Performers can encounter potential problems at each show they play at. From rough crowds to the never-pleased venue management, they face obstacles constantly. Each venue is different; different set lists, sound management, and acoustics vary from show to show.
Performing artists also encounter double bookings, canceled shows due to budget and weather, and payment problems on a regular basis. At the end of a string of shows or recording project, an artist can feel burnt out and quite tired.
All of these issues act as the hurdles we have to jump over on a day to day basis. But the applause from different crowds and supporters act as the cheerleaders to our team(whether it's a one-man team or not).
I was playing a show recently that wasn't going incredibly smoothly. Nothing horrible happened, just the usual minute issues that have an overall wear and tear effect on a musician. It was a process getting through each song I sang. I had to muster up an extreme amount of mental energy to play my sets.
But there was a group of people at the bar of the restaurant, clapping away after every tune. And one woman in particular within the group, was what the popular show, How I Met Your Mother, has so eloquently dubbed, 'A Whoo Girl.'
A 'Whoo Girl,' is any woman who will let her happiness and satisfaction of a good time be known by letting out wonderful 'Whoo' cries, often.
When I played a song she particularly liked, a definite whoo could be heard through out the venue. And while some good buddies motioned for her to keep it down just a bit, I loved it. It gave me the good vibes I needed to finish the night on a high note.
Afterwards, I couldn't help myself. I had to say hello and give her some free merchandise.
That night, 'The Whoo Girl,' was my cheerleader. One of the amazing people who took time out of their good time, to show the musician some support. I am forever grateful for moments like that. And will never forget them.
Supporters of all kinds, fans, musicians, and family members, give us the strength we musicians need to jump over those ever-present hurdles and get on to the next race. They give us the courage to win the race. And they give us the means to even compete in the race in the first place.
The philosophy of, 'I do not stop for obstacles, I destroy them,' is a mantra I am grooming myself to practice at all times. It's a philosophy than can put everything in to perspective for us right-brainers.
It helps us to remember that even though we will face obstacles that will try and bring us down, we will always find a way to destroy them and move forward. And as The Beatles once said, we can do this, with a little help from our friends.
When obstacles start slowing you down, look to supportive people to bring you back up to speed. Whether it's one person or many, I always feel quality can be better than quality.
After all, the focus isn't on the hurdles you face, it's how you jump over them.
This story was inspired by the picture below from Lindsey Vonn at Under Armour Women on Facebook
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| Picture at Under Armour Women(Facebook Page) by Lindsey Vonn |
