I once took part in a seminar with a Grammy-winning songwriter. In her particular case, the implications of a Grammy did not pan out. Although she would always have Best Song on her resume (and it sure sounds good!), she still remained just a struggling writer trying to get songs covered. If, as they say, you're only as good as your last hit (your last Grammy?), she was in trouble. That was quite a rude awakening. It certainly led her to re-examine her concept of success.
There are, of course, many factors inherent in the concept of success. Each of us has our own definition. If success is the achievement of one's goals, then it follows that our individual goals define our definitions of success. And what our goals are is a major impetus to the way we create. In fact, connecting back to my first article, it is part of the subtext of what inspires us. Starting the creative process with the determination to write a hit changes that song from the get-go. It's a kind of editing process before the song is even conceived. It has to fit a market. It has to conform to a structure. It has to be "commercial."
Yes, success is generally tied in to wealth and/or fame, particularly in the music business, which is nothing if not high-profile. I've certainly heard the words "let's write a hit!" a lot more often than "let's write a great song!" (Although they are in no way mutually exclusive, and, hey, why not do both?) Be sure you know what you're doing and why you're doing it, because it takes a lot of work either way. It sure helps if you love it, so how you define success (and examine your true goals) is worth looking at every now and then (especially your personal definition, as opposed to a societal one).
Just as an example, if you think that making a lot of money will make you a success (and not simply better able to pay the bills!), ask yourself why. Is it because it would give you the wherewithal to continue to create? Is it because other people will think you are successful, and that would increase your own self-esteem? Something else?
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