When I was younger... OK, much younger... I truly believed becoming a famous musician and songwriter was an inevitability. Well, that didn't happen. We did, however, achieve a bit of success in the late 80s through the early 90s. A couple of singles and videos and album that were moderately popular in Canada (and very popular in Quebec) and some big shows were about as far as we got, but what a wild time that was. But here's the thing... I'm still a professional musician and have been from the time I was about 14 or 15. Why? Because I love to perform. The stage is my home, the only one that matters. Even as my career winds down, I can know that I've done what I truly loved. Not everything was great - indeed there were a lot of terrible things to push through... bad gigs, bad agents, empty bars, more miles driven than I could count, gear and van stolen, being forced off the road down a ravine in winter, etc., but on the whole it's been a rewarding career. I've done countless fun gigs, toured Canada multiple times and played in every province. I've done little shows and huge shows and everything in between. I've played with some wonderful musicians, too, and that's a reward in itself. That's been my life.
Pete, seriously Dude, you should write a book. And call it just what you call this series. You not only have the right perspective but you also lived it and actually got somewhere. And you could write about all of the people you met along the way and all of your experiences. I would buy it, and I think people would too. This could be your calling Bro! You deserve the success! Thanks for the videos man, they're all invaluable!
Creating a dream is very possible... bringing it into reality is hard, HARD work but NEVER impossible... It's really rare when someone gets 'discovered'. Every musician I know has busted their ass to get to where they are. There's a saying I like to keep in mind that goes 'Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours'... Being 'realistic' is a whole hell of a lot more different than being self-defeating. Every individual's level of personal 'success' is different. I know a couple guitarists that are really REALLY good and they're very happy just teaching. Good stuff Pete.
Damn, you're good at these. I'm really exhausted of sharing the links. You know I'm loving these kids here. I think you're good, because you're self-aware. Intricate insight about the music store. If it ever interested you, I think you'd be amazing at MI.
Yeah, the flip side of the not everyone can be famous argument is that many people who say that (and aren't musicians) jump to "so that means you can't be successful as a musician at all." They forget they're only looking at the tip of the iceberg and there are numerous people below that tip who are doing fine just like in any other profession. You can be unrealistically pessimistic as well as unrealistically optimistic.
Wonderful advice. Good common sense ! Being an older full time musician for over 37 years , I find Pete Thorn so helpful in keeping the enthusiasm in a good place is this series of videos.
Rule #6 "Diversity Will Help You Through Adversity" That's just too good a rhyme, I won't waste my time. Now I'll go sob, cause it seems I'm out of a job. :)
Amazing video as always. I would love a video on your approach to when someone wants you to remotely record something for their track or project. Everything from deciding what to play, how to record it, and how you work with people when you’re not physically with them. Thanks for all that you do!
I love all videos you made. I take it very seriously because we do have the same goal and youve almost reached your goal and im just starting to go to the path where I wanted to be. Thank you so much pete, from philippines
Awesome video Pete...I especially loved the part where you said you have to believe! I'm 52 and still believe I have music worth sharing with the world...you just got to keep at it! I regret leaving it about 15 years...now I'm back! Thanks again for your encouraging words...and yes...diversification is good in music as well as investing! Keep on rockin'!
Pete remains one of the most knowledgable and interesting artists I follow on YT. Always look forward to his videos and collaborations. He's not only passionate but also a class-act!
Great video Pete!! You totally pointed out that its gonna be hard work, not once in awhile , but everyday, after day after day etc. your a contractor, a business, it’s real work, bottom line.
Love it! Such wonderful advice. I think it really resonates when it comes from someone who truly cares about giving back, which is what you mentioned. Always look forward to your videos. Take care.
Most under-appreciated content on the web. Pete, I really like this series. Your background is so diverse, amazing, and truly inspiring. I feel like you should have way more subscribers and likes on your videos. Keep plugging away...I'm sure you'll get there. How do you prefer we get your music? I like to use Amazon Prime (monthly fee) for free streaming. I assume artists get paid per each play.
