Okay, yes, I’ll admit it. I can be a bit of an asshole in music at times, and for good reasons. Is it bad to be an asshole in music? No. A lot of people make the mistake that they think it’s a bad thing, but in reality, it’s actually a pretty professional thing to be an asshole in music. Let me explain why…
I honestly believe that all those musicians out there who want to be positive, lovable, and be a “yes man” at everything, is doing it wrong. Some musicians mistakenly see music as being positive, but not everything is going to be. You have to do what’s best for yourself as a human being and for your music. You can’t be friendly at everything, there are times when you need to be negative.
You can’t trust everyone you meet in the music scene. That includes other musicians, the venues you work with, or hell even regular music fans. The music world is one crazy ass place. So if you want to go somewhere with your music and keep doing it, this is why you have to be a bit of an asshole. Also, don’t be afraid to turn down gigs you don’t agree with, you don’t have to say yes to everything that throws at you which a lot of bands seem to be doing around here.
It’s about protecting yourself, and your music. This is why I do what I do. Being honest and real about everything, also helps give you more respect from people and the industry. I’m real tired of people thinking how I act is wrong. I’ve heard that from many for years. It’s about being yourself. Being who you are. If you’re the lovable and the “Yes man” type, then you’re not being true to yourself. You also need to be a bit of an asshole, if you want become successful. Being a jerk sometimes, actually helps.
You need be the Simon Cowell of music sometimes, to make your dreams come true. Think about why all those bands and musicians who stay positive all the time, never make it anywhere. Think about it a few minutes.
Kev
Edit to add: Yes, I can be a positive guy in music a lot too, but only when you feel it’s worth it. Being real about yourself is how you go forward in music.
K'Brocking 
If you guys do some googling and researching, you’ll find plenty of info on this. You don’t want to be too lovable and positive in music. Sometimes you need to be a jerk to get where you need to go musically. Also, mixed emotions and being real is good. It shows people you can be a human being too. That’s another thing.
Kev
I understand that you must be professional acting and friendly to people to make it somewhere in music, but you can’t always. You can’t be nice to every little thing that you lay eyes on and that’s kind of the point I’m making in this post. I think you guys know exactly what I’m saying, you’re just being idiot trolls like usual.
Kev
I agree somewhat, but do you think this approach has actually helped your career?
Yes, it has actually. It’s part of how I got myself out there to begin with!
You have to be real about things, otherwise, you’re gonna be feuding with all kinds of musicians in the scene and other people. You can’t let people take your dreams away.
Kev
I mean, think about why it’s a bad idea to be positive and be a “yes man” on everything. You could put your career in the wrong direction, if you aren’t careful.
Kev
Here are more reasons why I think you need to sometimes be a prick in music:
-Like I said before, don’t be afraid to turn down gigs that you don’t agree with
-Don’t accept every opportunity that is thrown at you
-If you feel you’re being treated unfairly by the venues or by other musicians, stick up for yourself
-You need to make the right decisions for your career
-Sometimes you need to be a bit of an ass to get what you want, if someone wants to turn you down on a gig, don’t be afraid to use your anger to get it
You get the idea. I can keep going with the list. I have noticed other musicians are the same way ’cause believe me, I’ve worked with musicians over the years. If other musicians can be this way, so can I.
Kev
Tomorrow I’ll have a blog up about local bands trying to make it in the music industry, the major label. So be ready for this one! It’s gonna be good!
Kev
I agree. There are times when, let’s face it, you almost have to bully your way into a gig, especially if the club says that they aren’t going to book you. Using your anger in an emotional way, not to induce a tirade, but more for exercising some forcefullness is the way to go. You can intimidate the club owner into a gig and you can also adjust the order of the bands too. All you have to do is speak your mind, stand your ground and be a bit of an a-hole. Not too much of one, though. You just want people to notice your internal will and passion for your art, make them think twice that you’re willing to fight for your right be on any gig you choose to be on.
Exactly, bro! That’s kind of what I’m saying here! My point!
Kev
Thanks for agreeing. Probably the coolest show my band has been on, I literally had to challenge to promoter to a fist fight! He backed down and booked us on a show date with 9 other bands. He had us scheduled to play first, so if front of EVERY one I pinned up against the wall of the club and loudly demanded a better slot – long story short, we headlined!! Anger is an energy.