Meet Martin Motnik

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Martin Motnik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Martin below.

Martin, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I can’t say that I’ve overcome imposter syndrome, but what helped me was watching several videos (like TED Talks on YouTube) by highly competent and accomplished people who confessed that they are struggling with the issue as well. If people like that whom I highly respect suffer from the same problem, then I don’t have to feel too bad about myself feeling like I’m just winging it until somebody will inevitably call me out on it. I think that with my biography I’m particularly prone to feel imposture syndrome since I’m mostly self-taught in my line of work. I mean, I do have a Masters degree, but it’s in a completely different field which is business. As a musician I have learned almost everything by watching and listening to artists whom I admire, and I basically imitated their work and made it my own. Of course, I further develop what I’ve learned and give it my personal spin, but it’s all been in a very non-academic way. So when I’m in the room with other musicians who are usually highly trained and have gone to colleges and conservatories for music, I do feel like a small fish in a big pond very often. Then I just have to tell myself that there is a reason why I am in the same room, which usually gives me enough confidence to get through the session or the concert or whatever I’m booked to do. And if I should really get called out one day and my whole world collapses under this big lie I’ve been living, then I can at least tell myself that I had a good run and I enjoyed the experiences that I’ve had. I’m saying that with a little bit of sarcasm, but also in a sense that I don’t need to be afraid of anything.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m thrilled to share my story and what I’m currently focused on professionally. I’m a passionate bass player and proud member of the legendary heavy metal band ACCEPT. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re eagerly anticipating the release of our new album early next year. The excitement and energy that come with being part of such an iconic band are truly special, and I can’t wait for our fans to hear what we’ve been working on.

In addition to my role in ACCEPT, I also have a thriving career as a freelance bass player available for hire. Collaborating with different artists and bands from diverse genres has been an enriching experience. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and I absolutely love the creative process of helping other artists bring their visions to life. If you’re an artist looking for a bass player to add that missing piece to your sound, I’d be more than happy to discuss how we can work together.

But that’s not all! I’m also a studio musician who offers custom bass tracks online through my website, www.studiobassist.com. Whether you’re a musician in need of a killer bassline for your song or a producer seeking to elevate your tracks, I’m here to provide top-notch bass tracks tailored to your needs. It’s an exciting avenue that allows me to connect with artists and music enthusiasts from all over the world, and I find it incredibly rewarding to be a part of so many different musical journeys.

As for what’s new on the horizon, in addition to our upcoming album with ACCEPT, I’m always open to exciting collaborations and projects. So if you have any musical endeavors in mind or are simply looking for some killer bass tracks, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to bring the groove, the rhythm, and the passion to your music.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been particularly impactful:

Versatility: Being open to exploring different musical styles and genres has been crucial. While I’m primarily known for my work in heavy metal, being able to adapt to various musical contexts has broadened my horizons and opportunities. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace versatility. Don’t limit yourself to one style; instead, seek to diversify your musical skills. Learn to appreciate and understand various genres, as this can open doors to unexpected and exciting collaborations.

Collaboration and Communication: Music is a collaborative art form, and effective communication with fellow musicians is essential. Building strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and respond to others’ ideas is invaluable. Whether you’re performing on stage or working in the studio, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere enhances the creative process. My advice is to practice active listening, be open to feedback, and always approach collaborations with a collaborative and respectful mindset.

Technological Proficiency: In today’s music industry, technology plays a significant role. Understanding recording techniques, digital audio workstations, and the tools of the trade is essential, especially if you’re considering a career as a studio musician or offering custom tracks online. My suggestion is to invest time in learning about the latest recording and production technologies. Stay curious and keep honing your technical skills because they can make a substantial difference in the quality and efficiency of your work.

To those just starting their musical journey, I’d like to offer this advice: Embrace versatility, nurture your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, and stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving technological landscape of music. These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge will not only help you succeed but also make your musical journey a fulfilling and rewarding one. Remember, every step you take on this path is an opportunity for growth and learning, so enjoy the process, and never stop pursuing your passion for music.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the significant challenges that I, along with many other musicians, currently face is the evolving landscape of the music industry, particularly the impact of declining revenue from streaming services. Additionally, the emergence of AI and its potential to take over certain aspects of music creation has raised concerns among music creators.

To address the issue of declining revenue from streaming services, musicians need to adapt and diversify their income streams:

Diversification of Income: Relying solely on streaming royalties may no longer be sustainable for many artists. Musicians can explore alternative revenue sources such as live performances (when feasible), merchandise sales, crowdfunding, and licensing their music for film, TV, and commercials. These avenues can provide a more stable and diversified income.

Direct Fan Engagement: Building a strong and loyal fan base is crucial. Engaging with fans through social media, fan clubs, and exclusive content can encourage direct support, including merchandise purchases and crowdfunding. Platforms like Patreon have been successful in enabling artists to connect with their fans and generate consistent income.

Educate and Advocate: Musicians should also advocate for fair compensation in the streaming industry. Joining or supporting organizations that promote fair streaming royalties, lobbying for legislative changes, and encouraging fans to subscribe to premium streaming services (which typically pay higher royalties) can make a difference.

As for the potential threat of AI in music creation, it’s essential to remember that AI is a tool that can augment creativity rather than replace it. Musicians can harness AI to their advantage:

Collaboration with AI: Embrace AI as a creative partner. AI can assist in generating musical ideas, suggesting chord progressions, or even producing instrumental tracks. Collaborating with AI tools can enhance your creative process and lead to unique musical outcomes.

Focus on Uniqueness: Emphasize the human elements of music creation. Musicians have the ability to infuse emotion, personal experiences, and authenticity into their work. These qualities are irreplaceable and resonate with audiences on a profound level. AI lacks the capacity for these deeply human connections.

Education and Adaptation: Musicians should stay informed about AI developments in the industry. Learning to use AI tools effectively can give them a competitive edge. Additionally, exploring AI-driven music production can lead to innovative and distinctive compositions.

In summary, while the challenges of declining streaming revenue and the potential influence of AI are real concerns, musicians can thrive by diversifying their income, engaging directly with their fans, advocating for fair compensation, and embracing AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement. By combining their unique creative abilities with technology, musicians can continue to create impactful and financially successful music in the evolving music industry.

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Image Credits
Rudy De Doncker, Wolf Hoffmann, Scott Diussa, Ryan Goldbacher, self

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