Hello,
I want to start by saying: I hope you are staying safe and quarantined, and I pray everyone in your family is healthy.
A lot my friends in DM are asking if I am fine or not. It’s impossible to reply to all of them!
I'm fine. Just took some time off social media for my own health.
I didn’t share what I was going through with many people (especially on social media) because I knew anyone I told, I would have to “un-tell” if things didn’t go right...
I've noticed that my inbox is flooded with things we SHOULD be doing as a musicians and not... “Learn production! Perfect your songwriting!” Etc.
I’m Here to invite you to NOT do these things - unless this calls to you and you will feel better by doing them - then by all means!
It’s clear that Coronavirus will reshape the way we live for the next few months at least, and that’s something to take seriously. Gigging musicians have either chosen or been forced to accept a huge financial loss on behalf of the larger public good.
Rest and reset
Maybe the best way to use your time is to NOT use it in terms of music productivity. Read a book, catch up on sleep, cook more meals... also This can be a time of learning.
Take Breaks From News & Social Media
I have spent many days crying from fear of the unknown - and as a person who usually ignores the news, I have been taking in more than I’m used to in my efforts to keep safe. As artists, you are probably empathic, too, and that means that news emotionally hurts. Give yourself blocks of hours in the day to shut off the TV and the phone and focus on self care - whatever that means for you.
Make Gratitude Lists
I know you may be rolling your eyes at this but when you can start with gratitude and really acknowledge what is good, you might just experience a profound shift in perspective.
Write by hand, don’t type. It is important to write, as it makes a connection with your hand and brain. Start with “I’m grateful for” before each and every thing you write to solidify your gratitude. Don’t overthink - just write.
I’m grateful for this warm cup of coffee
I’m grateful that I can hear birds singing
I’m grateful for blue skies
I’m grateful for music
Etc.
Share Whatever You Can - Your Music, or Your Expertise
The thing I have loved most about this time is watching so many artists share through social media, and especially through live streaming. If you feel up for it and have not already - please come online and share some music. Your fans and friends would love to see you.
I want to start by saying: I hope you are staying safe and quarantined, and I pray everyone in your family is healthy.
A lot my friends in DM are asking if I am fine or not. It’s impossible to reply to all of them!
I'm fine. Just took some time off social media for my own health.
I didn’t share what I was going through with many people (especially on social media) because I knew anyone I told, I would have to “un-tell” if things didn’t go right...
I've noticed that my inbox is flooded with things we SHOULD be doing as a musicians and not... “Learn production! Perfect your songwriting!” Etc.
I’m Here to invite you to NOT do these things - unless this calls to you and you will feel better by doing them - then by all means!
It’s clear that Coronavirus will reshape the way we live for the next few months at least, and that’s something to take seriously. Gigging musicians have either chosen or been forced to accept a huge financial loss on behalf of the larger public good.
Rest and reset
Maybe the best way to use your time is to NOT use it in terms of music productivity. Read a book, catch up on sleep, cook more meals... also This can be a time of learning.
Take Breaks From News & Social Media
I have spent many days crying from fear of the unknown - and as a person who usually ignores the news, I have been taking in more than I’m used to in my efforts to keep safe. As artists, you are probably empathic, too, and that means that news emotionally hurts. Give yourself blocks of hours in the day to shut off the TV and the phone and focus on self care - whatever that means for you.
Make Gratitude Lists
I know you may be rolling your eyes at this but when you can start with gratitude and really acknowledge what is good, you might just experience a profound shift in perspective.
Write by hand, don’t type. It is important to write, as it makes a connection with your hand and brain. Start with “I’m grateful for” before each and every thing you write to solidify your gratitude. Don’t overthink - just write.
I’m grateful for this warm cup of coffee
I’m grateful that I can hear birds singing
I’m grateful for blue skies
I’m grateful for music
Etc.
Share Whatever You Can - Your Music, or Your Expertise
The thing I have loved most about this time is watching so many artists share through social media, and especially through live streaming. If you feel up for it and have not already - please come online and share some music. Your fans and friends would love to see you.
Get creative
If you’re not hitting the road, maybe it’s time to record your next album or shoot your next video. If there’s a big project you can do from home that you were initially putting off because of concert commitments, now your calendar is freed up.Of course now you might also have to adjust HOW you’d tackle that project on a budget or for free.
Take some freelance gigs unrelated to music performanceCan you do temporary remote work in other areas? You probably have skills that someone needs (digital marketing, design, mixing, etc.) Take some of those jobs, but be aware of the reality that most musicians probably can’t pay “full price” right now.
Celebrate the small kindnessesIn these strange times when we’re all waiting for big solutions, it’s important to shine a light on the smaller acts of kindness that connect us — so we feel encouraged to do what we can.
Share the love. The little things matter, especially when you add them up.
We Are All in This Together.
I have also seen so many beautiful things on social media, and I know this one thing is true – artists will never stop making music. It is what brings us together – we see this from the balconies of Italy to the living rooms and bedrooms of so many who have come online to share their talent, hopes, and fears.
I know many of you may be on the fence about releasing music during this time. Some ask – who will care? My answer is – more people will care now than ever before. More people are online listening and watching.
And many of you need to use this time to build.
I send you all my love and light.
P.S. While practicing social distance, let me know what you’re creating. Tag me on Instagram @officialemine. I want to highlight in Stories some of the best videos and music, as well as any tips you have for making the most of self-isolation. Also, if you see other people helping the music community in unique ways, let me know. I want to spotlight those acts of kindness too.
Emine SARI
Awards Winning Singer / Songwriter
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