Here’s a round up of every Motivation Monday post we’ve put out so far! Save them to your phone, commit them to memory, tattoo them on your forehead. Whatever inspires you, we’re here for it.
You can also find the full quotes, along with more advice and insights, in our ‘Top Tips for Aspiring Musicians’ post. Our blog also contains the full interview with each artist if you want to learn more!
We’ve been interviewing some incredible people over the past few months, and we’ve asked all of our featured artists for their best advice for aspiring musicians – here are some top tips from the pros!
Vigilantes:
Everyone complains that the music industry is “who you know, not what you know”, and there is a lot of truth to that statement. But instead of complaining about it, get better at knowing people. Go out and meet them and have genuine relationships with who you want to know. Stop spamming people’s DMs with links to your music with no background – it’s silly and kinda arrogant. Instead, say hi at a show and be genuinely interested in them – it will pay off!
Ben Simmons:
Always look for something to chase. Perfect your craft, you have all the time in the world. Learn that instrument, learn that song. Do not worry about what everyone else is doing, what matters is the present – and never be afraid to sing in the shower!
Ell Ivy:
Don’t make music everything, you gotta live a life to make the best music you can – find that inspo in the ordinary.
Bull:
If you have a funny or stupid idea, but you’re all laughing and excited about it, DO IT.
Indigo Bay:
Write a song! You don’t have to release it, just write a song. Just have fun! Stick at it, because you’re gonna be shit – and that’s okay. If you just try your hardest, you’ll do something. Make connections! We’re constantly talking to everyone, anyone who follows us… and don’t put yourself out there as this kind of God that people need to worship – unless that’s what you’re going for. Just be nice on your way up.
Rebekah Fitch:
Work hard, but don’t get caught up in just trying to “achieve” things, make sure you’re enjoying the process. It’s a good idea to keep reminding yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing, so you focus on the right reasons and have fun with it. It often takes a lot longer than you expect!
Duccbod:
Drop the ego, stop the bullcrap, and just connect with people. Make connections that aren’t based around what they can give you, just around music itself. And remember, everyone’s on their own timeline – I swear Morgan Freeman didn’t get famous until he was like, fifty.
Chatting to local artist ell ivy about her dogs, her van conversion – and, of course, her music!
First and foremost: your Instagram stories suggest you have a doggo?! What’s their name?
I have two doggos! Dudley & Suzy, I love them way too much and they are extremely spoilt!
And you’re building a van conversion? Tell us about it!
Yes I am, it’s mad – I never thought I’d pick up a screwdriver in my life but here I am! It’s going well, it is nearly finished! The end goal is to travel and set up gigs all over the UK and Europe and make a small tour out of it without having to spend too much money.
What kind of music-related projects have you got on the go at the moment?
At the moment I am writing all the time, I’ve recently started a 52 songs project where I write one song per week and send it to a group of other writers for feedback! It’s all going towards my EP which is exciting.
What are your plans for the future of your music career? What would be the ultimate dream come true?
There are so many plans and dreams for my future in music! The ultimate goal is to release music that people love and that I can earn enough money to pay the bills through it. It’s hard having a full time job to fund my music career, I just wanna make music all the time!
Describe your music style in three words.
Heartachingly haunted love ?? I don’t know if that makes sense but it feels right.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Taylor Swift’s new song with Big Red Machine – Renegade
Which achievement are you most proud of (so far)?
Radio One’s Big Weekend Introducing set!!! That was a wild week for me. Oh and also building a campervan!
What’s your favourite conspiracy theory?
That the earth is flat, I just love it.
Who’s the best f.r.i.e.n.d.s character?
I cannot choose! That is simply impossible I love them all!
ell ivy is a new pop artist from a small town in the north of England called Grimsby. Being called a dreamer all her life, ell ivy puts this across in her music with lyrics that show a yearning for more. Catchy choruses, dreamy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, ell ivy’s music is crafted with her heart and soul.
ell ivy’s biggest musical influences are artists such as; Nina Nesbitt, Sasha Sloan, Passenger and Taylor Swift. Pop, country and folk have influenced ell ivy throughout her childhood, wanting to tell her stories through music she started writing in her bedroom and saved the songs for her family to listen to. Since then, ell ivy has successfully released 3 singles & has had incredible support from BBC Introducing with opportunities such as: Beyond The Woods Festival Online 2020 & Radio One’s Big Weekend 2021.
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