Why You Musicians Need Hobbies

By Mark Grove

Most full time musicians don't have a life outside music. There is nothing wrong with spending the majority of your time with music, but a lot of musicians spend an inordinate amount of time consuming "Trendy Chemical Amusement Aids." I spent a lot of years doing just that and enjoyed it 99 percent of the time. But most shit head musicians who play and party like a bastard will eventually give up being a musician.

Once again I'm not against partying. I get drunk once in awhile and I'll always have a couple beers. But here's the bloody rub fellow players. You need other outlets besides playing music. If you can't do anything else so be it. But if you want to continue being a musician, you need a god damn hobby! It might be as a writer, photographer or dare I say it as an inventor.Get a hobby, get 5 hobbies.

Most people just work, go home and do family type things. To stimulate your brain and creative juices flowing, having a hobby outside of music can help your music career.

Here's My Reality:

I work a regular job and I'm a writer in the music, sports, golf and investing fields. I write bios, artist profiles and how to stuff for musicians, golfers and sports people. All for free. Most people would not write for free. They wouldn't do anything. I realize musicians have their reality with a family and maybe a second job. You still have time for a hobby. Breaks at work, before work and small pockets of time between shifts. You could think of ideas for songs. Lyrics and music.

Most people at work waste their time talking to others and talking about nothing. As well, most people just talk about things they're pissed off at. You don't need them. Think about your time and how you conduct it. Family and a job count. So does being a working musician. But you need to work a hobby. Be it song writing, writing articles or a hobby that can eventually make you money. Hell,even basket weaving. if you think about it basket weaving will make more money than most musicians make. So get a bunch of hobbies but focus on one mainly.

So for the most part stay off the fuckin' dope.It's okay in your teens and twenties but in your mid 30's you've got a problem. Unless you're a mega-money making musician, actor or business person who will never out live their money, don't keep partying beyond your means. Unless you like the street. Write a script, write a song or article about something you know about.

If you're a mechanically inclined musician consider making an amp cabinet and a low watt amp. A low watt amp could help you at jam sessions and some recording sessions. If you're a serious player and gear head you might want to make a bunch of low watt practice amps to sell. If you're a serious session player you could build an amp to spec for your session work outside of your regular band.

There are so many hobby ideas for musicians. No,stamp collecting is not a hobby!

Get a hobby musicians.

Mark Grove