We recently connected with Sheridan Reed and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sheridan, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
I remember my first paid performance vividly. I was probably twenty at the time, and I found a little local new bar that wanted live music, and I could believe they would not only pay me $150 for three hours of music, but I would also get a food and drink tab?! I couldn’t believe it, it felt amazing–almost too good to be true. To this day I still think about that first time and use it as a frame of reference for appreciating my current opportunities and how far I’ve come.
Sheridan, 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 grew up playing music from an early age, several instruments, bands, and performances later I’ve had a wide range of genre and musical experiences. I had classic music as my foundation, then jazz, followed up by pop punk, folk, and finally funk and r&b. All the previous musical explorations resulted in my current sound, and new singles that I’ll be releasing starting June of 2024.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think not just the uncertainty of it, but the lack of control. As creatives, we can work as hard as we possibly can, put in the hours, dedication, and use our talent, but even all of that won’t necessarily result in success, or at least the level of success you dreamed about.
I’ve had several friends and acquaintances shift careers after years working on their craft and creativity, simply because something never clicked, and it seems like the common thread between successful creatives and unsuccessful ones, is that the successful ones simply didn’t give up until they got where they wanted to be.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was performing as a full-time musician prior to the pandemic, and once it hit I had to make a shift. I ended up in my younger versions worst nightmare – a corporate job. I had never experienced a 9-5, and had mixed feelings about it. There were aspects of it that I didn’t realize I would enjoy so much like the consistent income, insurance, perks and benefits. Working remotely also gave me the ability and perspective of being able to earn an income without having to be somewhere on site. It was a foreign experience, and while I appreciate it, I know it also wasn’t something I wasn’t willing to do forever.
Now, a full-time musician again, I wouldn’t trade the stresses I have now for the lack of freedom I felt working there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheridanreed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanreed
Image Credits
Cameron Hoffman