GREAT, great, great advice! I love the point of shooting for the stars and believing in yourself and ending someplace cool. Some people would say no, you have to be "all in" 100% and you'll succeed, but Pete's advice is much more practical. As someone else pointed out, this advice is good for anything. I love this series.
I feel the same about working in guitar/music stores. I worked at big one here in Copenhagen for eight years and it was actually very counter productive to wanting to play music in my free time. Though, I did get a lot of nice gear from having eight years of employee discounts :) (I just barely touched it a lot of the time :( )
Pete you rock a great video as always. Even though I do music for pure fun the advice is still helpful for part timers who want to create music as a side gig.
Excellent advice, as usual, Pete...thank you...and just ordered your second album from CD Baby...looking so forward to receiving it...you totally rock!!!! 💗💗💗
Great series Pete, really like them! I feel really inspired of you and and I found you just recently trough Ola Englund! My goal is some form of career in music to. Keep up the awesome work, greetings from Sweden! :D
Shout out to Leo at FrogLeapStudios.com! Pete, thanks for sharing the wealth of experience and the names around you that keep the craft alive. This is a great series.
Hello Pete, love your videos. Your live rig is high end and complex because that's what you need, but are there any lessons on simplicity and setting up quickly that you could share. On my pedal board I have my wireless unit up top and my tuner below. If I'm in a small bar I just plug into the tuner, if I'm wireless...all I need is a patch cable to go from wireless unit to tuner and I'm ready to go. You probably have many examples of those...thanks and keep up the great work!
Cool advices here. Yeah, few week ago i saw the first time the Channel of Leo (Frog Leap Studios). Very entertaining content. Thanks and greetz. Carsten
I'm approaching 60 & just now discovering a voice in me. I'm also rediscovering the guitar over the past couple years, after a decade plus away from recording. I have a new vision of what I might do and my old licks have welded with my new licks. I'm not looking to go pro, just looking to share how my sausage fingers have put out guitar music since I was a kid in the early days...
Hey Pete, thanks so so much for the great tips and advice you share, that’s really precious! I feel motivated and encouraged everytime I hear you playing AND talking😄By the way what is the best way (for you to receive the biggest amount of money) to get your album (I live in Switzerland)? iTunes or?? Keep rocking and smiling!!
Stardom is kinda like the lottery; chances are that you will never win, but you can't win if you don't play. You just gotta keep playing and hoping that you'll eventually win.
Great Video PT, yeah crazy like a fox...Thank you, I wasn't feeling especially inspired today but your video certainly helped a lot!! Take care and keep on Rockin' Bro!!
A career as a pro musician? Don't do it! Your chances of making a living in music are almost non-existent. You want a career, get some qualifications. That way you can teach as well as play, and for a lot of musicians, teaching is the best source of income.
Stupid whiney guy voice + "dude" = every negative friend that tells you you're wasting your time trying to be a guitar player (but sits in their parents' basement smoking pot all day...)
My band recently kicked me out, basically for saying similar things you are. Is there any hope for the five piece band going somewhere to "make it," or is it in someone's best interest to go the solo route and put a ton of irons in the fire? Thanks.
toiletfarm My band originally had 4 members but, now it consists of only the lead singer and I. We couldn’t find like minded people who would work as hard as we would, so we made the decision to do everything ourselves and hire professional musicians for live shows. It’s been easier this way and surprisingly more lucrative.
With the RIGHT 5 piece band, sure. But that is a challenge finding 4 other people that will share your work ethic, vision and musical direction. It can happen but I think the best thing to learn is listening to your instincts. Learn when to move on, learn when to make a change in band or band members, etc. But what do I know? Ha!
This video should be called “so you wanna be a pro anything”. Pete’s insights apply the to the hairdresser plumber lawyer. Thanks bro you’re awesome
Thanks!
"Honey I need to quit my job. Our 4 kids will be fine. I'm gonna be in cover bands...honey, why are you packing up your stuff?" Awesome video Pete!
