The Power of Vulnerability for Musicians

         The Internet has allowed unknown artists and musicians to share their talent on an international level. The Internet has opened the door of opportunity for their crafts to be seen and heard on an unlimited basis. However, as a recording artist, using the Internet to share your craft opens you up to a many different types of connections. These connections are formed by your life slowly becoming a part of the public eye. This is due to you allowing yourself to be seen by many regardless of the outcome. It will include some high points as well as some low points. The low points will consist of experiences that may cause you a sense of shame.

         In a 2010 TED talk video, Brene Brown discusses this topic of shame. Her discussion on this topic has been a great inspiration to me as a recording artist in the music industry. She expounds on it by discussing various concepts such as worthiness, acceptance and love, which allows specific types of connections to form with others. For recording artists, this connection is found with fans and others that love their work. Therefore, she explains that the courage to be unafraid of expressing vulnerability is helpful in building connections with others. As a music artist, online video allows us to connect with others and also to measure our success and growth in a competitive industry. “If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist” (Brown, 2010). By viewing the number of likes, shares and comments, we are able to measure the level of interest that others have in a particular brand and its message.

         One’s ability to express their vulnerabilities early on puts them in a situation where there is nothing left to hide. This allows an individual to live and share their talents freely knowing that they are worthy of being loved, accepted and appreciated for the things they give to society. “‘You know what? You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.’ That's our job. Show me a generation of kids raised like that, and we’ll end the problems I think that we see today” (Brown, 2010). Nevertheless, understanding that no one is perfect makes it easier for us to except our own shortcomings and use them as a foundation for upward mobility and success.

Kedrick “Rick” Mahoney

References

Anderson, C. (2010). How web video powers global innovation. Ted.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014, from http://www.ted.com/talks/chris_anderson_how_web_video_powers_global_innovation?language=en

Brown, B. (2010). Transcript of "The power of vulnerability". Ted.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014, from http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability