You probably already know what a soft spot I have for great musicians.
My older brother Christian is one of the best jazz violinists in the world. My parents were both opera singers. My sister is a singer/songwriter. I was a huge fan of the show Glee.
So whenever I get the chance to interview an amazing musician on The School of Greatness, I jump on it.
I am fascinated not only by the creative process of musicians, but also their perseverance, their belief in themselves, the magic they create, and their connection to that magic.
Today’s guest on the show is a boss at all of this.
Andy Grammer is a multi-platinum singer and songwriter who you’ve definitely heard on the radio for years.
But you may not know that he spent 4 years busking on the street in Santa Monica, California as a street performer before he ever got big.
Literally he got up every day and spent the whole day figuring out how to get people to listen to his music by playing it on the street.
Talk about passion. And vision. And belief in his purpose.
Andy is also one of the most down to earth, smart, positive, like-able guys I’ve met (and a great musician).
I wanted this interview to last for hours and I have a feeling you will too once you listen to Episode 449.
Some Questions I Ask:
- What’s the greatest line you’ve ever written? (7:33)
- How many songs have you written? (14:13)
- Was it always your vision to be a chart-topping star? (20:00)
- What do you want people to feel after you’re done with a concert? (24:22)
- What do you love to talk about the most? (31:22)
- Do you feel like you wouldn’t be as successful as you are without the pain you’ve gone through? (32:06)
- Did you avoid a lot of the b.s. in the music industry because you got big later? (38:57)
- How do you re-connect with an audience you can tell you are losing? (43:33)
In this episode, you will learn:
- How long it actually takes to get paid for your work as an artist (1:00)
- What any business’ goal should be (4:14)
- What Andy feels his life purpose is (4:40)
- What to do when it feels like the world is telling you no to your dream (9:38)
- Why Andy loves singing with street performers now (18:42)
- The reason becoming great at your unique craft matters (21:38)
- Andy’s pre-performance ritual (23:25)
- The story behind Andy not making the a capella group in high school (26:40)
- Why balance is so important for everyone, including the super successful (34:20)
- The upside of failure (46:02)
- Plus much more…
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