I have a confession to make. I’m an introvert and would probably never leave the house if I didn’t have to. Going to parties and big events takes a lot out of me. It requires mental preparation before, and some ‘me time’ after. But over the years I’ve learned to get better at hiding my discomfort and how to act like I enjoy these things – to the point where I can actually enjoy them.
Two weeks ago I was invited by Miriam Mayer to the TV Academy’s Emmy music reception. While there I got to meet some new people and re-connect with others I haven’t seen in a long time. The event led to having a couple of meetings with people that may lead to other opportunities.
Last week I attended the InfoList Pre-Emmys Soiree during which I re-connected with a producer and was introduced to a director who is looking for a composer for her next project.
Yesterday I attended the Guild of Music Supervisors State of Music in Media conference. I saw more composers this years than before. I got to see music supervisors and colleagues I don’t see very often. I saw a very good, but woefully under-attended (in my opinion) panel on women in music. But most importantly I had 3 separate conversations about work opportunities that never would have happened if I wasn’t there.
I don’t know if any of these meetings will lead directly to a gig anytime soon, if ever. If I’m very lucky, one of them will pan out, we’ll see what happens. But I know that if I hadn’t shown up none of them would even be on my radar, or me on theirs.
Seems to me that showing up is the difference between impossible and possible.
