Sustaining a career in music takes perseverance, hard work and talent, says Roger Brown, who’s managed a musical life for decades. And don’t reject opportunities when they’re offered. The latest RSVP podcast.

Give It All for Every Performance: Whether you have a big crowd or a small one, says Roger Brown. (Photo/Anna Sink)
Moments after taping for the latest episode of the RVSP Music Chat had concluded, West Michigan singer and guitarist Roger Brown offered up some additional, important advice to musicians.
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“You always give 110 percent wherever you are playing,” he said. “You never know who’s out there. And the people there who have paid and come to see you deserve to get your best.”
That’s wise counsel from a Holland-area musician and songwriter who’s collaborated with Ringo Starr, played with Gerry Rafferty, Jo Ann Kelly, Freddy Fender, recorded with Link Wray and Albert Lee, and has established himself regionally as an Americana artist who oozes authenticity on stage and in the studio. (Read more about Roger Brown and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.)
“You just do,” Brown says of weathering the tides and trends and media landscape of the music business. “By hook or by crook, I’m hanging in there.”
In the podcast, he offered up some practical, critical guidance to budding artists — as well as some entertaining anecdotes about his life as a working musician.
• “You have to be really good at saying, ‘Yes.’ ”
• “As much as possible, broaden your skill set.” Versatility is key.
• “Get yourself out there and get yourself seen. No one’s going to come knocking on your door. You’ve got to put yourself out there.”
• “Don’t assume that an opportunity will come around again.”
And how does he envision the end of his long career? “My hope,” he said with a smile, “is that I would fall over dead on stage.”
There was plenty more. Listen to the full podcast here. And if you have comments or suggestions for topics for a future RSVP Music Chat, leave a voice message via SpeakPipe below and you could be part of the next episode.
PODCAST: RSVP Music Chat No. 12
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