Creative Wellness Letters - 🧐 how do you describe your 🎨 work?

The inevitable dance between playing the algorithm game and staying true to your creative self View in browser 

Hi Reader

How do you describe your creative work?

It might be easy to describe in a general way - I can say “Brazilian piano music” for my first album, or the more wordy “piano arrangements and originals in Brazilian styles”, but for my latest album Bright Little Worlds, which contains many genres, it was much harder.

I’ve always been frustrated with the limits of genres, even before I started writing my own music - why do we have to limit ourselves to fitting in a little box?!

(And don’t get me started on my distaste for the term “world music” - all music made by Earthlings is music of this world, and this term is mostly a way of other-ing non-Western music…)

Why can’t we just let the listener (or receiver of the art, in whatever form) have their own experience and leave it at that? (The rebellious side of me says, “Yes, great!”)

Well, yeah, each person always has their own personal experience of taking in art, but when you need to market your work, it’s more helpful to have some well-crafted language around it.

Although I’ve learned a lot, marketing advice is not my area of expertise - if you want an amazing resource, Wandering Aimfully’s unboring business coaching is top notch - happy to talk more about it if you’re curious!

Just uploading your music to streaming platforms requires you to select genres for each track, and to make things extra fun, different platforms have a different set of genres, some very specific, others not specific enough! 

Figuring this out for 22 tracks was a rabbit hole that took up the better part of a day.

It’s most important to me to describe my music as accurately as possible, because I want people to be able to find what they’re looking for, and hopefully find and enjoy my music!


So I decided to participate in the inevitable dance between playing the algorithm game and staying true to myself, but had to figure out exactly how.


I thought, “This music really can’t be described in one sentence, but I’ll have to try my best.”

I’m super good at overthinking, so I promptly got overwhelmed, then avoided the task for a bit. Then I got motivated by just getting it done, and also by the deadlines of uploading it to CDBaby (my digital distributor, which sends out recordings to streaming and other online platforms, if you’re not familiar).

I think most of us have at least some difficulty describing our own work - we’re too close to it to be able to zoom out to an outside perspective.

When I got stuck, I asked for help. 

First I asked friends who know my music (musicians and otherwise) to share any descriptive words that came to mind, which was really helpful and encouraging.

I also asked for encouraging words to persevere through the feeling of vulnerability as I put myself out there, and got strategic, asking fellow musicians for tactical advice on where to look for appropriate press outlets.

Then, I tried to reconnect with my “why” for making, sharing, and promoting my music.

I make music that’s (ideally!) the truest expression of myself, not for commercial success, and this album is definitely not super marketable in a traditional sense, so I reminded myself that I am not required or obligated to follow all of the traditional marketing advice.

I also have hopeful but realistic expectations - the game of getting press, especially when DIYing it, involves a low success rate and often a low response rate. 

Once I accepted that I was going to try things “because why not”, and stay mostly unattached to the results, it was easier to just hit “send” on that long shot email.

Through this reflection, I also reminded myself that my ultimate goal with marketing my album is generally for more people to discover and enjoy it, so I basically just wanted some quotes for my website, and it’s a bonus if something else gains more attention.

Ultimately, regardless of your marketing goals, you have to be “relentlessly yourself...there’s no one alive that’s you-er than you.”

(I heard this quote while in the thick of my genre quandaries, on the Chris Thile episode of Ben Folds’ Lightning Bugs podcast, which I love!)


Making work where I get to be the most “me” possible is absolutely my definition of success, along with connection at a genuine human level - like those little conversations meeting people that came to a show.

So, if you also find yourself mired in these questions of how to describe and present your work, you can always come back to your truest self and remember how that feels.

If it’s unclear, try making a list. 

I like to make 2 columns, with the headings “I am” and “I am not”, which really helps give some clarity on what we know about ourselves.

I hope this letter has helped you take the next step to find whatever clarity you need right now!

🥂 Cheers to being the you-est you possible, in your creative work and in all things!

    How do you describe your creative work? Any specific struggles or triumphs? I’d love to know!

    I'm always rooting for you, and my inbox is always open, so please feel free to reach out - I love hearing from you!

