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

Maday, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 never had the goal of making a living as a professional musician. But, it was clear to me, as soon as I sat on a drum throne, that I wanted to achieve my best version as a drummer. So I followed the advice of some of my teachers; “study, study more and be there”, in the music scene, so that everything else would come… And that’s how it was. I believe that not expecting to earn a salary from my art from day one has been the key to overcoming adversity, by relying on the unconditional passion that kept me going.

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.

Like most musicians, shortly after starting to play my instrument, I started going to jam sessions and meeting musicians around me. This led to having different bands of my own, and little by little becoming professional until I ended up accompanying national artists on their tours around Spain.

Recently, I have created a podcast of live music and talks with musicians, since when work becomes routine, I need to develop my creative side in different ways.

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

I think the problem we musicians have is the glamorous perception that is given to our profession, since that makes it treat it as something different from other jobs. And yes, we make art, but there is an external judgment about the professions in which you enjoy doing your work, in addition to not being aware of all the difficulties and sacrifice necessary to become a professional musician.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My instrument always gives me, it never takes me away. They take away my energy: the working conditions, the many hours of traveling in a van, the uncertainty, the few hours of sleep… But whenever I play the drums, it gives me something, it’s like your best friend, it always holds your hand when you need it more.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/madaydrummer
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/madaydrummer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnaJamCon

Image Credits
Jesús Martínez Photography