We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dylan Sherry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dylan below.
Dylan, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I consider myself someone who has learned almost everything from experience; a big turning point in my life occurred when I stopped caring about what others thought–for lack of better words. Most of my time in high school was spent trying to blend in and seek validation from people that I didn’t really know. It was through receiving judgment and rejection regardless that I learned those things weren’t worth chasing, and it’s a development I’m incredibly grateful for. I gained confidence and self-esteem by quite literally doing the opposite of what I thought was right back then.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been making and releasing music for a little over 6 years now, drawing from influences I’ve picked up over my entire life. I’ve received positive and negative feedback, but the feedback I appreciated most was from someone who described it as ‘unique.’ I’d want people to know that I don’t view things based on algorithms and engagement, I’m happy and content to share my music with the world and grateful that there are people who enjoy it. Music is such a great connector, and it’s been rewarding to experience that, even if my material isn’t trendy or what you often hear on the radio. I’ve been tied to promotion schedules, tried just about everything to try and get big-label attention, and it hasn’t worked so far. So, I’m going to keep putting out music that I simply hope people will like, and more of it.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First off, I’d tell a musician just getting their start to not be afraid of being told ‘no.’ Even if it’s in response to a submission email or your first demo, it’s not the end of the world. Music is so subjective and personal, but it’s not an attack. The only way to find out if people like your music is to put it out there, and it’s a testament to who you are if you can take it on the chin when you’re told ‘no.’
Set goals, not assumptions and expectations. Stories of overnight successes and instant hits flood music and entertainment news, but it’s pretty much never the case. Major labels and a whole lot of resources are behind anything that bursts onto the scene these days, and I think those expectations can be damaging to your own motivation and confidence. Chip away at what you want to accomplish, and set attainable goals too, not just huge lifetime achievements. This is something I have to remind myself of also following releases, as I’m often focused on it not going the way I wanted, not realizing the positive things that actually came from it.
I mentioned earlier that the feedback I appreciated most was my music being called ‘unique,’ but I should add that negative feedback is a close second. I’m thankful for the times I’ve been humbled and told that maybe I should try another way related to music. Objectivity is sometimes hard to come by from friends and family, and while you should never take support for granted, I think you should look really closely at negative feedback, even if it hurts a little.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is something that occurs a lot for me, even if there isn’t a lot on my plate. Keeping a to-do list with tasks for the day, reminders for the week, and things to keep track of in the near future helped me organize the thoughts that would constantly run around in my head. I learned this during a meeting with Terry Santiel, a former Motown Records drummer/percussionist, and it changed my life instantly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dylansherrymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylansherry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylansherrymusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dusicsherrym
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuwAgY-Ejmn8jo5GnbOCmTA
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/47SpsruvmDVLTAuRZqAEMH?si=kh7vG6qkQzK2-7HIyKNPbg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-sherry/1182815777
