Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sid Grimes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sid thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have always been inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s story of becoming a full-time filmmaker. I heard him speak about the subject on a podcast once. He said that once he sold his first script, he quit every other job he had and dedicated all his time to writing stories and scripts to make his dream of being a filmmaker a priority. Singing, writing songs, and performing have always been what I’ve been the most passionate about. I have always wanted to be a full-time working musician. In the beginning I had a lot of different odd jobs, but I always felt like the time I spent having to punch a clock and participate in the daily grind took focus away from what I really wanted to do with my life. Once I realized that it was possible to be a working musician as a career, I started looking at being artistic and creative as more than just qualities to describe myself, but as services I could offer the world. When I started taking the role of being a musician seriously, I knew I had to follow in the footsteps of Quentin and push myself to rely only on my creative talents to earn a living. I’ve been an early childhood teacher, a dog walker, a waitress… but as soon as I started making decent money from performing and doing studio session work, I knew I had to forgo working jobs like the ones I had previously dedicated my time to and prioritize my efforts and energy to music alone. My days are often spent writing, sending emails to venues and talent buyers, networking with other musicians and performing as often as possible. When I started out, I had 2-3 shows a month. Now I typically have 3-5 shows a week. I figured out quickly that doing music full-time meant daily dedication to finding opportunities to showcase my music and constantly working on my craft as a performer and songwriter, which are still parts of my routine to this day. The process of becoming a full-time musician and artist is slow and takes patience and commitment. There aren’t any tricks or tips to speed up the process or beat the system that I’m aware of, but it’s in that time you spend grinding and perfecting your craft that you become the best musician you’re capable of being and discover what it means to be a working creative.

Sid, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a singer-songwriter, musician and performer. I write songs which are best categorized under the umbrella of “alternative-country” music. I am influenced by traditional country music, rock n’ roll, folk and americana and have used these different genres to craft original songs for over 10 years. I write both the music and the lyrics for my songs. As a songwriter, my lyrics are relatable, conversational and catchy. One of the new songs off my upcoming album was recently selected for an independent horror film, which is scheduled to be out later this year. Being a musician and entertainer has always been what I’ve wanted to do with my life and is what I believe I do best. I come from a musical family, so music and the arts were always important and encouraged in my household growing up. I’ve been working on my craft as a singer since elementary school choir. Middle school through college I studied with several vocal coaches privately and participated in various camps, choirs and musical programs centered around singing. As a singer, my voice is unique and powerful, crafted by classical training and seasoned by years of performing, studying and working as a professional singer. I currently perform as a solo artist, with a duo and a full 5-piece band. As a performer, I’m warm and engaging as well as quick-witted and charming. I try to make every performance memorable and fun for my audiences. I aim for enjoyable, entertaining and lively performances. Often times when I get asked the question “Is performing music all you do for a living?”, I typically jokingly respond “Yes, no one would pay me to do anything else.” I do possess other professional skills not related to music, but none that are quite as polished, sharp or have been developed over such a long period of time. The time and dedication I’ve put into singing, performing and writing songs I believe has set me apart and helped me stand out as an entertainer with individuality and experience.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe art, music and entertainment make life more enjoyable. People look to these things for insight as well as an escape from life’s hardships. Each artist and creative offers their own personal contribution to relieving the world of dullness, misery and looking at things from only one perspective. It’s quite a noble and admirable gift to society and at times is overlooked and taken for granted. It was hard not to notice people turning to their streaming services, favorite music and films in 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak when the world shut down. People were hungry not just for entertainment, but for beauty and personal expression. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that people turned to art in all its forms to relieve themselves during such a difficult time in history; Art makes life better. I don’t always think people realize what a calming effect artistic expression can have on a troubled psyche. Supporting art in all its forms looks different and can happen in a multitude of different ways. Tip that musician playing live music to a crowded restaurant. Buy a painting by a local visual artist selling their work on the street. Donate to organizations that believe in the preservation of art. Go see a local act. Take a chance and buy an album by a local band you’ve never heard, or that you just heard play live. Encourage artists to keep doing their thing with both verbal affirmations and personal actions. Forgo using AI-generated templates for your creative needs and hire a living, breathing artist instead. Look for opportunities to support individuals and their creative contributions to the world. Artists and creatives work very hard to color our world with beauty and individuality. Life wouldn’t be as appealing or interesting without them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Providing relaxation, comfort, and amusement to those in need of an escape from life’s harder moments is incredibly rewarding. You would be amazed at how quickly a person will forget about their laundry list of personal afflictions and problems when they hear a great song or see a performance by an entertainer they enjoy. As a performer, I am here to take your mind off whatever is troubling you or weighing you down in your life and to just help you enjoy yourself. I don’t see my role in society as frivolous or shallow, and I do my best to take it seriously.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sidgrimes.com
• Instagram: @sid_grimes
• Facebook: @sidgrimesmusic

Image Credits
Jose Flores Kirk Weddle Raul Adrian Ochoa