Cartagena recap #2

I just got back from my first mini-tour as a traveling artist.

Cartagena, Colombia. 4 days. 6 shows.

Enjoy 3 incredibly unique and profound insights from my trip:

Insight #1: Preparation Kills Anxiety

Anxiety comes from fear of the unknown.

There are two unknowns when performing:

#1: How well you will perform

#2: How well the show will go

You eliminate unknown #1 by practicing.

When you know your shit you worry less.

You (mostly) eliminate unknown #2 by playing shows.

The more shows you play, the better you can predict how the next one will go.

The best part is, 80% of fear is eliminated after only one show.

This is why fears like “public speaking” are way overblown…

Just practice what you're going to say. Hundreds of times.

Then, speak in front of people. Once.

At this point, you’re pretty much home-free.

Enjoy your new unlocked ability.

Insight #2: Context > Content

People who sell stuff are actually selling 2 things:

1. Content (the “thing” that people consume)

2. Context (everything that frames the “thing” to make it more valuable. The presentation.)

Context is more important than people think.

A lot of people are poor because they suck at context.

Extreme example: This social experiment of Joshua Bell playing violin in the metro.

He’s one of the world’s greatest violinists but is brushed off as a lowly street performer.

This is because his context is working against him.

There is zero presentation.

This is why a lot of talented musicians are poor…

They can’t market themselves or put on a show.

Luckily, we had a nice setup at our shows including fire dancers.

Lots to improve though still.

Now, let's look at an example of MAXIMIZED context… this guy selling bottled water for $100K.

He has taken a commodity (water), and created an experience around it to justify a $100K price tag.

Crazy shit.

Put on a show. It pays.

Insight #3: Performing Gets You Girls

Surprise surprise lol.

Seriously though. Get in the spotlight and women come to you. It’s quite nice.

Btw, you don’t have to be a musician to be “in the spotlight”…

Just do things that get you noticed.

Speak at a wedding. Host events and parties. Be the man and take on some responsibility.

OR, you can sack up by approaching women directly.

Either way, you need to sack up.

Pick your poison. 😉 

Hope this email was profoundly insightful as promised.

My parents just arrived here in Medellín. Tonight we’ll be doing some mushrooms in the mountains.

Wish me luck. :)

Graydon

Cool things I found during my weekly internet stroll.

Trying this AI language tutor to improve my Spanish. Will keep you posted.

Super helpful directory to see if AI can do a job for you before you do it yourself.

Off The Air. The world’s best trippy YouTube show that is great for after-parties. Mute the show then play music over it and be amazed as the music magically syncs up with the visuals.

Served up by Spijker.

Your Love - Antdot Remix | PLS&TY, Sofiya Nzau, Antdot

Born In Blue | Chambord, Jaguar Jaguar

Together We Stand - Chambord Remix | Myd, Chambord