What's better than sitting down and talking to one of your favorite pop musicians that happens to be super gorgeous?...Sitting down and talking to one of your favorite pop musicians that happens to be super gorgeous AND has some words of wisdom that leave a lasting impression.
One day into my immersion experience (Sunday, for those of you who have lost track), I set off to Union Square for an interview with popular singer/songwriter Derek James. I had met Derek a few times before after gigs he has done while on tour in Eau Claire, so I knew how down-to-earth he would be. I was expecting a half-hour interview. What I got was multiple hour of sitting around chatting, just getting to know about each other's worlds.
This interview was the beginning of a huge realization for me: networking is not that daunting of a task. At the end of the day, networking is making friends, whether they be professional or otherwise.
The biggest lesson to be taken from this interview is that, no matter what your passion, it is never too late to change your mind or start something new. Derek graduated with a degree in psychology. He decided that music was his true passion, though. Upon his decision to write music instead, he didn't even have the piano background to know where middle C is. Today, Derek supports himself solely through various avenues of music.
He also made is clear that you have to figure out who you are, both as a musician and a person. Never deviate from who you are. It's ok to change but only if you are changing for yourself and not for what others expect you to be. Some people may not like your sound or the vibe you give off. That's fine, because some people will absolutely love that sound and that vibe. Most importantly, YOU have to love it.
It was also nice to get coffee with Derek the next morning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, his place of residence. We discussed jobs and the Williamsburg area. This is a nice (more affordable) place to live. It is filled with families, pop musicians, and Broadway singers.
Although I discovered the sad fact that coffee is not very good anywhere in NY, I did learn alot of valuable lessons from the immersion experience. My whole path of self-discovery really got rolling with this first interview with Derek James. I'm looking forward to visiting this summer and learning even more.
~ Nicole A. Korbisch
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