We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Istre recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Everything we do involves some amount of risk. Whether we are exploring a new coffee drink or traveling to a new country. Many things I’ve done in my life involved tremendous risk. I’ve traveled to many countries on my own, and I’m a roller coaster junkie. I’ve hiked some difficult trails, mastered yogic techniques, achieved my master’s degree, and gone to the movies alone. All of which I’ve been perceived as “brave” for doing. However, the bravest thing I did for myself was leave what was expected of me to pursue what I wanted.

As a musician, I get told, more than I can count, how many people wish they had my job. More often than not, it was out of fear of rejection that kept them from pursuing an artistic path. But, risk is one of the biggest perks in doing what I do. Every day I’m gambling that people will enjoy myself and my art enough that they are not only willing to sit and listen but give me something in exchange. Whether that’s in the shape of checks, cash, Venmo, or the countless freebies I’ve received, I’ve enjoyed everything I received.

What people often miss is that it wasn’t one big risk, or moment, that led me here. It was a series of little risks that added up. Not all of them were worthy of the consequences, but I don’t regret the way I’ve lived my life or the risks I’ve taken. They all taught me things that I needed and the artistic pursuit is all about living and learning.

The first risk I took was probably in the 3rd grade when I decided to sing for the first time, really try to sing, in front of some friends. They were surprised to find I could “actually sing,” as they put it. I would then take small risks like joining choirs and auditioning for various spots. Then, I also participated in a few talent shows, which if you ask me, getting up in front of an audience of peers is way scarier than karaoke night at the bar.

After the series of vocal progression, I hit some roadblocks in my personal and school life. In high school and college, I then decided to take the risk of picking up a couple of instruments, even if it took away time from work, school, etc. I stayed up late learning chords and working my fingers until they cramped. It was a little after I turned 21, I dedicated myself more to guitar and saved up to buy a “real” one.

During the year 2020, I was finishing my bachelor’s when I decided, well more like had a mental breakdown then decided, to pursue music whole-heartedly, before committing to a “real” job. Then, the pandemic happened. I spent 6-8 hours a day practicing guitar and performing. Since I had finished all my internships and bachelor’s, I was in a middle ground anyway, so I had the time to commit to my craft.

That August, I was given the opportunity by my voice teacher to go and meet with the manager of a country club to ask for a slot playing on Fridays. All I had to do was take my guitar in and meet with him. That was even more scary than the first performance.

I was sitting in my car, and all I had to do was walk in and ask. I could have driven away and found a normal job, but I was determined to try and make money doing something I was passionate about. Still, my heart was in my throat, my chest was tight, and my entire body was shaking. Sure enough, I got the courage to walk in, and I was given the job after just showing him a video of me singing and playing.

From then on, it was risk after risk of subjecting myself to people’s judgment in the form of emails, first performances, audience feedback, and rebooking. But, my biggest critic has always been myself. It took drive, passion, and courage to eat the bullet everything. And sometimes, it didn’t always work out. But, I’ve been lucky and I’ve worked hard to manage to keep at it.

I’ve hopped on motorbikes through Vietnam and Thailand and received a tattoo from a friend in her apartment in Seoul. I’ve faced my fear of heights, and even gone toe to toe with some crazy animals. But, by far, the biggest and scariest risk I took was walking into a country club with my guitar.

Looking back, it was worth it. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Courtney, and I’m a musician in the DFW area who sings and plays guitar in local businesses. I typically play pop, alternative, and indie music. I mostly do covers, but have been throwing out some originals to test the waters. I hope to start doing more of my work. I am the most proud of all the opportunities I have to work with amazing people. I hope to continue to grow as both an artist and a person as I move through these next few years.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There is a lot of difficulty in being creative and choosing to pursue creative passions for income. There is the fact that I don’t have one job, but multiple. I’m a teacher, performer, and management team. I also have constant battles within myself and with those around me.

I often get asked if being a musician is my only job or my main job. Yes, it is. I do well enough that I’m able to support myself. However, it’s not a spoiled existence. I used my skills and creativity to create jobs for myself, and all of those jobs contribute to my income. It’s not just being a musician. I have to utilize my strengths and creativity to branch out and challenge myself to grow. I’m my stylist, management team, and booking agent. I spend all day working on my crafts, and it’s more than most full-time jobs, with little payoff.

More than that, there is a large emotional and mental toll on the body from being in a creative field like music. Many people forget how hard being an artist truly is. At the base level, I subject myself to rejection every day. I step out the door, and the world judges me. From my looks, personality, guitar skills, and vocal skills, to the material I choose, the list goes on. I’m under constant scrutiny. On top of that, when I’m performing, I lay my soul out for judgment.

The songs I play often express my experiences and emotions. You can tell how close I feel to one song from the emotion in my voice to my face, to how I’m carrying myself. It’s very difficult to take yourself into those moments, and then come back out without a little bit of damage. Then, you have the added challenge of carrying the emotions of the audience as well.

I’m responsible for how the audience feels and reacts. Each night I have to take control of a room and make them feel the things I want them to. Unless you’ve done it yourself, it’s hard to explain how difficult it is. Yet, I manage each night to do so. I take people back to their teenage angst, I make them sing to Taylor Swift and Brtiney Spears, and then I have them tear up during some emotional song. It’s a balancing act, and I have to be careful with people’s hearts.

More than that, I am often the source of comfort for many people. Maybe it’s because of my personality, or it’s because I can connect so easily to people’s emotions through music, but I am often used as an outside ear for people. I hear their stories, and they tell me all their pain and heart break. It’s hard to not carry some of that or be affected.

We all have our pain, but this is one of the biggest things non-creatives don’t understand about being an artist. It’s that we have to go so deep into other’s pain and our own, and then come out of it. I sing certain pieces or even work on my art, and I’m taken back to places that tighten my chest and make me tear up. Then, I must instantly recover in a breath to move to another work, like it didn’t affect me.

There’s a reason so many artists lose themselves in toxic habits. I’m lucky to have the disposition to not need many vices, though if I were to be honest, sugary sweets and anime are my vice when I’m not performing. But, it’s incredibly difficult to explain the things I’m expected to do to non-creatives and how they affect me. It’s all instantaneous with no room for error. Especially when it comes to emotions and persistence.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best the society can do to support artists is to come to understand them. We are all sons, daughters, brothers sisters, mothers, fathers, and the list goes on. We are people who choose to share our hearts and seek connection. I don’t need a large number of tips, though it’s greatly appreciated, but I want to be the comfort that helps remind people of their strength and resilience. I want them to see the creativity and liveliness that they hold themselves. That they have everything they need to find peace in their lives.

It’s not that we artists are so different, intimidating, or less than, we seek different goals than those who do not pursue the arts. As I said, we often want to make connections and find comfort in the world. You don’t have to buy large pieces of work or tip lots of money to show appreciation. But, simply go out and explore the art that’s out there. Explore your creativity and encourage others to do the same.

Support artists by being one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.singcourtneymarie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymariebabe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneymarieistre
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneymarie6931

Image Credits

Pictures from Melody of Hope (a partner Non-Profit in Frisco, TX), Larry Don Brewer with the City of Lewisville, and the Yellow Vest picture was taken by Andre Dionisio or @andreadionisio.la on instagram at an Artist Bruch I played in Marfa, Tx.