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What do you call a guitarist without a girlfriend?.... Homeless.

How do you make a drummer's car go faster? Take the Dominoes sign off the roof.

After listening to you I started to cry because I find myself at the moment after leaving work to dedicate myself 100% to music, I love it and people underestimate it in all aspects, when a life without music would not be a life. Thanks for the video

I think some aspiring musicians think doing pub gigs, teaching, doing weddings etc represents “giving up” on the big dreams. But, in fact this type of “musician-for-hire” work can perfectly position you to pursue the big dream! Self-employed musician work allows you the flexibility to pursue your goals. When an opportunity presents itself you don’t want to turn it down because you’ve already used up your annual leave! And not to mention the other big benefit which is that you get to spend your paid working hours developing your skills as a musicians, rather than grinding away at some job you hate. 😊

Somebody once told me you don't become a musician because you want to, you become a musician because you have to. BTW Mary, I love - LOVE! - your album... Can't wait for my vinyl copy to arrive!

I am 69 now but when I was in my 20s,30, and 40s I supported myself playing music for a living. That was a time when club bands could play the same gig for at least two weeks and if you worked hard finding gigs you could work steadily. I think those days are over now. Most bands in Florida are playing one or two nights then packing up and playing several places weekly. Pay also sucks for musicians and a lot of clubs have jam nights where people play for free. Live music down here draws a bunch of old folks like me and that's about it and bands play early hours and are done by 11PM. Bands can't even sell CDs from the stage for extra money anymore.

Thanks for the interesting video I've been making music all my life, with a few interruptions. I never made any money from it and never managed to become famous and maybe get a contract. I worked many jobs, never had much money, starved and froze, and even slept on the street for a while. But I never lost my inner creativity to make music. Today I'm 70 years old and can live quite well on the money I get now. You have to have a deep passion to overcome all difficulties and follow your passion. Today I make my music in a very relaxed way. I don't need to follow Trent and do my thing. I make the music for myself, if others like it that's great, if not, it's nothing to worry about

Love this advice Mary! ♥ I quit my full-time career and have a casual job (lecturing) which helps with bills, though I am now earning about $100/month from Spotify! 😅 I think songwriting deserves a mention too - I put that at the core of everything I do. I've been amazed by the difference between my most successful song releases and the also-rans. People, follow, comment, add it to their playlists, listen on repeat, make tiktoks, do covers - it's insane and very noticeable when you have a song that connects. I've probably written a couple of hundred songs, released over 30 and had 2 or 3 do really well. SO writing a lot of songs (increase your odds of writing a song with that secret sauce) and getting good at your craft is super important!

I started to make great money in music after 10 years of nothing simply because I was socially likeable. I worked in a supermarket, I became friends with a coworker by being my naturally selfless self, his partner turned out to be an arts therapist and contacted a project writing lullabies for communities and parents which entered our state a year later, my acquaintance wanted me to be involved (he hated that I had to work a low skill day job to survive at the time) So to me, the absolute best advice I could give is be kind and pleasant to everyone and anyone, not for this result, that wouldn't be genuine. Just do it for the sake of having good character and reap the enormous benefits when they come. The struggle is you have no idea what you'll end up doing, I'm making the bulk of my income writing lullabies with parents and producing, mixing and mastering them, doing songwriting lessons in schools (I don't have any teaching qualifications, they just like me as a person) and doing sound design for AR murals... EVERY single one of them are from being liked socially and talking to people face to face.

you could always read audiobooks if all else fails lol you have the most calming voice

Hi Mary, i have been playing guitar since i was 15, not telling you how old i am now, lol... i work 45 hours a week doing a mundane job that i feel wasted in but it pays the rent and puts food on the table, i am fortunate to have a little humble set-up at home where i can write, record and mix music, i also like to keep fit, gym 3 times a week, however i was helping someone move a massive jaccuzi and felt something snap in my arm, my bicep bunched up at the top of my arm, oh no......anyway 12 weeks of no playing, no using, even washing was a chore, i had surgery to have my tendon re-attached to the bone, about 15 weeks off work, you don't want to know how bad statutory sick pay is, just being able to play again was so wonderful for me, getting better and on the repair now. phew! what a drama, lol..... have a great day, all the best.

