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Regardless of what venture that you accept, there is always going to be a level of risk. Associated with that risk is cost. The cost could be time, money, family, relationships, and even life. The risk is increased with a specific type of venture or investment. Often, people will invest without understanding the true risks or toll that they will incur. There are two extremes involved with when it comes to risk. The rush, and need. Both are very powerful and can lead to success or disappointment. The cost can be absorbed, depending upon your situation. Unless you are investing all that you have and own for the sake of an unfulfilling venture or experience.
Today, we are not considering the types of investments, such as Gold, Silver, or Stocks. We are a referring to the music industry. Depending upon how you look at the music industry, it could be compared to Gold, Silver, or Stocks. However, we want to dig down deep into this subject. Consider the “risk” and “reward” related to the music industry. If you are an artist living the dream of making it famous, do you not first understand the risk and cost involved in doing so? I must think that many do not. There are just way too many artists, trying to be “the one”.
According to “The Songwriter Music College” the number of artists that make it in the music industry is about 0.000002%. They go onto provide the reason for such a small percentage. Many artists that are talented, go into the music industry with the wrong idea. Instead of investing in a sustainable career as a musician, they look to be the next Ed Sheeran.
https://tsmcollege.edu.sg/why-being-a-sustainable-musician-is-so-much-more-important-than- being-a-successful-musician/
I mentioned those numbers because it provides a realistic view of your investment as an artist. Is the risk worth it? Is the cost that you pay, going to provide a return? Is it possible that artists approach their career as an artist without knowing, they could fall flat on their face? I strongly believe that the right person (s) approaches their music opportunities with the right perspective. The investment is worth the risk if you adjust your outlook and expectations. Therefore it is important to get insight from artist who has made it big. Despite the risk she has come away victorious in every aspect of her music career. That is our friend and guitar slayer Britt Lightning.
Britt Lightning is the lead guitarist for the all-female Platinum selling 80's rock band Vixen. She is also the Musical Director at Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp. During COVID Britt hosted and helped to produce over 160 online Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp masterclasses with legendary artists including Roger Daltrey (The Who), Alice Cooper, Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) and more.
From 2015 to 2016 Britt played guitar for Rachel Platten, performing live at festivals and on national TV shows promoting the single "Fight Song", which charted at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Britt performed live on Good Morning America, the Today Show, Live with Kelly and Michael, VH1, the Teen Choice Awards, Nickelodeon, and performed on the 2016 finale of America's Got Talent, which took place at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. Britt also performed on Live with Kelly and Michael with Jason Derulo to promote his new album “Tattoos”.
From 2012-2015 Britt performed for 22-time Grammy Award winning artist Alejandro Sanz in his stadium-level world tour. Britt is featured in Sanz’s "La Musica No Se Toca – En Vivo" CD/
DVD. Britt joined Sanz at the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas performing the single “No Me Compares”, and performed with the band at prestigious festivals, venues and international TV specials.
Britt recorded “Live At The Roxy”, a live CD/DVD with Alejandra Guzman, an iconic Latin artist who has sold over 30 million records.
Labeled the “Closer” by Lady Gaga, Britt has followed her dreams by striving to grow and evolve as a musician and simultaneously earned a degree in Music Business from Northeastern University graduating Summa Cum Laude and continued her education at Berklee School of Music. She also has experience working in the music industry with Live Nation and Universal Music Group.
Britt continues to tour with Vixen while working on their upcoming studio album.
GT: Well first, we want to thank you for taking the time to interview with us today. I was pleased with your accomplishments. I think it defines those at Guitar Thrills Magazine as well. Great choice in words to describe yourself indeed.
GT: Honestly, we don’t try to dig into the lives of our guests. If there is something that you would like to offer up, then that is cool with us. Let’s start with how you got into the music industry, and what inspired you to follow the path of an artist?
Bri': I was always moved by music growing up. I felt like I had trouble expressing my feelings but found songs that could explain them perfectly. I could listen to a song and it could transport me into a whole other world out of my own reality. I was hypnotized by the power of music and became obsessed with it. But it wasn’t until I heard EVH’s Eruption that I was compelled to pick up the guitar, and that changed the entire trajectory of my life.
GT: That is awesome. Like I mentioned before. How much does your background have on your music style and sound?
Bri': Getting into EVH led me to a lot of ‘80s rock which has always been my favorite, I always liked the fiery guitar solos and the cool riffs. But I appreciate all music from my dad’s love of Hank Williams to my mom’s love of the Bee Gees and The Beach Boys.
