What Does Music Mean To You?

Music has such a special way of bringing people together, whether it’s through relating to a song or experiencing a live show in a room full of people - it creates a really special sort of community and makes me feel less alone.

- Linnea Siggelkow (Ellis), Music Artist

Songs allow people to say things they’re sometimes too afraid to say out loud in conversation. I love the creativity of it, and the fact that you can make something out of nothing. I love that art will live on after we’re gone, and it’s a way to express who we are and what we believe in.

- Michelle Rose, Music Artist

Since I was a kid, music has been a place to help me feel my emotions and give words to hard things in life that I couldn’t understand on my own. It’s been with me in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And because of that, it connects people together, which is the best thing in life.

- Will Hunter (Pacific), Music Artist

One of the most appealing aspects of music, to me, is its ability to affect people emotionally. I think it’s an incredibly powerful thing, and seeing how it affects different people as well as feeling its effect on me is a surreal experience.

- Ethan Oroshiba (Work in Progress), Music Artist

“My music-making process differs by what I am creating,” Oroshiba said. “Usually, songs I write start with some sort of idea, whether it be lyrical or musical. Personally, I find it easier to start with a musical idea and come up with the lyrics after. He describes how there is a lot of trial and error in his process. “Figuring out which chords work, which lyrics work, and then looking back at what I’ve written to make sure it’s emotionally compelling,” he says. Oroshiba describes how his methods have changed over time and as of late. “Lately, an increasing amount of the creative work for me has also taken place during the recording process, as I try to find little bits to make the songs sound more full, complex, and driving. No two songs are the same in their creative process, but I found that over time, I have developed these tools to help keep the music-making on track and create the best song I can.”

It may be frustrating to go into the music industry with no experience, but exposure is what helps you learn and grow to be a better musician. Sometimes this requires help from those more adept in the music industry.

“Talk to other artists! See what works and doesn’t work - if you’re thinking of signing a deal, talk to the other artists on the label and ask them about their experiences,” said Ellis. “Talk to people about what kind of advances they’ve gotten, how they cut down on tour costs, who they like working with, and who they don’t. It feels like more than ever it’s important for artists to look out for and protect each other.”

Michelle Rose gives her advice from her experiences in the music business.

“Work as hard as you can, and connect with people who have more experience and success than you,” Rose said. They can mentor and uplift you. Practice your craft every day, and don’t settle for being mediocre. Go after this full force. And really get in touch with your soul and creativity. When you really know yourself well, it’s much easier to show that to the world through your art. They will see the raw, true you coming through your music,” she explains.

Will Hunter, a part of the band Pacific gives his suggestions to make it in the industry.

“I would say get ready for it to be nothing like you expect,” he said. “Fall in love with the work and not the results cause that’s what you’ll have at the end of the day. The entertainment industry is fickle. Don’t let it be everything to you.”

Ethan Oroshiba, talks about his experiences and advice to others who are looking to pursue music. “I’ve received a couple of pieces of advice through the years that have stuck with me,” Oroshiba said. He explains how connections are everything in the music industry and the fastest way up is to know people at the top who will vouch for you. “Another piece of advice

I’ve gotten is that if you like your music and think it’s good, other people will as well. This doesn’t mean everyone will like your music but is rather to say that you have to make music you’re proud of and you like. If you don’t like your own music, how can you expect others to,” he said.

The music industry impacts everyone in different ways and there will never be a scarcity of passion and talent. Artists with new things to offer are always emerging from the industry and they will continue to. Music and the industry is constantly changing, but music artists that work hard to pursue their dreams will continue to evolve and grow.