We were lucky to catch up with Mol Sullivan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mol, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

It seems a relevant topic at the moment, to talk a little on learning the craft because I’ve been digging in pretty hard the last few months preparing to perform another artist’s music. Earlier this year I was asked to join as a member of one of my favorite bands, WHY?, as they tour their upcoming record this fall. This is my second time joining an already-established project, but the most involved by far. In my early twenties I was hired to sing background vocals and play some tambourine for Brian Olive’s solo project, which was the first time I really got a taste of touring. It was also the first time I was really put in a position of taking music seriously and professionally. It required me to learn someone else’s set and really work on finessing my vocals to make sure they weren’t overpowering and were blending well. I can honestly say that my high school years of singing in a youth group worship band were really important, in that they helped me learn how to be a versatile harmonist and be comfortable on stage.
Now that I am responsible for not only vocals, but guitar and synth as well, I have been really put to the test. In wanting to reward the band for their trust in my capabilities, I’m making sure that I stay practiced and that I really apply the feedback I am getting. I even went so far as to take a few guitar lessons to sharpen the proverbial axe. This will be my first time getting to see what touring is like at a higher level, and I am super excited to take on the challenges ahead and continue to grow as an artist.
In thinking about what has held me back from growing, I think fear of judgement, struggles with alcohol, and limiting self beliefs have been the primary culprits. Coming from and living in a smaller city made me quite fearful of being judged, because chances are, it’s not a random person out in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t like who you are or what you’re about- but it’s likely someone that also happens to frequent your favorite watering hole. It just feels a bit more personal. I’ve historically always been the kind of person that can scrape by being “good enough” but never really pushing to be great at anything. I think my drinking kind of goes hand in hand with that, in that it took up a lot of my time and slowly started disintegrating my self worth.
It’s been a really great and productive few years though, and I’m going to keep pushing until it doesn’t feel good or my priorities shift and take me in a different direction. I’ll push until I pivot, and as long as I’m able, I’ll never stop learning.

Mol, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an award-winning singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, touring musician, music video director/producer, actor, and artist. I’ve been a staple in the Cincinnati music scene for over a decade and just recently released my debut LP, GOOSE. I’ve put out several music videos in tandem with the LP and the previously released EP, A Little Hello. These videos were self-directed and were a really great creative, collaborative excercise with several other local artists and friends. My next video for the song “Cautiously” will be released Friday, July 26th, for the 6 month anniversay of GOOSE’s release. It was filmed in Milwaukee and was produced, filmed, co-directed, and edited by Josh Evert of Silver City Studios. It’s the first video I’ve let go of the reigns on and I’m super excited at how it turned out.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran has been deeply impactful on my life. The chapter “On Joy and Sorrow,” in particular.
“When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
It has been the promise of writing beautiful songs that has gotten me through a lot of dark moments- that catharsis awaits through creative sublimination.

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

Throw money at artists you love. Get off the couch and check out a show. Find weird events and check out galleries. Subscribe to YouTube channels, social media accounts, etc… Leave a comment if something strikes a chord with you.
I’m not alone in working a full-time job on top of what ultimately is a second full-time job doing music. Writing the songs is only a tiny fraction of the work that goes into making a career as a musician. Buy merch! Go to shows!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://molsullivan.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mol.sullivan
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/molsullivanmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@molsullivanmusic
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mol.sullivan

Image Credits

Alexzandra Roy