8 Most IMPORTANT Things I’ve Learned In My CAREER!

Over the course of my career, I have worked in many different areas of the music industry, which has allowed me to have the opportunity to learn a lot of different things from many different people. Today, I want to share with you 8 of the most important things I have learned in my career.

1. Work with people you like.
When I was in my early twenties one of my bosses told me this at the music store I was working at, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It is possibly the best advice I’ve ever been given: “You won’t always enjoy your work, even if it is your passion.” That old adage of “do what you love and you’ll never work another day,” is baloney. Deadlines and low budgets can make even the most ‘fun’ sessions stressful. However, if you have colleagues and clients who you respect and enjoy spending time with, then the work will be much easier and you will get much better results!

2. Problems and issues will happen— how you deal with them is what really matters.
The best thing you can do is accept there will be issues, multiple recalls with conflicting mix notes, DAW’s crashing, plugins freezing, cables cutting out, gear breaking; these things happen to everyone! Firstly, don’t beat yourself up for things you can’t control, secondly, and most importantly, learn how to deal with things as they happen in a relaxed and calm manner. Creating unnecessary drama with an artist in the room will make them feel uneasy and may cost you the opportunity to work more with them in the future.

3. Clients choose nice over smart.
Experience has taught me that being a pleasant person is much more important than how much you know. Sure it helps if you know your DAW, know all the shortcuts, every mix tip ever, the information is out there and it’s easy enough to learn the things you need to succeed. However, being a nice person might not only be what gets picked in the first place, it is the number one reason why people will keep coming back to you. This, in turn, will enable you to cultivate relationships, grow your network and create new opportunities.

4. Don’t be afraid to say no.
I’ve been told by many people, that even when I was up-and-coming I said no to them. Even though I worked 12-15 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, it was always on things that helped me grow and develop ALL of my skills, both relationships and technical skills. This is significant, because so many people are ‘yes men.’ Leaders appreciate colleagues who are willing to challenge them, in a respectful way, of course. Similarly, don’t feel pressured to take on work or accept a job you don’t want, knowing that you aren’t going to gain from it. The 2 out of 3 rule applies very well here, you need two of the following three: the money, the music and the people.

(i) The Money
Is it well paid? Is the money so good you can’t turn it down?
(ii)The Music
Is the project amazing? Prestigious, with hugely successful people? Is it Incredible sounding music you are dying to be a part of and have your name associated with?
(iii) The People
Are the people involved great people who you love working with? Is the session going to be enjoyable and easy because the people are easy to work with?

Saying no can also help you keep the time clear to hone your craft and reflect and search for better and more interesting opportunities. Something better is usually around the next corner.

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[Producelikeapro]

What is the best piece of career advice you've received?

[marchesi]

This is the best music channel on YouTube period.

[philu]

Honestly this kinda touched my heart. Been living in a small town area where people tear you down constantly if u try to do anything beyond drinking. I dont even care about being well known or making it big but to make something of a painful past and put it in music to help others is my dream...youve helped my technical skills grow so much thank you!

[TheFeelButton]

Music is an amazing ride! At 2015 as a 45 year old busker I quit my last job and told my wife I would no longer pursue anything but music. Every day has been wonderfully hard ever since in this beautiful playground heaven. My favorite advice although a bit aggressive is: Lions don't care what rabbits think. Good stuff Warren!!

[RCSmiths]

It's always the best and more valuable thing to gain life lessons from a technical maestro like yourself! A true and humble musician and recorder you are!

[BoilingJD]

Warren, I've been following your channel since 25k subscribers, and this is by far the best, most valuable video you have made to date. This is absolute 8 commandments to live by for anyone in any creative industry. The truer words have never been spoken. Bravo my friend.

[DJCroGs]

And this is why I associate myself and reffer to you as a mentor, somone who went trough the struggles and remained down to earth. Those advices are so valuable, a lifetime in 12 minutes, most of them I've heard and implemented at various points in my life. Very nice video Warren, I sincerely hope somone who needs it right now will find it and thank you later for listening to it.

[rocknrideband]

Great message. The best advice I have ever received was, "done is better than perfect." It is better to make music than make excuses.

[ADGreen-eshm]

Warren, your Honest Passion is very much appreciated.

[RainStickland]

Number 6 is definitely something I believe in, though I certainly agree with your other points. I feel truly blessed to have found the absolute best guitar teacher in the world for my style of music. I play metal on a 7-string, and Michael Angelo Batio is now my teacher...I just asked him if he was willing to give me private lessons. I've already had the first one. But, being nice to people definitely helps. While he loves teaching, and he's super nice, I don't think he would want to teach regular lessons to someone who's a jerk to him.

[teslatravels]

Spot on Warren. The most poignant part for me is not letting others define your success. Do not be put off by anyone who thinks you're not doing well because you don't match up to what they consider to be success. Listen to advice but question everything. Keep going even when things are at their worst.

[ManuMRM]

"Don`t work so much that you don´t have time to make money" (referring to the 8 to 5 Job I had 10 Years ago). My best friend once told me that and changed my live!!! After that I became a Backliner and started living from that. Because of that I also made my way to buy gear and start recording, producing, songwriting and mixing.
Thank You for the inspiration, Warren .

[gimble]

Great vid warren, its a very rare occasion these days that i can watch an entire youtube video and found by the end ive done nothing but nod in agreement the entire duration :) great stuff bud :)

[justdandy]

Great Warren, "formally" starting a career in audio @50 with a home studio plus YT channel "The Shed Session" your advice has been pivotal over the last few years. It started with a trip to a studio at 17 and has been bubbling ever since. Now running the channel recording bands for free but still holding down the day job. Mental! So cheers to you Dude. (Brentwood, Essex)

[MikeLuke]

Warren, being a father myself and having a successful career (not in audio industry though, but in media) on my own so far, I think this was one of the best and most worthy video you ever did. The first seven tips are actually general life tips. And number eight goes for the media industry as well. ;)

[jurgenschuler]

Yep! True! If you're younger than me, live by these rules! I had to learn that the hard way.

[jacquelamontharenberg]

Excellent advise Warren. I am not the fastest boat on the water, but I been around the lake a few times and the older I get the more I realize that my happiness is most important. You cannot help other people if you are not happy. It is contagious and will cause you to be a magnet. My dad taught me this: The key to success and happiness is tied to your ability to make good well thought out decisions and the ability to deal with the poor decisions you make. Fail fast and move on. Do not dwell on a failure, but learn from it and move on. I see you have had a diverse career path and it has made you the great teacher you are. Lots of love and respect. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[pupperemeritus]

Warren you never fail to teach me something with every one of your videos. I hope the generation that comes after me have people like you to give them a headstart in not only music, but life and other paths of life

[royglennie]

Such great, great advice Warren! You're so helpful you know that?! People take note!

[treymatsui]

You're an incredible inspiration to me Mr. Huart! Thank you for encouraging me to keep making music. Have a super great day!😊