Today we’d like to introduce you to Vince White.
Vince, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I created my business out of nothing but dreams, chutzpah, and sheer willpower. I’ve been a musician all my life and hated every single day job I’ve ever had (and either quit or was fired from said jobs), so about ten years ago I started teaching music (mostly guitar) full time. About 7 years ago I was hit with a lot of inspiration through tragedy and started writing some great songs. I registered with BMI and created my own music publishing company called “Secret Sidewalk Music.” I started expanding the business, finding new songwriters to publish their songs, and am in the process of getting music placed in upcoming film projects. I have also written a screenplay called Secret Sidewalk, based on my childhood, that is currently in development. I run an open jam night for musicians, students, and friends every Monday night at The Park Bar in Burbank, I will also be performing original music for a play featured at Hollywood Fringe Festival this month. Over the last few years I’ve opened shows for BB King, Leon Russell, Johnny Winter, Temptations, Pointer Sisters, and many other legends. I’ve just released a CD of original music and more info can be found at www.vincewhiteguitar.com
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in the music business is a smooth road. The hardest struggle is to make a full-time living in a creative industry filled with competition, which applies to music, film, writing, and any type of art. I’ve always been a hardcore hustler and keep pushing on through feast or famine and all the ups and downs. Right now, it’s been all ups but I remember those early gigs playing for just a few friends and a bartender and the drunk guy trying to grab my guitar. I remember learning on the job how to be a good guitar teacher and realizing that half of the job is psychology, being able to read the student’s headspace and figure out where he or she wants to go and how to get there. I have a circular bin filled with hundreds of bad songs that took me on the path to writing good ones.
Secret Sidewalk Music – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Secret Sidewalk Music (BMI) is my music publishing company and also the name of my business. I’ve published many songs by myself and other songwriters through BMI. I also just released a CD with a singer named Devon Rowland called “Between the Grooves,” available from all music retailers online. I teach music fulltime during the day and perform at various venues in LA a few nights a week. I also do recording sessions and book most gigs for myself and other artists. I specialize in soulful roots-based music and blues-based guitar styles. I’m most proud of the fact that I started this company on my own with no funding and am finally growing and going strong. I’ve always gone by the philosophy that if you don’t do it yourself, no one will. Take that to the bank.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is making a living doing what you want to do on your own terms. I’ve never sold out or taken on any projects that I didn’t believe in. When I realized I didn’t have to worry about whether or not I could pay the next bill, I realized I was self-sufficient and hit the first rung toward success. I also knew I was on the right track when I realized I love everyone I work with, from musicians to students to other songwriters. I’m always reaching higher, so there is no clear-cut definition of success for me. I’m always looking for the next big thing, from songwriters and singers to work with, to film producers to make my dream project become reality.
Pricing:
- $40 an hour guitar lessons
- $50 an hour recording sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vincewhiteguitar.com
- Phone: 323-449-0303
- Email: vincewhite9981@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vince9981
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/vincewguitar
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vince-white-glendale
Image Credit:
Vince White
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