    Have a lovely week! ⁠

    🕸️ Staying on the good side of the internet 🕸️

    • Making the world sparkle again - I was fascinated by this episode of Hidden Brain about "why we get used to things and how to see with fresh eyes", which got me thinking about the implications for many aspects of being a creative person!

     WORK WITH ME

    🌟 Book a free discovery call to learn more about coaching and get a mini-session!

    (Or, send me a message on Voxer or just reply to this email with any questions!)


    Coaching Offerings:

    • Rise Above the Overwhelm: laser-focused 1-time sessions
    • Creative Season: 3 months of support via Zoom calls + Voxer/email

    If you enjoyed this email, I'd be honored if you hit "forward" and shared it with a friend.

    Or, if an awesome friend sent you this, you can subscribe at coachingforcreativewellness.com/newsletter!


    Rebecca Hass / Coaching for Creative Wellness

    Berkeley, CA, United States

    Copyright © 2024 Rebecca Hass

    hello@rebeccahass.com

    I occasionally use affiliate links in these emails (usually books) - if you make a purchase through an affiliated link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    No longer want these emails? Unsubscribe here - no hard feelings! | Update preferences

    Sent by MailerLite

    Older messages

    🧐 how many roles do we play?

    Thursday, June 13, 2024

    Embracing all of the parts of a creative project, even the uncomfortable ones View in browser Hi Reader, My new album is finally out in the world, and I did a concert to celebrate on June 2! (You can

    💿🎶🥂 Celebrate with me?!

    Monday, June 3, 2024

    My new album is out, join me for music and coloring on Sunday! (Berkeley, CA + online) View in browser Hi Reader, I don't usually email you about my personal music stuff (I have a separate list for

    🍀 time to forage for inspiration?

    Monday, April 22, 2024

    How + why to find inspiration when it's been lacking. View in browser The first single from my new album, Patas de Problemas (Troublepaws) is out now! 😻 🎧 Check it out! Hi Reader, When inspiration

    🌫️ do you embrace the mystery of the process?

    Monday, April 8, 2024

    Embracing the unknown in the creative process is...messy! View in browser I'm excited to share that the first single from my new album, Patas de Problemas (Troublepaws) comes out 4/19! 😻 Pre-save

    🕟 timelines are arbitrary (let's rethink them)

    Monday, March 18, 2024

    Burst the bubble of your own oppressive expectations 🫧 View in browser ICYMI: last week I wrote about balancing your scattered spring energy, and shared a helpful PDF with ideas. Check it out if you

    You Might Also Like

    🧙‍♂️ [FINAL HOURS] Sponsor Games

    Tuesday, October 22, 2024

    Early bird is ending... ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

    Poker, appendage sensory & game theories

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    Your new Strategy Toolkit newsletter (October 21, 2024) ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

    🧠 shall we declutter our brains?

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    🐸 Chaos Muppets, take heart! (in praise of imperfect organizing) View in browser 📝 I have been channeling my pre-election anxiety into action (highly recommend!) by writing get-out-the-vote letters for

    Implement Successful Subscription Models in Ecommerce Businesses

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    Daphne Tideman breaks down when and how to set up a subscription model that actually works for a D2C or e-commerce brand. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ Learn How to Successfully Build a

    Is It Illegal To Not Wish Someone Farewell?

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    No, but it's funny to think otherwise! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

    🧙‍♂️ [EARLY BIRD ENDING] It's not too late... YET.

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    Jump on in! ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

    2 new cities

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    Hi all, Please have a wonderful week. Trevor How to Be Polite (article) Surprisingly light on actual advice on being polite but an interesting take on a general life strategy, plus its benefits. Bret

    Order Now to Get DOUBLE Days 📌 Pinterest Book Pins 📌 

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    Advertise on Pinterest boards that get thousands of views/month Enable Images to See This PINTEREST PROMOS FOR AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS Enable Images to See This ContentMo pins your book to our highly

    The Lifecycle of Memes: How Ideas Evolve and Spread + AI of the week and more

    Monday, October 21, 2024

    I found a 1680-page document on memes, explored how they evolve and spread, shared AI updates like Amazon's nuclear-powered AI plans, and topped it off with some anxiety-relief quotes and fresh

    🧙‍♂️ “Is Sponsor Games 2025 worth the investment?”

    Sunday, October 20, 2024

    The REAL cost of not investing in your skills ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