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.
Here’s a quick rundown of some rookie mistakes, and some top tips on how to avoid them – give it a read through, and take note!
Please don’t be *that* person – you know, the one crying in their half-collapsed tent, with sunburn and heatstroke halfway through the first day, already asking to borrow a phone charger and some money… Just don’t.
Not staying hydrated!
High energy environment, warm weather, quite a bit of alcohol – it’s easy to get wrapped up in the moment. But forgetting to take water breaks can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, not to mention making that hangover worse the next day. Remember to drink plenty of water during the day… good life advice in general, to be honest.
Not eating enough
Same as the above – it’s easy to overlook, but eating a decent amount of food will stand you in good stead throughout the day.
Not wearing sun cream
Maybe it sounds obvious… maybe it is obvious. But still, every year, people end up with sunglasses-shaped sunburn, peeling ears, or that ‘Drumstick Squashie’ look. Stick on some sun cream in the morning, and then reapply throughout the day!
Not communicating with your friends
Before you do anything, arrange a meeting point in case you get separated. Lack of communication and low phone battery could see you wandering aimlessly around the festival field, hoping to spot your friends in a huge crowd!
Not familiarising yourself with the site
In addition to your meeting point, make sure to mentally note the most important locations: the first aid stand, the toilets, your own tent! Taking a few minutes at the beginning to understand your surroundings will be hugely beneficial across the rest of the event, not to mention probably saving you some time when getting from A to B.
Missing your favourite acts
Make a note of which acts you want to see, and when. Then keep an eye on the time and plan your day accordingly, so you’re not stuck in the toilet queue for half of your favourite act.
Poor money management
Decide a reasonable daily budget before you arrive, and do your best to stick to it! And choose a sensible place to store your money – can’t go wrong with a bumbag.
Prioritising aesthetic over practical
Yes, obviously you want to wear that sparkly outfit with a rainbow-coloured bucket hat. And you should! But this is the UK… don’t forget about the lower temperatures later in the day, and potential unexpected downpours. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a warm jacket to wrap up in in the evening, and pack spare socks (then pack some more…nothing worse than wet feet)!
Neglecting that packing list
Throwing a bag together at the last minute will almost definitely mean forgetting something. Draw up a list, and follow it to the letter! (Bonus tip: pack the list too, so you can check you have everything before leaving). As we’ve already mentioned, socks, sun cream and a water bottle are essential… Other essentials include: a portable phone charger, important medication, a tent (obvs), and, of course, your ticket – without this, the rest is all for nothing.
Going too hard (and consequently going home)
Don’t ruin your experience (or anyone else’s!) by not knowing your limits. It’s okay to take some time out, sit in the shade, drink some water, even take a nap. Pace yourself, don’t overdo it, and try to avoid doing anything you’ll regret later. Easier said than done, sure – but we have faith in you!
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
We'd like to say a big thank you to
the following people for helping to make Beyond The Woods possible:
