In a recent songwriting workshop, I asked the following question

While I write songs for myself for the most part, I do enjoy sharing my music with others, with the hope that it reaches someone else who needs to hear it too. But sometimes it feels like even if I post them somewhere (applies to any of the online platforms/streaming services out there) they go off into the void. Is that just the reality of songwriting these days with the immense amount of talent and content out there? Do you opt for live / in-person alternatives instead (e.g. open mic, playing for friends and family)? Or looking for a songwriting / music community (like this one)? How do you stay motivated to create finished, polished songs knowing there’s a high probability that not many people will listen to what you create? Any recommendations (or common

One of the answers recommended the book "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon.

Among several takeaways (see below), was the idea to start your own website to have a corner of the internet that's yours alone that will last as other platforms come and go, and to use it for self-invention rather than self-promotion. So here we are. 👋

Other Takeaways:

• You can’t find your voice if you don’t use it.
• Amateur mindset
• Share what you love and like-minded people will find you
• Read obituaries. They are more about life than death.
• Think process not product
• Create a personal website as self-invention machine (vs self-promotion)
• Share out of generosity. But make sure there's a clear "So what?". Is this useful or entertaining to the audience?
• Can also share your tastes. Be honest about them (no "guilty pleasures"). That's the best way to connect to others who like it too.
• People’s assessment of a painting indeed depends on whether it’s an original. The value of a thing is affected by what you tell them about it. Our work doesn’t speak for itself. The story matters. Humans want to connect.
• Importance of storytelling
• Share what you know. Teaching doesn’t mean instant competition.
• Don’t be human spam. The world doesn’t owe you attention. You have to be a citizen of the community before you’ll be accepted by it. If you want to get, you have to give.
• If you want followers, be someone worth following.
• Spend your time getting good at things.
• Vampire rule: Whatever drains you stop doing it. Whatever energizes you do it.
  • Vampire test: If after hanging out with someone you feel worn out and depleted, that person is a vampire.
  • Applies to more than just people (e.g. work, hobbies, etc)
• Fear is imagination taking a wrong turn.
• The more criticism you take, the more you realize it won’t hurt you.