When I was younger... OK, much younger... I truly believed becoming a famous musician and songwriter was an inevitability. Well, that didn't happen. We did, however, achieve a bit of success in the late 80s through the early 90s. A couple of singles and videos and album that were moderately popular in Canada (and very popular in Quebec) and some big shows were about as far as we got, but what a wild time that was. But here's the thing... I'm still a professional musician and have been from the time I was about 14 or 15. Why? Because I love to perform. The stage is my home, the only one that matters. Even as my career winds down, I can know that I've done what I truly loved. Not everything was great - indeed there were a lot of terrible things to push through... bad gigs, bad agents, empty bars, more miles driven than I could count, gear and van stolen, being forced off the road down a ravine in winter, etc., but on the whole it's been a rewarding career. I've done countless fun gigs, toured Canada multiple times and played in every province. I've done little shows and huge shows and everything in between. I've played with some wonderful musicians, too, and that's a reward in itself. That's been my life.
C'est great ça !
@@EmondJeremie - Merci, Emond.
Pete, seriously Dude, you should write a book. And call it just what you call this series. You not only have the right perspective but you also lived it and actually got somewhere. And you could write about all of the people you met along the way and all of your experiences. I would buy it, and I think people would too. This could be your calling Bro! You deserve the success! Thanks for the videos man, they're all invaluable!
agree he would write some awesome stuff
thanks pete! wish i were in my 20's and had information like this. gold.
1:00 ROFL. That's a hilarious impersonation. Talk about diversity, comedy is a great addition to your show!
I forgot about Rough Cutt until you mentioned the band in your video. I saw them open for Accept back in ‘85 or ‘86. Man, I’m feeling old!
Creating a dream is very possible... bringing it into reality is hard, HARD work but NEVER impossible... It's really rare when someone gets 'discovered'. Every musician I know has busted their ass to get to where they are. There's a saying I like to keep in mind that goes 'Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours'... Being 'realistic' is a whole hell of a lot more different than being self-defeating. Every individual's level of personal 'success' is different. I know a couple guitarists that are really REALLY good and they're very happy just teaching. Good stuff Pete.
Damn, you're good at these. I'm really exhausted of sharing the links. You know I'm loving these kids here.
I think you're good, because you're self-aware. Intricate insight about the music store. If it ever interested you, I think you'd be amazing at MI.
Yeah, the flip side of the not everyone can be famous argument is that many people who say that (and aren't musicians) jump to "so that means you can't be successful as a musician at all." They forget they're only looking at the tip of the iceberg and there are numerous people below that tip who are doing fine just like in any other profession. You can be unrealistically pessimistic as well as unrealistically optimistic.
Wonderful advice. Good common sense ! Being an older full time musician for over 37 years , I find Pete Thorn so helpful in keeping the enthusiasm in a good place is this series of videos.
ROUGH CUTT RULES a special place in my heart that's for sure, they remind me so much of my brother that passed away
Shoot for the stars ... if you hit the moon, you're in great shape!
Definitely learn the business side of it as well as things like sales, marketing, accounting/book keeping
Rule #6 "Diversity Will Help You Through Adversity" That's just too good a rhyme, I won't waste my time. Now I'll go sob, cause it seems I'm out of a job. :)
Man, love the honesty. Thanks for the words!
I wish i had a mentor like you ! learning with internet can get you lost in no time, but thanks to your videos, it gives us great advices !
Amazing video as always. I would love a video on your approach to when someone wants you to remotely record something for their track or project. Everything from deciding what to play, how to record it, and how you work with people when you’re not physically with them. Thanks for all that you do!
This the kind of inspiration people need.
The best pro muscian's tips for us the pro musician wannabes. Words that worth a lot, Keep on Pete, Rock On!
I love all videos you made. I take it very seriously because we do have the same goal and youve almost reached your goal and im just starting to go to the path where I wanted to be. Thank you so much pete, from philippines
Love your videos, Pete. You were a huge inspiration to start my TH-cam channel and work as an independent musician.
I'm subscribed. ;)
jose omar castillo Hey! Thanks, man! I appreciate that!
