Kathryn’s Korner | Guitar Girls — Be Bold and Brave: It’s Up to You

As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 23 – Fall 2023
Lately, I’ve noticed in conversations I’m segmenting life as before or after COVID. For example, if I’m telling a story, I will say, “Before COVID, I…” Or I will say, “Since COVID, I …” Do you find yourself doing the same? The pandemic was such a strange time for us all. Yet I think many agree it was a period of tremendous transformation, and it provided clarity for what mattered most moving forward with our lives.

For those of us in the music industry, we experienced just how fragile aspects of our business can be when the live show and in-studio recording components were taken off the table. Yet the great shift didn’t hold us down for long. We morphed. The creative mind is a relentless innovator, and soon, we collectively tuned our guitars into a new normal. Some of us hunkered down and wrote songs like crazy. Some of us used the power of technology to discover musicians could produce a tremendous amount of music without ever leaving our living space. Some of us needed a complete reset and decided to take our careers down a different path. All in all, that period of time allowed us to see what we were made of. It forced us to get to the raw and real truth of who we are now and what we want next.

This time helped me reaffirm that I’m steady and strong even when standing in the eye of a hurricane of change. It confirmed that the energy source and continuity of creativity, discipline, and focus was and always will be flowing through me regardless of any external circumstances. The only determining factor in whether or not I am actively making music and writing new songs is me. The responsibility for writing, creating, and producing was on me. Getting myself into the rooms I wanted to be in was on me. This has been the case for my entire career in business, spanning over two decades. But for some reason, I needed the benefit of a forced break to reaffirm what I’ve always known. It’s up to me. Regardless of what is happening around me or who is with me, being fully open and receptive to doing what I am here to do is my responsibility.

Just the same, it’s up to you. You are strong. You are here to do important things. You have a gift that is meant to be shared with the world.

Yet, I know we sometimes find ourselves whipping around in the storm and need to get back to our center. In a world that often demands conformity, female-identified individuals in the music industry are proving themselves by being bolder and braver. We are standing and shining testaments to the power of creativity, bravery, and integrity. We are making our unique presence known and paving the way for others with unwavering spirit and determination. Here are five essential reminders for continuing to encapsulate the essence of being brave, creatively bold, and self-loving; upholding integrity; and helping others.

Empowering Artistry: Five Pillars for Thriving in the Music Industry

Be Brave: Embracing bravery requires stepping out of our comfort zone even when fear and uncertainty attempt to hold us back. Just like when we are about to step onto the stage of our grandest performance, taking a deep breath and reminding ourselves that authentic vulnerability is our greatest strength will help us align ourselves in courage. In our moments of authenticity, we cultivate genuine connections and inspire others to do the same.
Be Creatively Bold: Creativity knows no bounds, and within the music industry, women have shattered stereotypes and pushed boundaries with their artistic expressions. Look to trailblazers who have inspired us along the way — those who didn’t follow any formula but rather turned up the dial of nonconformity to become beacons of originality. Remember that embracing our unique creativity can be a powerful catalyst for change. Let creativity flow freely, for it’s through bold artistic choices that we have the opportunity to create lasting impact.
Practice Self-Love: Being in the music industry and braving creative expression is often met with external criticism that can, at times, create internal self-doubt. Like a badge of honor worn by every creative, accept and know that people have an opinion about what we are doing and how we are doing it. But the only opinion that truly matters is our own. While it’s wise and self-loving to sift through constructive feedback and accept what is helpful, it’s also wise and self-loving to release and repel everything that doesn’t serve us. Cultivating self-compassion, treating ourselves with kindness, and being our own biggest supporter is a trifecta of self-love. Nurturing and loving ourselves and keeping our energy clear helps us navigate this industry. Shine brightly as a guiding light for others seeking their path.
Uphold Integrity: Integrity is all about alignment. When what we say and what we do align, we are in integrity. As a compass navigates us to align with the true north, upholding values and principles ensures our art remains an authentic reflection of our soul. Whether we’re composing a song or negotiating a contract, our integrity is the foundation upon which we build our life’s legacy.
Help Others: While some aspects of our creative lives are solo expeditions, the vast majority of our work in the music industry is about community. Lending a hand to others, offering support, mentoring, encouraging, and supporting others helps everyone. Collaboration not only elevates our own artistry but also fosters an environment of growth and empowerment for everyone around us.

Conclusion:
The music industry is a vibrant tapestry woven together by the courage, creativity, self-love, integrity, and kindness of inspiring individuals. With creativity, determination, and focus, continue moving forward, manifesting music that reflects vibrant, authentic you.

Three Key Takeaways:
Based on this article, here are three key takeaways to remember:

The Pandemic as a Catalyst for Transformation and Self-Realization: The COVID-19 pandemic served as a significant turning point, especially within the music industry, demonstrating the fragility of traditional business models while simultaneously highlighting the resilience and innovative spirit of artists. This period of forced pause allowed individuals to reevaluate their values, creativity, and career paths, leading to a profound understanding of their inherent strength and the realization that personal growth and creative output are self-driven.
Embracing Bravery, Creativity, and Self-Love: The article emphasizes the importance of being brave, creatively bold, and practicing self-love, particularly for female-identified individuals in the music industry. It underlines the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones, embracing one’s unique creative expression, and maintaining self-integrity amidst external criticisms and challenges. These principles serve not only as a guide for personal and professional development but also as a means to inspire and impact others positively.
The Role of Community and Integrity in Artistic Endeavors: The importance of upholding integrity, helping others, and fostering a sense of community within the music industry is highlighted as essential for creating a legacy of authentic and meaningful work. The article advocates for collaboration, mentorship, and support among peers, suggesting that these values not only enhance individual artistry but also contribute to a nurturing, empowering environment that benefits the entire creative community.