Podcast Summary
From Football to Music: Tom Grennan's Unlikely Journey: Tom Grennan's journey from football to music shows that it's never too late to pursue a passion, even if it seems unlikely at first. Dedication and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
Tom Grennan, a successful UK musician, didn't initially pursue a career in music. He had aspirations of becoming a professional footballer but didn't have the same passion and commitment as before. After giving up football, he discovered his love for music, which was initially met with skepticism from his friends. However, his determination and hard work paid off, leading him to break into the competitive music industry. It's essential to recognize that people can have various talents and that it's never too late to pursue a passion, even if it seems unlikely at first. Tom's story is a reminder that dedication and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
From struggling artist to music superstar, hard work and dedication prevail: Even with late discoveries or personal challenges, hard work and dedication can lead to great success in music or any field
Hard work and dedication can help anyone, even those with a late discovery of their talents or facing personal challenges, achieve great success. The artist, with over a billion streams on Spotify, shared how they struggled with impostor syndrome but persevered through hard work. They didn't find their voice until late adolescence and initially shied away from opportunities to perform. However, they were eventually persuaded to join a band and fell in love with the experience. They then hibernated in their room during college to learn the guitar and write songs. But it was a traumatic experience at 18 that led them to write in a journal, which later became lyrics for their music. Despite feeling weak and unable to share their emotions with others, they found solace in writing and creating music. Ultimately, their determination and hard work paid off, turning music into their passion and career.
Following passions despite setbacks: Passion and determination can help individuals pursue their dreams, even when faced with adversity. Family support is crucial in achieving goals.
Passion and determination can lead individuals to pursue their dreams, even if it means deviating from a seemingly set path. The speaker shared his experience of turning down a soccer scholarship to focus on music, emphasizing that anyone can learn to play an instrument or write songs, but having a deep-rooted desire and willingness to do so is crucial. He also mentioned how his desire for attention and stage presence drove him to pursue music, and how his family has been supportive of his journey despite facing some adversity. Additionally, the speaker discussed how he has learned to work around his dyslexia in his songwriting process. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of following one's passions and the role that family and support systems can play in helping individuals achieve their goals.
Determination and Family Support: With determination and a supportive family, it's possible to succeed in the music industry despite lacking formal education or extensive vocabulary. Strategic decision-making, like choosing a smaller record label, can also contribute to career growth.
Determination and a supportive family played a significant role in this individual's success in the music industry. Despite not having a formal education or extensive vocabulary, they were driven to learn and expand their knowledge. They were encouraged by their parents to pursue their passions, even when faced with skepticism from others. The individual's competitive mindset led them to sign a record deal and aspire for massive success. However, they were cautious about the financial implications of signing with a major label and chose a smaller one to ensure full attention and focus on their career growth. The music industry can be challenging, but with determination, support, and strategic decision-making, it's possible to make it to the top.
The Road to Success in the Music Industry: Success in music requires talent, hard work, dedication, a strong support system, and resilience. Enjoy the process and remember that setbacks are temporary.
Success in the music industry, as in any field, requires hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. The speaker shares their personal experience of being signed to a major label and the importance of being a team player and continuously striving to improve. They also acknowledge the role of luck and the power of a solid fan base in achieving success. Despite setbacks and feelings of frustration, they remain patient and believe that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Additionally, they highlight the importance of focusing on enjoying the process and not just the end goal. The speaker also mentions the competitiveness in the industry and the fear of being dropped, emphasizing the need to work hard to prove one's worth. Overall, the key takeaway is that success in the music industry requires a combination of talent, hard work, and resilience.
A rollercoaster career with personal struggles: The artist learned to prioritize health after recognizing the negative impact of substance abuse on his career and well-being.
The artist's career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with success and personal struggles. At the start, performing took a toll on his mental health, leading him to self-destruct with alcohol and drugs. However, a wake-up call from his mom and the onset of COVID-19 gave him the opportunity to focus on his health and well-being. He now prioritizes physical health through ice baths and cold showers, and acknowledges the negative impact of substance abuse on his drive and overall wellness. The artist admits to having a problem with substances and recognizes the importance of prioritizing health above all else.
Realizing the impact of substance use on personal growth: Quitting detrimental relationships with substances can lead to significant improvements in personal growth and potential achievements.
For individuals, especially those with competitive and ambitious natures, giving up detrimental relationships with substances like alcohol can significantly improve the chances of reaching one's full potential. The speaker shared his personal experience of realizing that his drinking and drug use were hindering his progress, and after quitting, he saw positive changes in his life. The speaker, Tom Grennan, also discussed some of his greatest musical achievements, including a number one album and a popular song called "If Only," which has been downloaded over 310 million times. Despite the song's success, Grennan shared that he still feels like an underdog and doesn't focus on statistics like downloads or streams. Instead, he makes music for enjoyment. The conversation also touched on the topic of how the music industry values artists based on their streams and downloads.
The Power of Online Presence for Music Artists: Effective use of social media and the internet can significantly expand a music artist's reach and contribute to their success, beyond just musical talent.
The success of a music artist is not solely determined by their musical talent, but also by their ability to effectively use social media and the internet to reach a larger audience. This was discussed in relation to the difference between the careers of two musicians, with one artist, Lewis Capaldi, having achieved global success due in part to his strong online presence. The speaker expressed frustration with their own inability to replicate this success, despite having comparable musical talent. They also touched on the importance of having a distinctive voice and creating a standout song to gain recognition. In preparation for the release of their own new album, the speaker is focusing on both the musical aspect, through an arena tour, and the strategic release timing to maximize impact.
The artist's journey to success is unpredictable: Believe in your creativity, push out of comfort zone, and take ownership of your art for music success.
Creating and sharing music is a gamble, and success is subjective and based on opinion. The artist discussed in the interview has been surprised by the success of some of their songs, but they've also learned that they need to take control of their creative vision and put in the work to make their performances memorable for their fans. They've looked up to various artists throughout their career, but ultimately, they're focused on their own journey. For young artists looking to make it in music, the artist advises pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and putting in the effort to make your vision a reality. They also emphasized the importance of believing in your creativity and taking ownership of your art. The artist is currently preparing for their tour and putting a lot of thought into making the show a memorable experience for their fans.
Embracing discomfort for personal growth: Stepping out of comfort zone leads to growth and new experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing discomfort can lead to significant personal growth and new experiences. Tom Grennan, in our conversation, emphasized the importance of throwing yourself into unfamiliar situations and learning to navigate them. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, this discomfort signifies that you're growing and expanding your horizons. So, if you're feeling uneasy about a new situation or opportunity, remember that it's a sign that you're on the path to learning something new and potentially discovering what you really want to do. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check out Tom Grennan's music on Global Player. Don't forget to download the app or visit globalplayer.com to listen.
