"You'll embarrass yourself."
Around this time four years ago I was planning the New York release party for my second record. It was going to be my biggest release show to date, and the first show with my new agent. I wanted it to be great.
My agent suggested Joe’s Pub, a gorgeous cabaret-style theater that’s hosted Adele, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga early in their careers.
My publicist felt differently. “It’s too big. I’m afraid you’ll embarrass yourself,” he told me.
I’d been in New York for less than a year, and he thought I couldn’t even come close to filling the 190 seats. I didn’t know that many people.
So we passed on Joe’s, and instead went with a venue that didn’t charge a cover. It ended up being an amazing night (we packed the show to capacity), but even months after, his words stuck with me. Don't make an ass of yourself, Aly. Know your place.
Throughout my career I’ve had to deal with feeling like an amateur. Like I’ll always be the 22 year old who struggled to fill a two-hour set or theater. Always biting off more than I can chew. There’s no secret to getting over it. It just takes time, and repeated effort.
Lots of big successes and great shows followed by not-so-great ones and even ohmygod-I-should’ve-stayed-in-school shows. Tomorrow I turn 30. I’m starting to care less about looking like an idiot. I screw up all the time.
Yesterday at rehearsal we went through the string charts and I realized they were a mess. I felt stupid, and it’s okay. My bandmates helped me figure it out.
The trick is, now I don’t try to do it alone.
All throughout my crowdfunding campaign I had support. I called my sponsor daily, freaking out. “WHAT IF THEY HATE ME?”.
Texted other artists who soothed me through the process. I was terrified most of the time, but they carried me through it.
Whether I succeed or fail doesn’t define me. What matters is that I keep showing up. This Wednesday night I’ll take the stage at Joe's Pub at The Public with my six wonderful bandmates
e’re celebrating the release of my third record, but it means so much more to me. It’s one more chance for me to do something that scares me. Doors open at 9PM. The amazing Dustin Gledhill and Lucas Pullin open the night.
If you're in NYC, there are a few tables left. Tickets here: http://www.publictheater.org/en/tickets/calendar/playdetailscollection/joes-pub/2016/a/aly-tadros/?SiteTheme=JoesPub
I will probably say something embarrassing, but this time, it’s on my terms. I hope you’ll join me.
Around this time four years ago I was planning the New York release party for my second record. It was going to be my biggest release show to date, and the first show with my new agent. I wanted it to be great.
My agent suggested Joe’s Pub, a gorgeous cabaret-style theater that’s hosted Adele, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga early in their careers.
My publicist felt differently. “It’s too big. I’m afraid you’ll embarrass yourself,” he told me.
I’d been in New York for less than a year, and he thought I couldn’t even come close to filling the 190 seats. I didn’t know that many people.
So we passed on Joe’s, and instead went with a venue that didn’t charge a cover. It ended up being an amazing night (we packed the show to capacity), but even months after, his words stuck with me. Don't make an ass of yourself, Aly. Know your place.
Throughout my career I’ve had to deal with feeling like an amateur. Like I’ll always be the 22 year old who struggled to fill a two-hour set or theater. Always biting off more than I can chew. There’s no secret to getting over it. It just takes time, and repeated effort.
Lots of big successes and great shows followed by not-so-great ones and even ohmygod-I-should’ve-stayed-in-school shows. Tomorrow I turn 30. I’m starting to care less about looking like an idiot. I screw up all the time.
Yesterday at rehearsal we went through the string charts and I realized they were a mess. I felt stupid, and it’s okay. My bandmates helped me figure it out.
The trick is, now I don’t try to do it alone.
All throughout my crowdfunding campaign I had support. I called my sponsor daily, freaking out. “WHAT IF THEY HATE ME?”.
Texted other artists who soothed me through the process. I was terrified most of the time, but they carried me through it.
Whether I succeed or fail doesn’t define me. What matters is that I keep showing up. This Wednesday night I’ll take the stage at Joe's Pub at The Public with my six wonderful bandmates
e’re celebrating the release of my third record, but it means so much more to me. It’s one more chance for me to do something that scares me. Doors open at 9PM. The amazing Dustin Gledhill and Lucas Pullin open the night.
If you're in NYC, there are a few tables left. Tickets here: http://www.publictheater.org/en/tickets/calendar/playdetailscollection/joes-pub/2016/a/aly-tadros/?SiteTheme=JoesPub
I will probably say something embarrassing, but this time, it’s on my terms. I hope you’ll join me.