In LA,twice within 2 weeks,first to speak @ NAMM Convention,then to perform @ The Roxy, I finally realized just how comical and Spinal Tap Hollywood (more specifically ,the music business scene can be).
Lemme explain. Living in Dallas and growing up in El Paso,TX, ive always kind been removed from living the “Elevator Pitch”, eventhough I,at times have to do it. Its a necessary evil when trying to promote yourself and your career,but where and when should the line be drawn and when does it stop becoming a high school popularity contest revolving around what you are doing status wise in the business to = how cool you are.
Exhibit A: i saw a fellow musician friend of mine i haven’t seen in a while. sweaty and drying off after the set,my brother and i were excited to see him. i asked “hey man, how are YOU doing?”and he proceeded to rattle off his laundry list of new endorsement deals and what not. While i was WAY proud of him and happy for him, it really didnt make a difference. You see, i ALREADY think he is a cool guy and great musician which is why he’s my friend. I truly wanted to know how HE was doing and it hit me..”since when does WHAT you are doing = HOW u are doing and am I stuck speaking to personal friends in Elevator Pitch?”
The coined term “Elevator Pitch” is music business jargon for the “Quick,Hard Sell”. The concept is, you’re in the elevator and Mr.BigWig Record Exec is in it with you for 2 floors, here’s your chance to tell him about you and your music, you’ve got 11 seconds to give him the “elevator pitch” and sell yourself.
I’m guilty of this without a doubt,but am now starting to see the line between where my music persona and personal persona end and begin, so I’m slowly learning how to answer WHAT and HOW accordingly, so bare with me.
For those close to me who I have given the “Elevator Pitch” and “Hard Sell” off a simple Hey,Whats up, I apologize,it’s my autopilot business man kicking in. Thanx for supporting me and putting up with me along the way…
www.twitter.com/normanmatthew (my quick sell habit is hard to break ha!)
