Being relentless

There is a quality you can see in every successful person. And the quality is relentless drive. In music, at times, I just don't know how people keep the drive going. After two years of promoting Welcome to Ballsgrove I am not ashamed to say that I'm now spent and I just want to go out gigging and remember why I do it!

A case in point was a wonderful gig in Belfast last Friday in Sunflower Folk Club. Myself and SJ Mcardle travelled up the motorway with a bit of trepidation but there was no need as we were treated to a wonderful audience in a wonderful venue. I digress. 

Back to this relentless drive thing. So I contacted several Booking Agents in Ireland all of whom say they have no room in their rosters. Charming. Somehow though it feels like I'm a handful of advocates away from the phone ringing. Nothing to do with music, only friends and vouching. Same for any decent PR with a proven track record in the genre... No space in the roster. Thats not to say I think its all about contacts because I know it isn't. It's about always looking as if you have something happening and its very difficult without that relentless drive you see in top indie musicians. 

So apart from music, I occasionally want to share the ugly side of self promotion. Like hundreds of other musicians, I'm in a crowded place where a bit of luck and a hint of hustle or a young and hungry representative can change things forever. Its not a case of "if I can just get this" or "if i could find out how to do this" its more important to simply be busy. And at the moment I am out of steam from a long Album campaign. 

If you are reading and wondering why I decide to moan about this then I should say I like to write things down in order to map my mind on a matter. It helps. If you all don't hear from me for a while you will know why. 

​Seán 

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