Michael J. Media

YOUR MONTHLY DIY PR TIP FROM MIKE FARLEY

MAY 2008

Sleep Is Underrated

You might thing that the title of this has nothing to do with the music business, or any business. But let me tell you, if you're in the music business, you are likely a creative type, and that means you need brain power to do your job effectively -- so getting enough sleep is a key to your success.

So why is lack of sleep so prominent in the music industry? For starters, musicians play late shows and are typically night owls by nature. Those in the business (many are former professional musicians) are out late at shows many nights scouting new talent, watching clients perform, or invited to networking events. That, coupled with the fact that it's hard to eat right and avoid the temptation of alcohol (and other substances) when you're up late, and you've got the recipe for failure, and possibly disaster.

I've been there...as a musical performer, I often was out late, and added to my own rock star persona by drinking a lot of beer and frequenting strip clubs. I also was working a day job that required me to be up at 6am on weekdays. Not surprisingly, I was tired all the time. I think I was still pretty effective at everything I did, but looking back, I wonder if I could have been even better at both my day job and as a singer and songwriter. Now, I value sleep more than ever, and subscribe to the "early to bed, early to rise" philosophy. Whoever came up with that concept is no dummy, because I get more done by noon each day now that I used to get done in a whole day.

If you're a musician, especially a touring one, it's not easy to get enough sleep, but you owe it to yourself to try. That means, often times, saying no to after parties and alcohol, and choosing to close your eyes rather than trying to keep them propped open. Life itself is a marathon, and you should give yourself the chance to make the most of each day, and subsequently, each opportunity.

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Thank you!