We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cymrie Hukill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cymrie below.
Hi Cymrie, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I love being a freelance musician. To me, it’s not work. And I believe that everybody should feel that way about their job. Everyone should enjoy their career, because that’s how they thrive, and when everyone thrives, society as a whole succeeds. However, freelancing as a musician (or freelancing in any career, really) is not financially stable. In the months where don’t receive a lot of work, finances cause more stress in my life than they should, and at those times, I think about what it would be like to have a regular 9-5 job. And sometimes, the thought is insanely appealing! A salary? A set income every month? Wow, the peace of mind that would bring. But I wouldn’t enjoy it like I enjoy my life as a freelance musician. It wouldn’t bring me joy. And that is what is most important to me.
Cymrie, 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 freelance musician. What does that mean? I do anything and everything that I can to create in the music world. I’m a professional violinist, which allows me to take live gigs like weddings and touring concerts, as well as recording gigs for movies, tv shows, and video games. I’m also a composer and arranger, which allows me to write music for commercials and trailers, as well as self-publish my own violin books for beginning violinists. I’m an audio engineer and transcriber, which allows me to play for and write music out for independent producers and songwriters. And last of all, I’m a teacher, which allows me to introduce violin and piano to others. I do it all. And I absolutely love the variety. Every time I learn to do something new, more doors open up, and I realize how much I love what I do. Cymrie Music is more than just one corner in the music world. It is the web that connects each corner together. It is the web that connects people to each other. Through the power of music.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Love us honestly. If you love something that an artist creates, TELL US! We thrive on knowing that we have impacted someone positively. The reason we do what we do is because we get to share our talents with others, but if we don’t think that anyone is benefitting from our creations, we will be unmotivated to continue. If you don’t love something an artist creates, just keep scrolling. Negative comments crush us. Just love the artists you love, and walk on past the ones you don’t love. Our creations aren’t meant for everyone, so give 100% of your attention to the artists you can lift up through compliments, shares, purchases, and likes. We need a support system who is truly there.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want my daughter to grow up knowing that she doesn’t have to sacrifice what she loves in order to have a family. I also want me daughter to grow up knowing that she doesn’t have to sacrifice her relationship with her family in order to do what she loves. These goals are what drive me to find balance as a musician and a mama. My kids are my everything, and my creative journey as a freelance musician is here to enhance our relationships, not to take away from it.
Contact Info:
- Website: cymrie.com
- Instagram: @cymrie