I have been playing the guitar for 35 years including Berklee College training and this is the best advice I have ever heard. Great Job!
Thanks man!
Awesome video Pete...I especially loved the part where you said you have to believe! I'm 52 and still believe I have music worth sharing with the world...you just got to keep at it! I regret leaving it about 15 years...now I'm back! Thanks again for your encouraging words...and yes...diversification is good in music as well as investing! Keep on rockin'!
Really Great material Pete! I really enjoy hearing your insight! Keep Pickin'!
Getting such insight and knowledge for free means a lot as well as motivates me to push my self as an musician. Thanks for such an awesome video .
Great info Pete......also, Vai's book is awesome!
Great video as always. I loved the intro I’m a musician who has two siblings that are either lawyers or going to law school!!!
Pete remains one of the most knowledgable and interesting artists I follow on YT. Always look forward to his videos and collaborations. He's not only passionate but also a class-act!
Such great content. This series is fantastic! 🙌🏻
Great advice once again Pete. This is a very useful series. 👍
Great advice indeed... Cheers
Great video Pete!! You totally pointed out that its gonna be hard work, not once in awhile , but everyday, after day after day etc. your a contractor, a business, it’s real work, bottom line.
Great Episode !
Peter its Friday...did you grow your brand today? Lol...that is such a funny set of words
Love it! Such wonderful advice. I think it really resonates when it comes from someone who truly cares about giving back, which is what you mentioned. Always look forward to your videos. Take care.
Most under-appreciated content on the web. Pete, I really like this series. Your background is so diverse, amazing, and truly inspiring. I feel like you should have way more subscribers and likes on your videos. Keep plugging away...I'm sure you'll get there. How do you prefer we get your music? I like to use Amazon Prime (monthly fee) for free streaming. I assume artists get paid per each play.
Thanks for the comment! Every little bit helps, please share!
GREAT, great, great advice! I love the point of shooting for the stars and believing in yourself and ending someplace cool. Some people would say no, you have to be "all in" 100% and you'll succeed, but Pete's advice is much more practical. As someone else pointed out, this advice is good for anything. I love this series.
Spot on!
I feel the same about working in guitar/music stores. I worked at big one here in Copenhagen for eight years and it was actually very counter productive to wanting to play music in my free time.
Though, I did get a lot of nice gear from having eight years of employee discounts :) (I just barely touched it a lot of the time :( )
Yes aim high. If you reach for the stars you might make it to orbit. At worst you'll be flying!
another video full of excellent advice Pete!
This is pure Gold like always ..Thanks a Ton Pete
Great offerings Pete thorn!
Pure gold and advice to put money in the bank! Great video!
Thanks Pete...I appreciate your advice! Oh, and I love Eye of Horus thanks again sir
Had to stop for a moment after seeing 1:09.
Was laughing too hard. ;)
Pete you rock a great video as always. Even though I do music for pure fun the advice is still helpful for part timers who want to create music as a side gig.
Excellent advice, as usual, Pete...thank you...and just ordered your second album from CD Baby...looking so forward to receiving it...you totally rock!!!! 💗💗💗
More amazing life lessons for anyone, in any field. Thanks for an awesome series, Pete!
I've seen you teach Chris Cornell via video, and who wouldn't want that.
great stuff
So incredibly good and valuable information I’ll probably watch this about 15 more times getting it under my belt. Great job Pete.
Great advice, Pete you rock !
Thank you indeed Pete. Wisdom for many of us!
Great series Pete, really like them! I feel really inspired of you and and I found you just recently trough Ola Englund! My goal is some form of career in music to. Keep up the awesome work, greetings from Sweden! :D
Hey, its Pete! ❤️
Shout out to Leo at FrogLeapStudios.com!
Pete, thanks for sharing the wealth of experience and the names around you that keep the craft alive. This is a great series.
Hello Pete, love your videos. Your live rig is high end and complex because that's what you need, but are there any lessons on simplicity and setting up quickly that you could share. On my pedal board I have my wireless unit up top and my tuner below. If I'm in a small bar I just plug into the tuner, if I'm wireless...all I need is a patch cable to go from wireless unit to tuner and I'm ready to go. You probably have many examples of those...thanks and keep up the great work!
