Nicholas Lopez

I just finished reading get out of your way by Russ, for the second time.

It is the perfect book for any artist at any point in their career. If you are just starting out making music you got to read it. Feel like you don't know what the next step is for your career... read it.

For the artists who live and breathe music here are 3 quotes for you to apply to your life.

1. "Pursuing your passion is the surest way to separate your true friends from the energy leeches-...."

Your energy is important and we take on the energy from other people. Usually the people who are closest to you, are draining your energy the most. They see you chasing your dream... and they envy you for it. You have to cut those people out.

2. "Defeating your own self-doubt is the biggest obstacle to overcome."

All of your dreams and goals are achievable, everything you want to happen can. The only person in the way is yourself. Russ talks about this throughout the entire book. Once you realize you are in the driver seat, your whole perspective starts to change.

3. When you're chasing your dream, when you are so fulfilled by what you do that you're lost in the game, the money will find you."

We are all trying to touch that cheddar. But, if your main focus is the money, when you get it, you won't be happy. You have to trust the process and love what you do more than you love the money.

Bob Marley is one of the greatest artists ever.

He gave us many timeless songs that will be played forever. He always delivered a positive message, which is something that is missing nowadays. He gives us a peek into his mind and feelings with every song.

Here are 3 of my favorite songs of his.

1. So Much Trouble In The World

2. Satisfy My Soul

3. Is This Love

If you have never heard a Bob Marley song before, take a couple minutes out of your day, when you're driving home from work, and give it a listen.

Eating healthier can change your life.

It can make your life more enjoyable in the short term and in the long term. It also is a great way to practice mindfulness, allowing you to make thoughtful decisions on what you put into your body.

If you decide you want to make a lifestyle change and eat healthier, you should check out these three Youtube Channels.

Channel #1- Bobby Parrish

Mr. Parish takes you shopping to popular grocery stores like Costco or Sam's Club breaking down what you should buy and what you shouldn't, and explaining why.

He also has his own application where you can scan an item and it tells you whether or not the item is healthy to eat. The app tells you why the item is not healthy and breaks down the bad ingredients.

Channel #2 Paul Saladino MD

Paul Saladino is an advocate for the Animal Based Diet.

He discusses topics such as drinking raw milk, eating grass fed-beef, and the importance of saying no to seed oils. He lives in Costa Rica, where he shows how he incorporates his diet into his, providing an interesting perspective.

If you are interested in the Animal Based Diet Specifically this is the channel to watch.

Channel #3 Dr. Eric Berg DC

Dr. Berg uses facts and his knowledge to give in depth information on what foods are healthy and why.

If you are interested in the keto diet, this is the channel to watch.

I am no longer mad at the world every day that I wake up.

We all go through tough times. We have to work jobs that we do not want to go to, and we have to deal with situations that make us feel bad. These are all things that I go through on a daily. Difference is that now I can overcome these moments and still live life with a smile.

These 3 Books have changed my life and have helped me experience my journey differently.

Meditations : Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius talks about accepting every moment as it comes, because it is what the universe intended. Everything that happens, happens for a reason, and it is perfect that way. There is no point in being mad at the world; the world doesn't care anyway. Once you start to understand this, a huge burden is lifted off your shoulders.

Celestine Prophecy : James Redfield

Celestine Prophecy is a book about personal journey and growth. To never doubt that there is something deeper going on in the world and the importance of understanding you are in control of your own destiny if you just follow your heart and your dreams.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven : Mitch Album

Eddie is a maintenance man of an amusement park who dies while saving a little girl. While he is on Earth, he thinks his life a failure and he spends his last days miserable. But once he is in heaven ,he see just how important his life truly was and how interconnected all of our journeys really are.

Recording at a studio is expensive, and if you are just starting out as an artist you have to make the most out of your studio time.

If you are an artist who works a regular job like me you know that paying for studio time is a real commitment and can be very pricey.

I use these 3 tips to make sure every time I empty my pockets at the studio I leave happy with the songs I made.

Tip #1- Beat Selection

I spend at least 30 minutes every day scrolling through beats till I find the right one. I know it is the right one because as soon as it starts playing the lyrics or the melody just start flowing through my brain. This is important for the next step.

Tip #2 - Practice at home

Alright so you found the right beat and you have at least written or freestyled a verse. Now rehearse that verse a little bit every day. You will start to remember the lyrics and the way you want to deliver it, so that when you are in front of the mic you are comfortable and not reading off your phone. This makes a big difference.

Tip #3 - Record with the same person

Once you find an engineer who can make you sound good you should stick with them. You will start to form a connection and your sessions will have a flow and you will get the most out of your time.

During my senior year of high school Ms. Anderson my English teacher gifted me The Celestine Prophecy.