Great video Mary, Im 30 now and Im starting my adventure as a composer for video games, is a long and not easy at all way because we are on a very competitive world, but for the person who read this: it doesnt matter the age, keep going, be perseverant, enjoy what you do and share, and let the time do its work. Thanks for your content Mary and congrats for your work! 😁

Not even Rick Beato could pull this story out of you, very impressive talk and career advice!❤

As always, amazing and solid advice. You always seem to release a video at the right time that uplifts my spirits when I need it most. Thank you Mary.

It was the opposite for me. When I worked full time, I was practicing 4 hours a day. After that I've been working part-time only 20 hours a day, came to live above my parents, etc. I got extremely depressed and even tho I did 650 shows as a sound guy, I felt completely stuck. Now that I'm seeking full-time employment seriously again, I feel like I can finally take control of my life back. Forget the idea that having as much time for yourself as you can is the only way to be an artist. When you're not being able to pay the bills or the rent and still sometimes starve, let me tell you : you are not going to be a productive artist.

You're the real deal. Love how polished you present yourself and your thoughts. Thanks for the great content, and hoping for your continued success!

I love how you are so real with all your steps. I feel more secure hearing it all.

Number 4, be a good hang was presented in the best way I’ve ever heard it said. Well done Mary.

Mary, your "good hang"-iness is why i watch your channel. you are a sincere person and that shines through no matter what you're doing.

"The sofa can support a whole family" I cried a little 😢

In the mid 90s, I gave up a 7 year career in IT to pursue my rock star dreams. I started teaching drums to pay the mortgage, etc, and did that for 10 years. The band almost "made it", but decided to quit after yet another showcase gig in London. Now back in IT. Hmmm. 😢

As someone who is about to graduation with a degree and have a full time job, this was incredibly helpful. Exciting to continue to pursue my craft. Thanks for the work you do on this channel!

All of us full timers have that guitar shop guy happen. that dude literally saved your life mine was a busker, yours a chap in a guitar store, they spoke logic and put us on the right path guardian angels.

Some really great insight, thank you Mary! I'm at the beginning of my journey so listening to people such as yourself is invaluable.

Hi Mary Just ordered your vinyl release as I already have the CD and I see the preorder will soon sell out. Congratulations young lady. I hope everything in your life is going well you deserve it. I think the best live start is definitely busking, you can see when you build a crowd, time your sessions to fit, have no one to let down but yourself and learn how to play in the cold.

thank you for your very helpful, clear and informative videos.♥ Im a 58 year old full time musician (mostly studio work) and I have seen better days (mainly in the 90s)...so to say the good days of working in a studio with a band and with a decent payment. now I keep recommending your channel whenever I meet a young musician/artist 😊

I really appreciate you making these videos, Mary.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Mary! 🤙♥️

Good Stuff Mary!

This was one of your best ones yet, Mary! Thank you 😊

Thanks Mary! Great one! prioritising playing live is a great reminder! :)

This was excellent!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom from your experience! 🙏🏽 I appreciate you.

Your insights are invaluable! I have pointed my son to your site time and time again as he works at establishing himself in the video game and sound design field. You are authentic and genuine! You have paid your dues and I highly respect how you are paying it forward to the upcoming community in your "lessons learned" advice. There is nothing more liberating than creating your own voice in this world, and nothing more scary than figuring out how you can use your creativity to earn a living that you feel proud of! Thank you! 👏👏👏

Lots of great points! I like the one about being a “good hang”. Very important to good networking. I found teaching a good earner and actually taught me a great deal.

I imagine quitting that crushing day job was one of the happiest days of your life!

Thanks Mary for the advices, admire your determination and love to music ❤❤❤!

Yes,yes yes! So much yes to this advice. Thank you for sharing! I also did IT work for many years, music always being a side thing, or a hobby, or even forgotten completely. I was inspired 2 years ago to start writing and recording music again, and so I did. I used the process of learning songs and posting covers to youtube, and just being consistent, to push me to pick up my guitar everyday. I finally made the same big choice as you and quit the IT job I had back in July of this year. Soon after I took a much more part time job, but doing live sound at a local venue. I am now meeting musicians constantly and quickly building a good reputation for myself. I have now joined a band playing acoustic guitar and running sound for them. It's still not easy, its always a struggle. Motivation is still always hard to come by, but I am genuinely happy and fulfilled in ways I have not been in many years. If you have the means and the passion, do it! Give it all to your passion and make incredible art. =)

Be a good hang is important in any field, let alone music. Networking is often seen as teeth-pulling and painful, but approaching it with the goal of being a good hang and interesting and making some impression goes a long way. People like to be around people they like... so be likable first. The relationship can grow from there, or maybe it never will, but leaving behind a string of people in your industry who like you will pay massive dividends down the road. I bought a copy of your album for my niece who you remind me of... I can't wait to listen to it with her!

