As a Singer, Will Your Holidays be Happy or Hard?

The holidays are here. And, ironically, it is precisely this time of year when so many singers lose their faith. If you’re a member of a church choir, you’re busy rehearsing. If you’re a multi-platinum selling star, you’re gearing up for a huge bash in your hometown arena. If you’re somewhere in-between, though, you’re bracing for the inevitable inquisition at the family gathering. “So, are you still singing these days?” asks the aunt you see but once a year. It’s a seemingly harmless question, although you can’t help but notice the inflection placed on the word still. “Yeah, still going at it,” you reply, adding something like, “The band’s got some industry interest.” Or, “My last TicTok did pretty well.” After a few years of the exact same reply, you begin to dread the question, and then begin to question your path. And that, my friend, is a sin.

Singing, or any artistic pursuit, is a journey -- not a destination. Forgive those around you (parents, significant others, landlords) for not buying this, but it simply isn’t possible to advance your talent or career on schedule. In the grand scheme of things, a calendar year is meaningless; it doesn’t matter whether it takes one year or twenty. As long as you’re actively vocalizing, writing and performing, you will continue to develop. You see, art, like religion, is an internal calling. Have you ever heard of a priest or rabbi quitting because they never rose above the local scene? Because it is possible to sing for a living some people assume a lack of cash, or fame, means you’re no good. Not true. Timing and talent are driven by different elements, yet must peak at the same moment in order to capture the public. The bottom line is that nobody needs to make an excuse for following their heart. There’s nothing wrong with simply living to sing.

We are constantly barraged with stories about super-young talents and bands that are signed within six months of forming. Trying to follow their path will only make you feel like a slug.  Their promo suggests that these artists will become even more remarkable in time, which is usually not the case. Teen sensations tend to fade quickly and bands with top-selling first albums usually stumble on their sophomore attempts. It’s not that these people are undeserving of the spotlight, it’s just that they have no relevance to your timetable.

Singers, more than other musicians, operate on faith. There are so many invisible, reflexive, seemingly intangible elements involved in the performance of a song that the process collapses without a belief of ability. Range and power, to name a few, are sapped by self-doubt. Think of the difference between singing to a receptive versus an unreceptive audience; the same songs feel extremely different. Faith is your armor. It protects against “constructive” comments that, even if well meaning, can hurt. Faith is the vehicle that carries you through the valleys between creative highs. Faith is also contagious. Believe in yourself, or your songs, and others will too. The biggest challenge to faith is reality. People will use your current reality, ability, status, income, etc., as indicators of your talent. (This is when you must remember the journey part.) Your faith is a much better gauge.

Use the reunions and the inevitable vocal hiatus this holiday season to re-new your faith.  Convert all non-believers, including yourself, by telling them how much you love to sing -- not by making bold predictions of success for the coming year. Do yourself a favor and avoid all music-related New Year’s resolutions. Don’t vow to vocalize an hour a day or to top a playlist on Spotify in 2025. Failed vows become cracks in your armor. Just keep doing your thing. Remember, faith does not require the support of others. Acceptance of your chosen path comes once people understand you’re in it for the long haul. Respect . . . comes once you stop borrowing money. Don’t let this holiday season be hard on your faith. Be happy. Sing on!