118. 2 Experiences that Changed My Music Career

Episode Summary:
Are you focused on making money from your music? Who isn't? In this episode, host Connor Frost takes a step back from the usual "how to make it big" advice to explore the real value of being a musician—experiencing meaningful, life-changing moments that money can’t buy. Connor shares two powerful stories from his own journey as an independent artist and gives you practical steps for embracing your music as a vehicle to connect with the world and others in ways that will last a lifetime.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why Experiences Matter More Than Money:
  Our society often fixates on financial success, but as a musician, the journey is full of experiences that are worth far more than a paycheck.
• Story #1: The Best Show I Ever Played in Taipei, Taiwan
  Connor shares the story of an unforgettable night performing in Taipei—an experience made possible not by a hefty budget, but by taking a chance and putting his music out there.
• Story #2: A 25th Birthday Invitation
  After a quiet show in Pennsylvania, Connor's band gained a loyal fan, Amanda, who later invited him to perform at her birthday party—a unique opportunity that reinforced the value of genuine connections with listeners.
• Two Major Reframes for Artists:
  1. Planning is Overrated: Sometimes, the best moments happen when you let your music guide you instead of trying to control every outcome.
  2. Seek Experiences First, Money Second: Focusing on genuine connections can often lead to unexpected opportunities, including paid ones.

Actionable Steps to Create Your Own Memorable Experiences:

1. Put Yourself Out There
   • Attend an open mic, reach out to other artists, or release a song you’ve been holding back.
2. Nurture Connections
   • Keep in touch with the people you meet—building relationships can lead to lifelong supporters and surprising opportunities.
3. Embrace the Journey
   • Repeat steps one and two and let go of rigid planning. Embrace every unique, unexpected, or even strange opportunity that comes your way.

Follow Along with Connor’s Music Journey:
Connor is documenting his single release process in his newsletter, with his upcoming single dropping on December 13th. Get unfiltered insights by subscribing at connorfrost.com/vaultpodcast.

Listener Invitation:
If this episode resonated with you, Connor would love to hear from you! Leave a review, or shoot him a DM on Instagram at @ConnorLFrost to share your thoughts or your own experiences in music.