It's so rare that someone who has had your experience tells it like it is. Well done Mary I have the greatest respect for you.

Really clear and truthful video, keep up the good content!

This is good life advice and translates to all kinds of creative business endeavours! Thank you so much!

The problem is that when u are a guitar player and you cant sing - you dont go to open mics, and you re not invited as a singer. You have much less options to earn money as a musician, because no one really cares in instrumental music unless you are Hendrix or Mozart. You need at least singer to play at gigs But... you can form a band, you can be session player, you cand do movie or game soundtracks, and everyone can find his own option Thanks for the video, it was really good!

Great advice! Thanks for making this

Amazing advice that shows hard work and effort is everything and there is no silver bullet / quick solution. I wish I had this advice when I was young! People think it's all about "talent", "songs", "looks", "image" - all those things come from hard work and effort. You also have to be willing to take risks...calculated risks. Great video.

This was great!

This was great! Very informative.

Nice one Mary 🥂

This is good, solid down to earth advice. Thank you very much. Also for NOT saying shit like "go for which music sells best".

Hello from a new fan! 👋 Love your music, great voice and beautiful guitar playing 😎💜

This is exactly the video I needed. Thank you tremendously ❤

So much harder now than before. My band used to make 1K a night to play at good gigs, $250 for small gigs. If you played two or three times a week you could actually live as a musician. So many hoops to go through just to get noticed, forget about paying your bills! The only difference is that getting on social media can get you to the entire world, not just regionally. Mary is a good example if you have lots of skills, but she is not the norm.

Mary, your advice is dead on. Best video ever!

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard owns all stages of vertical integration for their output; publishing to label to promotion to merch to even owning the press some of their vinyl comes out of. They seem to have done well for themselves, even released an album for free on Creative Commons.

Hat’s off to you! You actually explained that you have to WORK at your craft, WORK at getting better at performing, and WORK at building your business. It’s as hard or harder than any other job you can get yourself into, but if it’s what you want to do, that’s the path. Honestly, I didn’t have the same drive to do the business as I had to just play. So, for the next 4 decades I worked a job that became a profession, and played on the side. I got to play as much as I wanted to, made a bunch of money doing it that paid for lots of cool gear, all while raising a family. It was my solution. Yours might be different. Mary, your respect points went up a notch with this video. You said what every prospective full-time musician needs to hear. The ones that don’t do this are the jokes at the front of the presentation.

Wow that story about the call job is literally me right now

Hi Mary love your honesty.

Great stuff Mary. Especially the stuff about gigging / performing music. That's how I got to where I'm at. I started busking. If you have the nerve to busk, you'll have the nerve to play stadiums lol. Be frugal. Set goals. Work towards them systematically. Never give up. Grind, and you'll realize whatever potential you have.

Great video... I am checking it out because my teenage daughter is considering a music career. As an amateur musician that only play in church I have always considered a blessing to be paid for doing the music you like. It is terrifying to think if she could be able to support herself. Thanks for your openness and willingness to encourage al the newcomers. Greetings from Chile and I wish you nothing but the best.

Thank you Mary and I LOVE THE ALBUM ❤😊

This is super gold advice!

Needed this today, thanks.

What a great video. Resonated with me personally on so many levels.

Thank you, great video!

Incredible video! 10/10 would recommend. From someone who works at a label, one last piece of advice: include people on your team when both you AND THEM need to be on that team i.e. managers, labels, FOHs, backliners, content creators…

The old joke is, what do you call a musician without a girlfriend (or boyfriend as the case may be): Homeless

Followed her advice and one year later I am happy with the results!

Solid. Nice work.

Great advice Mary. Big fan here. Love the last bit...be a good hang. I always think it's essential to have the confidence to not tout yourself. Be genuinely interested in what others have to say. Work on engagement with your audience. The objective is to have them seek you , not the other way round.

I have not made money playing music (except one time I did a Christmas show for my grandma's elderly group), but I have recently started playing with other musicians that I've met and it has definitely already made me a better musician. I would like to start playing actual gigs, but I suck at writing music (at least the lyrics) and don't know a lot of songs to cover. I'm trying to change that second point by learning new songs, but everytime I try to write a song, I can't get past hating any lyrics I do write and almost every melody I can come up with is the same as another song I've heard. It's really hard to come up with songs that don't sound like everything else I've heard.

