There are no halfway measures in music. If you really want to go pro, you have to do what it takes to get there. TV programs like "The Voice" and "American Idol," etc., give the impression that stardom can be instantaneous – but that is a fallacy, a one in a billion chance. And even if you were one of the lucky few, you would still have to master the skills to maintain your success. Either that or risk being a "one hit wonder" or one of those whose voice has to be electronically altered via artificial means, which in turn would mean that you cannot stand on your own two feet musically-speaking.
The reality is sweat equity. It means doing the work. It means hours upon hours of practice. It means going "ALL the way!" Quoting Yoda from the feature film "The Empire Strikes Back," "Do or do not. There is no try."
"Roll the Dice"
Bono recites poet, novelist and short story author, Charles Bukowski
The above video is not intended to romanticize hardship, suffering or "starving in a garret for your art." It is, however, intended to illustrate the fact that one must be serious if one wishes to succeed in any worthwhile venture, be it music, art or any other rewarding enterprise.
