What a tough year, ha? I don‘t think I have to tell you why. Covid-19 didn‘t make it easy for most of us. Tough times for musicians, promoters, roadies, PA techs, FOH engineers, …the list goes on and on and on.
I‘m a musician in the first place. But I‘m also trying to make it as a music producer. To be honest, the whole corona thing didn‘t hit me that hard. I always had to have a job on the side to survive. As music teacher, barkeeper and currently, since schools and pubs are closed, I‘m working at a supermarket to get by. So I‘m kinda used to it to have different jobs besides my long-term companion: the music.
I have different musical projects with different people because I just love making music. Of course, as I am still following my dream of making a living from what I do and what I am, I also have various projects that run simultaneously. To name it: Ben Sommer, Gutz N‘ Glory, Da Hook, BenSo Guitars.
In order to make it in times of digitization with all its positive and negative aspects, I think it‘s necessary to step into different projects, genres, distinct ways of making music and promoting music. It might come to success. At least there‘s a higher chance to make a living from music to go into various directions, music and business wise. BUT, and that‘s the most important thing, without changing of who you are and where you come from. Never forget your roots. Stay true to yourself and be authentic. Everything I do is connected to my roots, to my passion for guitars, my love for music with attitude and my respect for the DIY spirit. It won‘t change. That‘s what I did, what I‘m still doing and what I‘m going to do. And if you do it the right way, you can survive as an independent artist in 2021 and beyond. BEN BLADDI SOMMER