GT: I would like to focus on the topic of this interview for a little bit. We don’t have to read the article to know that there is risk in taking up a career in music. The question is it worth the cost worth the risk? What is your immediate response without thinking way too much about it.
Bri': If there is something in your life that you feel absolutely passionate about deep in your being, it is always worth the risk. We have one life to live and you if you don’t live it passionately you’re not living at all. To me, it would be far more risky to not follow my heart.
GT: Has there been events or experiences that led to questioning your choice in a music career? If so, please explain.
Bri': Sure, I think in being a musician you second guess yourself daily. Its unstable, unsure, there are no guarantees. My parents never wanted me to be a musician because they wanted me to have stability. Stability is great for some people, but for me, being in a routine where I do the same thing day after day is like being in the movie Ground Hogs Day and I can’t live like that, so I will take the risk of not having stability. It takes a certain personality type, and you have to believe in what you’re doing. Some challenges in this business include fluctuating financial situations, difficulty with personal relationships while traveling and being on the road and self doubt - but you power through with hope and inspiration!
GT: Despite your challenges, Guitar Thrills Magazine is glad that you overcame any roadblocks to continue your current path in the music industry. You are extremely talented.
Bri': Thank you I appreciate that.
GT: What rewards have you obtained in your life as a successful artist?
Bri': The greatest rewards I have seen from following this path have been meeting and bonding with incredible and inspiring people from all over the world, visiting places across the globe I otherwise may never have reached, having unforgettable experiences and feeling the indescribable sensation of playing music on stage with accomplished performers - that energy is a special type of magic.
GT: That is great to hear. If you didn’t have the passion and desire, music would have a short shelf life for you. Our point is to make artists aware of the risks and cost that are involved. Every singer cannot make music their profession. Working in the music industry is difficult. You don’t become famous overnight. Did you have the correct perspective before pursuing a career in the music industry?
Bri': For a while I did not have the right perspective. I wanted my band to succeed in a certain way and I had tunnel vision, and I only could see things working out in one narrow way. There came a time when I realized it probably wouldn’t happen, and I went to audition for another artist, against what I really wanted. Even though I did not get this first audition, it led me down a path that ultimately brought me to my initial desired destination. I learned not to be attached to an exact outcome, to be open to other roads because lots of times you can get to where you’re going if you’re available and open to taking the scenic route. I learned to not resist and trust in the universe and in myself.
GT: What do you think is required to get to the next level in your career? What is going to help you?
Bri': It all depends on what you consider to be the next level. Personally, I would like to really get into songwritng and record my own album in the near future. I love playing out so will continue to tour, but you never know what the future holds for you. I think what will help me is continuing to be clear with my intentions and surround myself with the right supportive people in my life.
GT: Undoubtedly you have your share of trial an error. If you knew what you know now, would you still have pursued a career in the music industry?
Bri': Absolutely. No obstacles would have ever stopped me from trying.
GT: We are glad to hear that. Because while it may be difficult for some to overcome their failures and the hurdles of the music industry, we feel that it will get easier for you. You have a unique guitar playing ability that sets you apart of the rest. What has helped you thus far, in accomplishing your goals?
Bri': My parents and great friends have helped most of all. Also a strong work ethic and determination. Understanding my needs versus wants clearly has also been helpful to me.
GT: Do you have any new projects to talk about? Also where do you plan on performing next?
Bri': No new projects to speak of yet, but we have new music coming out with Vixen I am excited for. We just finished a great run and are heading to Europe to play some festivals like Wacken in early August.
GT: Is there any specific venue, or festival that you would like to perform at?
Bri': I am very excited for Wacken in Germany because I have never played that one before. I would love to do Download Fes;val and play Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks Amphitheater and The Hollywood Bowl some day.
GT: You have been sponsored by several brands. This is part of your success. What makes you select a specific brand to sponsor?
Bri': I definitely have to love the product first and foremost, but the people and having a good rela;onship is just as important.
GT: What is your guitar of choice and why?
Bri': I love the Jackson RR1 models and Les Pauls for their shape, weight, feel, neck, sound and style.
GT: Awesome to know.
GT: Well, we know that you will continue to make it in the music industry. You have a good head on your shoulders, and you have the right expectations. Putting in some hard work, and never giving up is key to your success. Not to mention, coming on Guitar Thrills Magazine. That will always help too. 😊 We look forward to hearing more about you and your success. Will you keep us updated?
Bri': Absolutely! One thing I wanted to mention is that I am now offering a signed stage played guitar experience at all of my shows that are available for purchase on my website, brittlightning.com.
GT: That is awesome. We are always here to give you the support that you need. Thank you for your time.
