Learn from the train wrecks
By Preshias Harris
Lzzy Hale, the Grammy-winning, rockin’ vocalist, guitarist and co-founder of Halestorm, has had her share of setbacks along her career path, but she treats these obstacles as learning moments and incentives to keep focused on the end goals. She has some encouraging words for emerging singers, songwriters and musicians in an article titled How to Succeed in Music, published in Sweetwater Sweet Notes:
“For every great song of mine that has truly connected with people, there are hundreds of bad ones that came before it. For every great show, there are hundreds of train wrecks that helped me learn what worked and what didn’t. If you don’t know what you don’t want to be, you’ll never become the person you do want to be.”
She continues: “You practice and hone your craft, so when opportunities come your way, you’re ready for them. Opportunity is a funny thing, because you can’t just sit there and wait for one to magically fall out of the sky and into your lap. You have to say ‘yes’ to adventure and put yourself out there.”
Lzzy encourages emerging artists to play everywhere and anywhere you can. In the early days of Halestorm, she says, the band played bowling alleys, malls, even a funeral, but the experience they acquired meant they were ready when real opportunity finally knocked.
Check out Lzzy’s interview with Sweetwater’s Mitch Gallagher here and see Lzzy talk about her guitar rig (including her custom Gibson signature guitars) here. Check out Halestorm’s new EP, Reimagined at their official website. Find all the musical goodies from studio equipment to mics and instruments (and everything in between) at Sweetwater’s website here.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com