I never picked up the book until 2 years after I graduated high school. After finishing the book, my life is different. I carry the biggest lesson I learned with me every single day. This book could have the same effect on you.

The Lesson: Coincidences aren't real

The book begins by describing the coincidences we all experience in our everyday lives, like when you think about someone and they suddenly appear, or when you anticipate something happening to you, and it does.

We usually just shrug these feelings off, but the book tells us it is actually the work of the universe, giving us signs to follow.

Once you start to recognize the coincidences, you are able to feel more aligned with your own personal path. This is important because many of us are lost and are searching for our true purpose.

Everyone who crosses your path has a message for you. Everything that happens to you has a lesson.

Life is a constant spiritual journey don't for one second think that something is just a coincidence. Dive deeper; as you continue to do, this you will start to see more and more coincidences occuring. Your destiny will carve itself out.

I have worked as a valet for the past three years, in a prominent area in Miami called Sunny Isles.

I started working as a valet my senior year of high school and I was introduced to a brand new world, and many different people.

Since I was new to the service industry, I quickly had to become accustomed to other people's frustrations and energy.

I would always ask myself, "Why are these people so mad?". This person is verbally abusing me out of frustration, and leave shortly after in their Mercedes-Benz.

These individuals have access to anything they could possibly want in the world, yet seem so unsatisfied. What's wrong?

Years later, I would learn that I was no different than those I was working for. The same feelings I feel they feel. Fear... Love.... Anger.... Peace. We all go through the same things.

Having wealth is both a blessing and a curse; the burden it holds can be too heavy for many.

Trying to use money to cure your sadness or loneliness will never work. It doesn't matter how nice that Ferrari is. If you don't have inner peace it does not mean a thing.

Having access to so many material things, can make it easy to lose sight on what truly matters in life. Just the ability to wake up every day is enough reason to be happy.

For the past 4 years, I have woken up to my brain overflowing with thoughts.

90% of these thoughts are worries or anxiety for what I will do that day or leftover feelings from the day before. It can be debilitating and makes it difficult to start your day.

I have had to come up with an effective way to combat these feelings immediately and move on with my day.

Here is my guideline.

JUMP out of bed!

Do I mean it literally? Well, kinda... As soon as your eyes open you must force your way out of bed. I always spring myself up, making my first active mindful decision of the day. The longer you stay in those sheets, the more the thoughts start to whirl around in your mind.

Look at yourself in the mirror.

Might sound strange but it is extremely effective. Looking at yourself in the mirror is perfect for getting out of your head and into your body. It's like "oh what's up?" - there I am. There is a switch that happens from the racing mind to the calm self. After you look at yourself in the mirror, it sets you up for the last task.

Breathe in fresh air.

Nothing beats that first breath of fresh air, all the way to the back of the brain and the bottom of the lungs. This is another way to come out of your mind and into your body. We all know meditation is important, but if you breathe in air from outside it is a whole different animal. It has an immediate calming effect.

I recently started the Animal- Based Diet two months ago , and I plan to continue following the diet.

It was not easy to give up a lot of processed foods I used to indulge in such as my favorite........cereal.

My body was so used to satisfying itself with sugar or carbs whenever I had a craving. I had to find another way to satisfy my body without eating junk.

Here are my 3 favorite things to eat that bring me joy as a beginner in the Animal-Based Diet.

Grass Fed Milk and Raw Honey- I recently told someone I put honey in my milk and they asked me why I would do that. Well if you have never tried it before you really should. Milk is packed with nutrients and protein and mixing some honey in it which has great antioxidants makes the experience very enjoyable.

Organic Whole Milk Yogurt with Berries- There is nothing more refreshing than yogurt and berries for breakfast. I go for Grass Fed Whole Milk Yogurt from Costco, and I mix it with organic strawberries and blueberries. Protein and live cultures for the gut; come from the yogurt. Vitamins and natural sweetness come from the berries.

Wild Sockeye Salmon with Avocado- I recently learned the importance of eating wild fish over farm raised. Farm raised salmon has color added to the feed as the meat is originally a pale gray as opposed to a vibrant pink. Costco and Aldi has Wild Sockeye Salmon that I like to pan sear with just salt and pepper, and I will pair it with an avocado for a nice lunch.

These are all delicious options that I enjoy, There is no better feeling than eating something that is good for you and tastes great at the same time.

For an artist who is trying to gain a following and getting their music out there, Social Media is the best tool.

I have been making music for 3 years and I have been studying artists who have gained success on Social Media and how they have done it.

As artists it is our natural instinct to think we are going to make it because of our music and talents. While that may be true for an artist a decade ago, social media has completely changed the game.

Before, to have success as an artist your music, talent and connections were the only way to land a record deal.

Now you can build your own success as an artist solely by using Social Media.

But to gain a following on social media, your visual is just as important as your music if not more.

