Did I ruin my life?

azfryguy · #1 09-05-2010, 09:50 PM

long story short here are the facts

-dropped out of highschool

-thought for sure I was gonna be a hot shot music star by now

-Im 17

-the only things I have any skill on is bass, Im not athletic or smart

With each passing day I become more and more depressed. I thought a couple years ago, I would for sure be endorsed and playing in a studio or teaching, something in music . I honstley feel as if I will never become anything in music. I had my hopes up so high. Now, I just dont know. Music is the one thing I have to make a carrier out of. I will always play but, someday, I might have to play bass in my cardboard box of a house. What can I do in music that will support me? I really want to become a studio/session musician. I do not even know were to start, I was thinking of trying to get endorsed with Ibanez and going to namm trying to get noticed or something. Can you please help me? I am having serious angxiety about this. If you wanna hear me play I'll post links to my myspace and youtube.

Thank you
Garret Fry,

OmnitzGarima · #2 09-05-2010, 09:54 PM

Too early to tell.

Making a living as a musician is a tough road, you might want to leave the door open to other options. It works for a lot of us.

Good luck.

Ric5 · #3 09-05-2010, 09:55 PM

You can still get a high school diploma. Then get some college. Then get a career so you can afford some nice basses and amps.

There are millions of people trying to make it in the entertainment industry. The odds are really really stacked against you making it in the music business. Also the people who make the most money in the music business don't play instruments, they don't sing, and they don't write music.

Pilgrim · #4 09-05-2010, 09:58 PM

You need options. My advice is to get a job so that you have some stability - keep working at music - and finish your GED. Everyone needs options and a plan B....and you don't appear to have one.

If you don't end up with a huge music contract- and the odds are that you won't - you will need a job and a way to support yourself. Now is the time to return to that path.

azfryguy · #5 09-05-2010, 10:27 PM

its just such BS that It doesn matter how much you know its who you know

BananaKing · #6 09-05-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

its just such BS that It doesn matter how much you know its who you know

But, since you know that, you can start trying to get in touch with people.

How about making a decent demo tape and shipping it around town? IF you have a few people hear your playing and like it, they may give you a call for a gig or something.

TheDialog · #7 09-05-2010, 10:33 PM

Go to school.

MN_Bass · #8 09-05-2010, 10:37 PM

HS Diploma -> Trade/Tech School -> Get worthwhile job -> Search TB Classifieds for Sweet Deals on Gear Everyday ...O wait thats my life

JonPol · #9 09-05-2010, 10:39 PM

No, you didn't ruin your life. You're 17, plenty of time to figure things out. A lot of things can happen in even just a year. For the sake of reason though, get your GED at least. Community colleges also have music programs, you can meet a lot of important people there and even transfer to a university and get a degree in music or go to the berkley school of music. Like everything else, it is better to go to school. The most stable way to make money in music that isn't the entertainment business to me is teaching music. Last word of advice though, most companies won't sponsor/endorse you if no one knows who you are, so I wouldn't set that as your main priority.

Crabby · #10 09-05-2010, 10:39 PM

If I was 17 again I would look around and find the most prominent up and coming band that already has as much going for them as possible and offer myself up. You may have to involve yourself in a few projects before this happens and it may tale a few years but during that time, you will play music, challenge yourself as a bass player, become better and learn about what kind of people you will want to associate with.

You may meet great musicians, make lifelong friends, experience some amazing times, make outstanding music and possibly even become a professional musician. No matter what, enjoy the ride, have no regrets, be true to your principals and try to help others when you can. I guarantee you will find success!

azfryguy · #11 09-05-2010, 10:50 PM

Thanks alot guys im in ged classes right now I have 3 songs on my myspace is that enough for a demo tape?

**Staccato** · #12 09-05-2010, 10:51 PM

You've got you whole life ahead of you. When you come up with a Plan A, and alternate Plan B (as mentioned), you'll be working! You have obstacles, however, ruining your life at this point would be more like committing criminal acts, entering marriage or becoming a parent (or taking on the responsibilities of others at this age, and stage).

Your education is holding you back. Start learning, and take an interest in history, science, or English as a hobby. Find non-fiction books that interest you, and read them, don't skim the words, or your future...

Schlyder · #13 09-05-2010, 10:56 PM

Go back to school.

Rumblefisher · #14 09-05-2010, 10:56 PM

Good for you. School is absolutely the way to go IMO. You can study music when you get to college (and you will

) and use that to further yourself along the path that will make you happiest. At the very least, you can always switch focus to some other trade, you just need to get your foot in the door.
I'm a student as well, feel free to pm me if you want to talk about it.

Oh, and 3 quality recordings are better than 300 crappy ones.

LB75 · #15 09-05-2010, 11:09 PM

You just took a bit of a wrong turn. You are young enough to recover though. If music is your passion don't give up but just try a different approach. Get a high school diploma or GED and then look into music schools that you might be able to get into. The University of Arizona has one. You will learn a lot more about music, be around other musicians, make contacts in the music business and it's something you're interested in so you will be motivated. It still won't be easy though and there are no guarantees. My wife has a BA and a Masters and can't get a job. And don't be too hard on yourself we all make mistakes.

Mrdak · #16 09-05-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

Thanks alot guys im in ged classes right now I have 3 songs on my myspace is that enough for a demo tape?

You should post a link to your myspace.

pnut166 · #17 09-05-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

lWhat can I do in music that will support me?

Work in Wal Mart`s electronics dept. ? Not to be a smart aleck, but dropping out of school is rarely a path to success. You`re 17 - go back to school. If you can`t even spell "career", then the odds of having a good one are slim. You have your whole life ahead of you; don`t start down that road with one foot in the ditch. The world is competitive, and the music biz is cutthroat. Every advantage you can give yourself over the competition will tilt the odds of success in your favor. Good luck in your endeavors.

TheDialog · #18 09-05-2010, 11:12 PM

Check your inbox.

jmjbassplayer · #19 09-05-2010, 11:18 PM

Do you play with any bands? What's your history in that regard?

Hizzoner · #20 09-06-2010, 08:00 AM

finish high school by day and play bass at night...go on to community college and get an associate degree in something you can see yourself doing..

sad but true stats bear out that people without any degree are more likely to struggle economically and flirt with poverty...

set yourself up a strong foundation and have options...