Monday, August 07, 2006

Troubled mind and self doubt

Another day at the Promenade ended with me leaving before I got totally frustrated. I've been at this a long time and dealt with a lot of different situations, but the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is as tough a place to work as I have ever experienced. The biggest problem I encountered was my mic cutting in and out today and finally crapping out. My first show was barely underway before the break dancing troupe cranked it up 40 feet away from me. On the other side a musician. I did the best I could for meager rewards.

I put a lot of pressure on myself to produce, but I've been coming up short on many levels. I want so desperately to share what I have inside of me and entertain and make people happy. It's difficult to tell If I'm getting through to these people when I see so many blank stares and apathetic audiences. And what really gets me, is when a father of two kids gives them each a dime to throw in my hat. I'm pretty sure that the bums in this town are making better money than me at this point. With so much competition, the noise factor, the heat and the world we live in; I feel like I need to go back and re-evaluate my entire approach.

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On a lighter note, the weather has been gorgeous! Polly takes very good care of me and has been cooking some GREAT meals. I love being here in LA and I know If I work hard I can create a market for my many talents as an entertainer and as an entrepreneur. The time is right to plan my work and work my plan. Now I guess I just need a plan. I'll work on that.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tom,

You should stop doubting yourself, but perhaps it is time to reevaluate your approach. You have tremendous talent, but have never been one to compete for attention. Ever. It's always just been there for you.

In Seattle you had a very different vibe on the street work than you seem to here, and sadly the overt comptetition there is probably far fiercer. These folks want to get noticed, on American Idol and the rest. You are smarter than that.

You should finds a niche that has not yet been filled, or filled well in the LA Market. If you want to stick with the street work, spend a day watching other buskers and see who is doing very well, and then figure out why. You are analytical about magic, be analytical about marketing yourself.

Everyone has glitz and noise, what do you offer that is distinct for LA "consumers"?

You have tremendous talent that I've respected for years. Don't let competition with some over powered amps lead you think you can't make it. Put your zany survivalist creativity to work. It's when you do your best stuff and have the most fun anyway.

Much love,
M3

Timmy Jimmy said...

Great post M3!