While people are scrolling they are using their eyes first. They will stop to watch your content by the way that it looks. The music comes as a secondary thing. They don't know at first you are an artist they will just see your video or picture on their feed.

You have to please the eyes first if you want people to go back to your page. You will have the most success if you combine having an engaging visual and a good song.

If your visual is engaging then maybe just maybe the person scrolling may check out your music. If you are looking to gain a following you have to give equal attention to your music and the way your content looks.

If you want to make it as an artist using social media, you have to promote your music consistently - every day.

I have studied artists ranging from 10k followers to over a million and watched them grow by posting social media reels everyday.

How do they manage to get videos out every day? Are they shooting content every single day? How do they have time to do anything else?

This one tip is how you will help you create content every day while still working on your music.

Stack Your Content

Take two days out of the month to shoot 30 videos for the entire following month. Then take a week, or how ever long is needed, to edit all of those videos. You don't have to be an expert at editing; CapCut Pro will make it easy for you.

You now have 30 videos edited and ready to go.

Wait for the first of the month, and boom- you now have a video to post every single day for an entire month.

You can also scale up; take more time to shoot more videos - say, 60. Now you have two months worth of content ready to go.

As you continue you will learn how to shoot and edit your videos better and your videos will improve over time.

From what I have studied from other artists, if you post consistently for 3 months you will surely see a boost in your following and streams.

If you want to make it in the music industry, it is no secret that you have to pull out some money from somewhere.

I have been making music for the past three years and working a 9-to-5 job the whole time throughout. From parking cars to bussing tables, I have done what I've had to do to make my goals a reality.

Everyone gets frustrated at a job they don't like , especially an artist who tend to be emotional people (guilty).

This is one tip to keep in mind if you are an artist who works a 9-5 job to fund their dreams.

Recite your goals constantly - every 5 seconds if need be.

Here is what I mean: At one point, I was working my valet job, going to community college, recording at the studio, and working on my car all at the same time. Out of all these things, my valet job is the one I want to do the least, but ironically, the most necessary. Every time I parked a car I would recite this :

"I will make it in music"

"I will pass my classes"

"I will finish my car"

I would say this on and on.

That way when I got back to the ramp to park another car nothing could throw me off my game because I had in mind what I was doing this for. I am still using this technique to this day. Making it in the music industry is not easy; you have to do things you don't like, but if you are reminding yourself why you are where you are at that moment it makes it a little easier.

It is no secret the music industry is one of the most difficult markets to succeed in.

Now more than ever, there are more people who feel they have what it takes to be the next star.

Here are 3 traits you should have to set yourself apart from the others and find your way in to the industry.

Trait#1 - Dedication

You have to be clear with your intentions and make every day a day you work on your craft. Many often believe, myself included that the inspiration will come naturally. And sometimes it does, but you have to make a daily conscious effort to expand your knowledge and work on your craft if you plan to succeed.

Trait #2 - Confidence

It is always you vs. you. You will always be face to face with self doubt and negative thoughts that come to you. You always have to believe in yourself and what you are capable of. The industry and the world is not forgiving. I have barely stepped foot inside and I already know I always have to have my own back in this industry.

Trait #3 - Resilience

When you make music you will always face backlash from somewhere. Someone will talk down on you, whether it be your closest friend or a random stranger. You have to be resilient and dig deep to not let the actions or words of others to affect you. You will always be tested and you always have to bounce back. It is never about if you fall, it's whether you are going to get back up.

If you want to become a musician in the modern world of social media, you have to make reels.

Posting reels consistently is a great way to get your music out there. The market for musicians in the world of social media is huge and there are many artists posting social media content.

Here are 3 tools you can use to help you efficiently make social media reels to promote your brand and your music.

Tool #1 - Gimbal

This is assuming you already have a phone because that would definitely be Tool #1 if not. If you do already have a phone and you are using it as your camera you definitely need a gimbal. A gimbal gives you the versatility to film content on your own. If you buy a high quality gimbal it even comes with features to make your content more creative.

Tool #2 - Apple Maps

The background of your reels is important. You only have a couple seconds to grasp your viewers attention. To find new areas with cool backgrounds you can use Apple Maps. You can find buildings, lakes, oceans, malls, gardens, restaurants, supermarkets, literally anything that can be used in your reels to grasp your viewers attention. Usually the more unique the better.

Tool #3 - Speaker

When you are shooting your reels you want to use a speaker. A speaker will allow you to hear your music while you are shooting; especially in a loud environment.

Yesterday at work, "Chino" gave me an unforgettable piece of advice.

I work at an exclusive residential building in Miami as an assistant valet manager.

I'm always snooping into the kitchen where the food is being cooked for the residents. I'll usually pop in to say what's up to Chino as I like to see how his day is going and see what new stories he has to tell me. Interestingly enough he is from the same small town in Peru that my mom is from.

