNamara 3 ай бұрын

I play 3 nights a week and feel the same way, I feel like it’s truly a vibe in music as a whole. I am hopeful ❤ Good luck with your music!

@ericmmiller 5 ай бұрын

Totally normal to feel the way you do. When I feel like you, I take a moment to reflect on what I have (e.g., family, friends, etc.) and not dwell on what I do not. As a friend once told me, "no stinkin' thinking!"

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

For sure! Gratitude is key- That’s why I make a point in these videos to say it’s not like I’m dying, there are far worse jobs to be had. But, it’s also always easier to tell someone to be grateful when you’re not the one going through it- I make these videos to shed light on the full story of a music career. Playing shows and going on tour can be fun. But there are large costs that few consider, and few can understand until you’re in it. If I had someone my age tell me these things about music, I would’ve listened more than I did to my professors who just told me I would be broke if I did music, while they simultaneously highlighted all the glorious moments of their career.

@johnpasch9649 5 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!!

@BrianVallotton 5 ай бұрын

You can do anything you like and you will be most excellent at it! To have CHOICES is a beautiful thing. You have everything you need to do what you will enjoy. You are God's Masterpiece my friend. God bless you and all you love. He is FAITHFUL!

@musicafteroldage 5 ай бұрын

When your hobby or what you love becomes your job... that's hard. But you already have the correct attitude, waiting on God... The waiting part stings a bit haha but He knows what He is doing... and you have us man! You can vent with us, we'll severely judge you - either in silence or anonymously - or both? But we'll listen man :)

@thestephenhillmusic 5 ай бұрын

Love your honesty on this channel! Thank you for that. Keep pushing and continue praying! Excited to follow along!

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

Thank you Stephen!! You’re the man!

@lauronjamez 5 ай бұрын

its good youre aware of the feelings rather than spiraling bc you dont know what feelings you have! but just keep remembering youre doing something you love & that makes it worth it! youre doing great j, everything will work out!😊

@dacrouse4129 5 ай бұрын

You got this bro. The right opportunities will always find your life.

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

Thanks dude!

@PotemkinBUMP225 5 ай бұрын

take an extended break. music is in the heart and part of your internal creative wiring. youll be back!

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

I appreciate the thought for sure. A break would be nice, but If I take a break, then how will I pay my bills? Music is my full time career.

@PotemkinBUMP225 5 ай бұрын

Yea totally understand. I taught when I was younger and when I got home the last thing I wanted to do was pick up my guitar. Feeling trapped is a real thing. But if you’re making a living playing music you are in a very small percentage of great musicians that are able to do that. Sometimes when you make your love your job it can sour . Hang in there, you’ll find your way out of the rut. Try doing something on the side without giving up on your dreams. Good luck😊

@jackmerucci2398 5 ай бұрын

Let me tell you something! A paycheck every week won’t make you happier! You’re living out the dream being a pro musician, and as a music student still in under grad, you seem to be doing really well for your self! If you don’t have gigs booked or anything, I would recommend using some of that time and money you might have to go and record / make content or promotional stuff (I.e music videos and social media content) there’s always so much you can do! Cheers!

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

Jack! Thank you for your comment! You sound exactly like I did when I was in college in music school. I don’t think you’re wrong for thinking the way you do. What you’ll learn over time, is that priorities change, and each stage of life yields new responsibilities. And believe me, I heard that thousands of times growing up, and I thought it was one of the dumbest things I had ever heard. Until I lived it, and experienced the demands and responsibilities of my adult life change with each year. I’ve been doing music as a career for 9 years and what I’ve learned for myself is that, yes, the paycheck won’t make you happy, but the security actually gives you quite a bit more freedom than freelance does. And I have no idea why you would know this about me, but I’m not one to sit still. I am always working even when I’m not. I’m not very good at resting- But perhaps that’s part of the problem. When creativity is your income, it’s hard to sit and be creative just for the sake of being creative, you know? At any rate, just because if I could do it again I probably wouldn’t have picked music for a career doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. I hope the journey brings you whatever it is you’re hoping to gain from it.

@skirk9184 5 ай бұрын

So take a break. Have you experienced Dimash yet? Check out Olimpico live . Lyrics important. Too much of anything can be a detriment. Step back, take a breath, contemplate, maybe revise, continue. Life is hard. Nothing worthwhile comes easily.

@JustinMuncy 5 ай бұрын

Taking a break is always a good idea. I unfortunately can’t do that because this is how I pay my bills. If I take a break, then I won’t make money.

@skirk9184 5 ай бұрын

@@JustinMuncy I get it. Don't feel alone. Any job gets to be a mundane bore after awhile. But you have to show up anyway. This is called being a responsible adult. Try to find new angles, new perspectives about it. It's adapting to survive. You have to eat. You find a way to push through mentally that you can be OK with. Adaptability is around us everywhere. You're just as intelligent as anyone. Stay focused, show up, and continue. You will grow.