Useful video thanks 🙏

In the 80s, in northern Tasmania (Australia), my bandmate/guitarist/best mate and I used to sell cassette albums from my crappy pleather clad brown briefcase. Most gigs, we made more from these than from the door. Sell merch, sell yourself! Totally agree

Hello Mary, You are Awesome and so is this Video

Great video. More like this please. Definitely take the advice to heart. I am much more of a recording artist (never could song and play at the same time) so my path is going to be a bit different, nonetheless very helpful advice.

Your tutos are pure poetry ,you are a god send to the artist's communtiy .

Excellent Life Advice in general - Good thoughts to / for you as you journey onwards…thank you.

Fantastic advice, presented in a clear-cut, straightforward fashion. You are an absolute natural in front of the camera, Mary. It’s evident how much thought, time, and effort goes into your music and videos.

18 years old I told my piano teacher I wanted to study music . He said: ‚Don’t. You’ll end up like me.‘ so I didn’t. 😂😢😢😢

I got lucky twice when first O got fired from a job I hated and then got a phone call to tour Europe! Had 3 great years of great experiences in Europe! Now I work part time and spend the rest in my studio.

you are such a good musician and your advice is great. I´m a 61 year old swede who have take a year off just to play more guitar. I have saved money so i can pay myself for playing (i guess no one else will😁). I just want to play, write some songs and enjoy the moment. Take care

Thanks for the advice! I sometimes wish it would be nice to be a musician for a career, but I'm committed to pursuing a programming career, and this helps regardless! I'm still going to do music as a hobby, of course, and I'm working on getting good enough to produce music, then play live.

Hey Mary! I like your videos. But I was reluctant to buy your album. Too much today's main stream, too much pop music for a child of the 1970s like me, I thought. Finally I still ordered it.... And yesterday I held it in my hands: The signed copy of your CD. And I don't regret it 🙂 I have listened to it more than once since, and it is running here again now. Thank you for your music! Thank you for your videos! Thank you for sharing your personality with us! Regards from Germany. Rainer.

Once again, sanity and sage advice from Mary.

Thank you!

Spot-on, Mary!!

How do you make a Million in music? Start with two Million.

Taking notes here Mary thank you! Hoping one day just to play keys anywhere anytime for a living 👍🎹

0:24 Shots fired! 😂

Great advise, Mary.

I worked a venue where Ray Wylie Hubbard was playing. He was talking to the audience about being a songwriter. He explained he was able to make his living doing that because he never learned to do anything else. In my words, plan B will kill your dreams.

Amazing tips

Good general advice, not just for musicians

Just thanks you from France for that

Open mics. Cover gigs. Weekly shows. Man... this city you live in sounds amazing. When I was still in a band we would write to a 100 venues and we'd get a single response for a gig that didn't pay in the middle of nowhere in a barn where literally, not joking here, 5 people and the other band that decided to bite showed up 🤣Live music is 100% dead where I live.

I studied photography as a (not so) mature student. I already had a son and a mortgage when I was at college, and a second son by the time I finished my degree. My saddest realisation was I would never be able to make it as a professional photographer as the route to a client base essentially meant working for free for several years. The kit was extremely expensive and the industry cut throat. The degree did end up getting me a career, but not as a photographer. I don’t even do it as a hobby any more due to how much digital editing costs.

You’re amazing 👏👏👏🥂

Step 1: record yourself playing drums for your school Step 2: profit

Thank you so much for sharing those experiences; they really motivated me. I'm a music producer myself and am eagerly looking forward to starting my career as a musician in 2024. To support this endeavor, I'm planning to secure a job in I.T. as a Business Analyst. I have saved a substantial amount of money that will sustain me for about six months, allowing me to spend more time in my home studio. I believe an I.T. job, especially one that allows remote work, will be beneficial. Thank you for the helpful tips. God bless.

The answer for me was Sync Licensing. Long tail backend royalties that can grow exponentially over time. 99.999% can't hack writing / mixing / mastering 50-100 tracks per year. Nobody cares what you look like and you can do it all from a home studio.Definitely don't give up your day job though ( until you earn more from your music )

Playing shows, selling music/merch, producing for other people🤟🔥🎸