THE WEIGHT OF WORDS

Tonight, catching up on the statistics from my bandcamp -  I noticed a link that had directed traffic to my page. After clicking on the link I realised I had come across the very first review of my EP.

It was a strange feeling finally coming across an opinion on something I have created that could potentially hold the power to elate, or completely shatter my confidence.

As I read there were plethora of emotions - The more I read this extremely positive and glowing review, the more elated I felt. I then read one sentence that seemed negative and instantly felt my heart dive for a short moment until I frantically re-read the sentence and realised I had misunderstood.

It got me to thinking about all of these peaks and troughs I have already experienced throughout the EP release process; of living the moments that inspired the music, narrating through song, rehearsing, producing, recording, planning, marketing, releasing, performing and then... Waiting for a response. 

It got me to thinking how grateful I am that the first feedback I have had from a neutral party was glowingly positive, because the disappointment I nearly felt when I thought there was one sentence that was less than complimentary was very jarring.

It got me to thinking about how sheltered it can be inside my algorithmically defined facebook feed  bubble, full of mainly positivity and encouragement...

...and that I will inevitably have to deal with comments, reviews and opinions that will make me feel pretty down.

What sort of tips and tricks would you suggest might help in dealing with these extreme emotions that seem to be part of the carnival ride that is writing, producing, recording, releasing and performing your own music?