He often tells me about how he left Peru and went to Japan for work and how different the lifestyle is. He is always animated and tells the story as if he were reliving it right there. He always gives me pointers on things I should follow from what he has learned from his personal life, but yesterday he told me something that really sticks.

He told me every single person is one step away from changing their life. That feeling you got that stretches from your head to your toes when you should do something is real; don't ignore it. You don't want to go through life living with the regret of knowing you should have done something.

I have told myself every day for the past three years that I want to be an artist. Although, I haven't reached the place I want to be yet, I get the feeling often that it is the right path for me. Chinos words are just a testament to that truth.

We all have ideas and dreams; our lives are quite literally for these ideas and dreams. You could be closer to changing your life than you realize. Don't ignore or set aside your dreams; make them your reality.

Singers and rappers or musicians alike all have one thing in common. Music is the way they express their own identity and personal experiences.

Being yourself and expressing who you are is easier said than done. Everyone struggles at some point with truly knowing themselves and being confident in their own skin.

However, each individual has an outlet or form of externalizing their identity. For singers and rappers their way of showing the world who they are is through their music.

Singers and rappers use different lyrics, tones, tempos, and musical keys to portray their feelings in search to build a bond with listeners.

In their music artists say things they may never actually say in person. They may describe all the hurt they have been holding in. Or they show how encouraged and confident they feel.

Artists use music to show who they really see themselves to be. Music is the outlet an artist uses to show their authenticity in a world where many don't show who they really are in fear of being judged by others, usually their closest friends.

Listeners connect with artists who they feel are genuine.

Someone listens to their favorite artist because they feel drawn to them and their story.

A connection is formed between the artist and the listener. The listener hears a part of the artists' story that reminds them of themselves. The listener may be able to release some of their own feelings through the vulnerability of the artist.

In the end, both the artist and the listener use the powerful tool that is music as a form of self-expression and identity.

I wouldn't call myself an expert in making social media reels. In fact I have only ever made around 30 reels.

However, I have spent hours watching reels and learning how to reach your audience and use the algorithm to your favor. There is no secret that the algorithm favors consistency over time.

Here's how I first got interested in making reels.

I have been recording music for 3 years. Before this I have been in chorus and performed in different musical theater plays. Now after recording music and having my own music I am ready to stamp my name in the Industry. The game is different now as social media has opened up a whole new space for artists. You can reach your own audience and have people listen to your music without the backing of a label. The most effective way to reach an audience is through social media reels.

So my goal over the next 3-6 months is:

To release reels daily for at least 3 months on Instagram and TikTok. Preferably 6 months, which is around 180 reels. I will try different styles, each finding a way to promote myself and my music and find the format that is most engaging to an audience. I may not be a superstar after this, but I will definitely have made progress. One step at a time.

I often make great music but as time goes by I start to not like it or start to question my abilities.

Unfortunately, when I first started to feel this way I didn't know how to overcome the feeling.

So, if you are an artist trying to get out of your own head, here's the best way to get started.

• Read This Book: "get out of your own way" by Russ will give you a peek into Russ' journey and how he had to get out of his own way to succeed. The power is all in your hands.

• Stop listening to your own music: I will be the first to admit it I listen to my own music often....(fine I listen to it a lot). Usually this is when I am most critical of myself. If you give yourself a week without listening to your own art. Then you go back to give it a listen you will usually be amazed at your on work and the fire will be lit inside you again.

• 10,000 hours : When you are doubting yourself, use it not as a reason to give up, but fuel yourself to go harder. Write another song. Make another beat. Sing in a different key. Rap in a different tone. Change the flow. Practice and practice until you create work that others will love and you will adore. There is no shortcut to getting better.

These 3 tips are a great way to progress as an artist and to start believing in yourself again.

Don't doubt yourself, because the world and I are waiting to hear your music.

There are 3 things I am working on right now on my journey becoming a successful independent artist.

Thing #1: Performing Live.

I have been practicing performing live because it is a sure way to help you perform better on the mic when recording and a great way to network with other artists.

And my hope is that over the next few years, as I continue to perform more and more, I'll be able to sell out my own show.

Thing #2: Playing Guitar

I have always known how to "play" guitar since I was 8. I know how to press down on the strings and look up a YouTube video to show me how to play a specific song.

Now, I am starting from Day 1. I am learning how to read notes and how to read music. I am doing this so I can have a stronger foundation with the guitar and then translate that into my actual music.

Thing #3: Learning Music Business

I work a 9-5 job and I want to be able to monetize from my music.

I am currently learning the basics of music business and how generating revenue works. My plan is to start my own label and then build a long career from that point. I am taking this process day by day as there is lots to learn.

I know once I have a label it will be the foundation for the rest of my career.