On the first Wednesday of each month Tossing It Out participates in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who convene to discuss the struggles as well as the triumphs of pursuing the literary life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog. It's an extensive list which will lead you to much worthwhile information. The co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the #IWSG are Chemist Ken, Suzanne Sapseed, and Shannon Lawrence!A Very Special Battle of the Bands/Insecure Writer's Combined Post
On March 1st Tossing It Out also participated in the bi-monthly Battle of the Bands event which occurs each month on the 1st and 15th. In this event two different music artists face off with the same song for voters to decide which version they like the best. This recent Battle featured rock
interpretations of Beethoven's Für Elise by Orion's Reign from Greece and Sebastian Sidi of Los Angeles. On Monday March 2nd I was joined by Orion's Reign guitarist Michael Batistatos for a special interview. In our current post Sebastian Sidi joins me in my first video Tossing It Out episode with some of his thoughts on dealing with and overcoming insecurity.
Be sure to check out the links following the summarized textual transcription of what is contained in the interview provided for those unable to view the video. My thanks to Sebastian Sidi and to Red Rock Recording Studio in Los Angeles for making this video possible I hope you enjoy the interview. If you do watch this video I hope you might click the like button at YouTube and leave a brief comment there as well as on this blog.
If you were not able to view the video, here is a condensed text version of the interview:
Hi, I'm Arlee Bird from the blog Tossing It Out. We're here for the March 2015 post for Alex J Cavanaugh's "Insecure Writer's Support Group". I'm joined by Sebastian Sidi who is one of the competitors in my most recent Battle of the Bands post. I hope you've taken the time to visit that post and vote on your favorite song version. If not, be sure to visit that post after you've finished here.
Arlee: Who are you and what do you do?
Sebastian: I am a self-promoted and self-marketed musician, primarily playing piano. I have been in the business of music full time for about 15 years.
Arlee: What exactly do you do here at Red Rock Recording Studio?
Sebastian: Initially I built the studio to have control over recording my own albums. Now I also produce recordings for other bands and artists
Arlee: I've seen you perform a number of times and have watched you interact with fans. You exude a sense of confidence in what you do and don't ever appear to be insecure. In fact from what I've seen, you are one of the most self-confident people I've met and seem to be successful in every dream you strive to achieve. Who has been the greatest force of instilling that self-confidence within you?
Sebastian: Hands down that would be my father. He's shown me that you just have to go for it. It doesn't matter if you fail as long as you try. If you don't at least try you'll never no and if one thing doesn't work you can keep trying until you succeed. Just try your best.
Arlee: If there are times when you feel insecure how do you deal with those negative feelings in order to keep moving forward?
Sebastian: We're all insecure. Anytime I go onstage I'm scared. The moment I step on the stage I realize that I'm responsible for the emotions of the audience. Even if I have to pretend I have to appear confident in order to relax my audience. Once they are at ease then I feel confident and can do my job.
Arlee: Over the years you've worked with many young people as well as seasoned musicians. How do you instill more confidence in the artists you work with and mentor?
Sebastian: I begin be letting them know I'm going to be honest with them. I'm not going to feed them false hope. I work on developing their talent and what they need to be professional not to be a hit, but to make a career in music. I keep it real in order to arm them to have control over their careers so they will be prepared to manage their own futures.
Arlee: You are in the music and entertainment business, but there are many aspects that are similar to what writers deal with in their lives. What advice would you give to insecure writers and anyone else who is presently hindered with feelings of insecurity that might encourage them in their quest to break free of insecurity and start achieving their dreams?
Sebastian: First of all you have to practice some social skills and get out to meet the people who can help you with your career. You need to talk to people about what you're doing. Also start doing things pertaining to your dream and don't wait for the approval of others as to whether you should pursue your dreams. Have something to show people to give what you're doing credibility.
Arlee: Marketing is a daunting challenge for many writers who often tend to be reclusive and apprehensive about meeting the public and promoting themselves and their work. What marketing advice can you offer to them?
Sebastian: Focus on what the public perception of you will be. Do you have a quality product that is packaged well? If you are out in public are you offering a good presentation that makes you come across as authentic, professional, and credible? Don't spare expense in order to cur corners, but in the end make you look bad to the public. Consider all of the little details that will make the public feel secure in buying your product. Your packaging is just as important as your product. Make tiny goals to take little steps toward the big goal.
Arlee: What are some of the other services you are now offering?
Sebastian: Currently besides my own music I am offering video production, photo shoots, and promotional consultation. I can handle video services such as book trailers, personal profile videos, and any type of promotional video needs. Also we can provide recording services for the spoken word as well as music. I also can create original music if that's something you need for video or any other uses.
Arlee: Thanks for meeting with the Insecure Writer's Support Group and anyone else who may have dropped by. This has been the very first video edition of Tossing It Out made possible by my guest Sebastian Sidi. Be sure to check out the links provided below to learn more about Sebastian's work and about Red Rock Recording Studio.
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For more information about Sebastian Sidi, bookings, performance schedule, or products available for purchase visit Sebastian's website: http://www.sebastiansidi.com/ You'll find some wonderful CD's for purchase as well as a DVD documentary and concert video that has been broadcast on many PBS stations.
If you are interested in audio or video production find more information at Red Rock Recording Studio: http://redrockrecordingstudio.com/ Feel free to contact Sebastian about your promotional needs.
And now for Sebastian's most recent recording from Red Rock Recording Studio:
If you have still not voted on the most recent Battle of the Bands post, please do so by clicking this link.
Do you have anything to add to Sebastian's advice ? Have you personally utilized the services of a recording studio or videographer for your author needs or anything else? Would you like to see more video features at Tossing It Out?
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