Amazing Video Man!! Everything you Said is really important! 🎸🎶🔥🤘🏻
Cool advices here. Yeah, few week ago i saw the first time the Channel of Leo (Frog Leap Studios). Very entertaining content. Thanks and greetz. Carsten
Thanks Pete great information and a ton of ideas to help those young ones get a leg up. Cheers
Great video, you covered a lot.
Thanks for this great info, Pete!
Thank you pete!!
Love these vids Pete!
Great info Pete!! Thanks for the vid!!
I'm approaching 60 & just now discovering a voice in me. I'm also rediscovering the guitar over the past couple years, after a decade plus away from recording.
I have a new vision of what I might do and my old licks have welded with my new licks.
I'm not looking to go pro, just looking to share how my sausage fingers have put out guitar music since I was a kid in the early days...
Hey Pete, thanks so so much for the great tips and advice you share, that’s really precious! I feel motivated and encouraged everytime I hear you playing AND talking😄By the way what is the best way (for you to receive the biggest amount of money) to get your album (I live in Switzerland)? iTunes or?? Keep rocking and smiling!!
iTunes is 👍 thank you!
If my desk had a button called trade places with Pete Thorn, it would be difficult not to push it.
Stardom is kinda like the lottery; chances are that you will never win, but you can't win if you don't play. You just gotta keep playing and hoping that you'll eventually win.
Love this.....
Have you ever played the wrong song from misreading a set list or forget what song you just did? I have.
This series has changed my life and I don’t even want to be a pro musician.
:)
I just want to be a great musician
Great as always. What's guitar is that in the thumbnail? Thanks.
Wow, reality ,, truth , no bs , wait im getting lil confused.
I have a CD on cd baby, Spotify and haven't contacted them since 2010.
Great Video PT, yeah crazy like a fox...Thank you, I wasn't feeling especially inspired today but your video certainly helped a lot!! Take care and keep on Rockin' Bro!!
Where in Pasadena did you play?
I’m almost through medschool but I wish I had become a poor musician
You can do both! Lol no one says you have to graduate
@@gookiecrunch Other than 1/2 $million student debt?
Serious question: do you use gel or spray on your hair?
Neither
@@PeteThorn Is it lemon juice? I heard back in the 50s - 60s they used to do that. Maybe you are old school?
So what is the best way for us to get your music? Which format supports you best?
I prefer iTunes really!
What do you charge to play on people's tracks?
So, basically what you're saying here is; Attempting to pull a James Hetfield probably won't fly in 2019?
Rick Feith attempting to pull a James Hetfield in 1981 wasn't likely to succeed either
A career as a pro musician? Don't do it! Your chances of making a living in music are almost non-existent. You want a career, get some qualifications. That way you can teach as well as play, and for a lot of musicians, teaching is the best source of income.
Not everyone can be in a successful band?
Wow, what are the rest of you going to do?
😂
Stupid whiney guy voice + "dude" = every negative friend that tells you you're wasting your time trying to be a guitar player (but sits in their parents' basement smoking pot all day...)
So 10000001% true. Thanks a LOT for your effort!
BTW: what is that explorer in the background? :D Never seen that in on of your videos...
My band recently kicked me out, basically for saying similar things you are. Is there any hope for the five piece band going somewhere to "make it," or is it in someone's best interest to go the solo route and put a ton of irons in the fire? Thanks.
toiletfarm My band originally had 4 members but, now it consists of only the lead singer and I. We couldn’t find like minded people who would work as hard as we would, so we made the decision to do everything ourselves and hire professional musicians for live shows. It’s been easier this way and surprisingly more lucrative.
With the RIGHT 5 piece band, sure. But that is a challenge finding 4 other people that will share your work ethic, vision and musical direction. It can happen but I think the best thing to learn is listening to your instincts. Learn when to move on, learn when to make a change in band or band members, etc. But what do I know? Ha!