this talk: is about coping with rejection as a young artist - with Katie Sky
Hi, could you tell our readers a little about yourself and what you do?
Hi there! My name is Katie. I'm a Singer, a Songwriter, a Topliner and a full time chatterbox. I travel a lot for writing - Berlin, Stockholm, L.A, Tallin, Oslo - just a few of the places I worked last year. If I'm not globe trotting, I'm at home in Bristol in my studio writing for pitch & recording session vocals for various producers/companies.
What was your journey into your industry?
When I first started pursuing music, I fronted an electro/pop band and we did gigs every week. I learnt so much about performing, my voice and who I was becoming as an artist. At 21, I was signed to LAB records (an independent label based in Manchester) and started my solo pop project, AKA Katie Sky. I released my first EP, various singles & music videos, did gigs up & down the country and started writing more & more songs. In 2014, I signed to Universal Music Publishing as a writer and began to write for other artists, with genres ranging from K-pop & R'n'B to Trap & EDM. Nowadays, I write mainly for pitch & for other artists, but I still release a few tracks of my own and also feature on others’ songs.
Are there any standout struggles that you faced along the way?
Firstly, I would say loneliness. While I will never stop being grateful that I get to write in different countries, meet new people everyday & experience different cultures, I miss out on a lot of things back home; birthdays, family holidays, get-togethers, weddings. And I also miss people; my husband, my family, my baby nephews & nieces, and my close friends. Skyping from different timezones just isn't the same. I often find myself in an uncomfortable (cheap) hotel room, feeling down & craving that connection.
Secondly, rejection. There often seems to be no rhyme or reason to who is successful & who isn’t. It is not always based on your skill level, your work ethic or your 'hustle'. So if you are doing everything in your power, putting all your money, time & effort into making music your career and yet nothing happens, you can start to feel rejected. Especially when its common practice for people who are 'higher than you' in the music food chain to ignore your emails and even feel justified in doing so. They don't owe you a thing. That all sounds rather grim. But in all seriousness, I've experienced these things, yet in the long run, I have found complete happiness & satisfaction in doing music full-time.
What tools have you developed to cope, or overcome these struggles?
Having a support network is KEY. When I'm away a lot and can't surround myself with the people I love, its important for me to stay in regular contact with them - whether that’s through Skype, phone calls or voice messages on WhatsApp, it keeps me feeling connected & loved. I also keep in touch with lots of fellow musicians and songwriters who relate to all the struggles I mentioned before. I also spend time praying & meditating to keep my mind focused on the good things & to keep gratefulness in the forefront of my day-to-day life.
Do you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work / life balance?
I think I used to but it's definitely balanced out in recent years. Like many creatives, I worked in bars for nearly eight years alongside pursuing music. I learnt what hard work felt like, working 12 hour shifts ending at 6am and becoming completely nocturnal. For a while, when I could finally quit bar work and become a full time songwriter, I felt like I had to work all hours to prove I wasn't being lazy. Some people would comment on the fact that I didn't have a "proper job", that I was floating in this thing called "self-employment". I think they assumed that I was waking up at midday, living in my Pj's, writing a verse or two, and sending a couple of emails. I was so terrified of becoming ‘that’ person that I think at first I over did it. Now, I understand that being a creative will never be a 9-5 thing and that you have to learn how to be your own boss, scheduling & how to switch off. I’m yet to learn the perfect balance between work & play but I'm definitely getting there.
Do you find that social media has a tangible effect on your mental health?
I think for me, too much time spent on social media can breed comparison in my life which is a slippery slope. If I'm constantly scrolling through feeds of other singers who are prettier, thinner & more successful, it can make me think that what I'm doing/who I am isn't good enough. But that is NOT the truth, of course! It’s good to look at others for inspiration or to challenge/push yourself in your skills but you should never compare your journey with someone who is on a completely separate path. You have something totally different to offer than anyone else in the world.
Do you feel like there is a problem surrounding mental wellbeing in your industry?
I feel we are entering a time where mental health in the music industry is actually being addressed now more than ever which is so good to see. Creatives have long been known for insomnia, depression, bi-polar & eating disorders because of the very nature of what this industry asks of us. But in recent years, there has been such positivity around sharing honestly throughout the creative community. With big names posting real captions alongside barefaced selfies, it's helping people understand how heavy it can feel being in the spotlight.
How do you feel it could be addressed?
I can only hope that we will continue to encourage awareness & mental well-being through openness on social media platforms and a wave of support from all angles. Being real with fans & supporters directly effects the standard that we set for a generation of young people who feel alone & unworthy in their own skin. We should be encouraging all colours, all shapes, all feelings good & bad and teaching people to regularly address one's feelings.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Write, write and write again! Everyday. Every week. Practice & hone your skill. Also, don't be afraid to just ask. Ask for a vocal fee, ask to be paid, ask for a better cut of royalties. The worst that can happen is someone says no. Know your worth as a songwriter and act like it. Sounds cliché but it works!
What’s your positive corner of social media / the internet?
I really enjoy following The Happy Newspaper on Instagram! It's run by the brilliant Emily Coxburn and is simply what it says - Happy news. Their goal is to bring a refreshing twist on what we typically know as 'news', reporting on positive changes and truly inspiring people. Genius idea & definitely where I go for a feel good story to cheer me up.