Digging Deep

Hey everyone,

This week, I wanted to take a moment to share some insights on the journey thus far in my efforts in making music, playing live and continuing to gain more opportunities to do so. There’s a lot to say about keeping your motivation high, finding true meaning in your art, and remembering why you started. So here are a few thoughts that I hope will resonate.

Keeping Motivation Alive

Staying motivated in music can be a journey on its own, especially when things don’t go as planned. I’ve had my fair share of setbacks—whether it’s personal challenges, creative blocks, or just feeling stuck. But I’ve found that staying grounded in why I love music keeps me moving forward. Remembering what inspired me to start in the first place, like that first song I learned or the feeling of nailing a new technique, reminds me that this passion is worth the struggle.

Sometimes I’ll take a step back and rediscover what drew me to music—whether it’s revisiting an old album, diving into a favorite artist’s work, or just messing around on the guitar without a plan. These moments are like little resets, and they remind me that music will always be there for me. Celebrating small wins and acknowledging the progress I’ve made also help me stay motivated.

Conversations Among Musicians

When I talk with other musicians, one thing that keeps coming up is how we’re all searching for growth and meaning in our art. Some of us dive deep into music theory, others focus on refining skills or trying out new genres, but the common thread is that we’re all pushing to get better, both in music and in understanding how it shapes us. I’ve come to realize that even though our paths are different, there’s a shared drive to keep evolving and express ourselves in new ways.

These conversations go beyond just the technical side of music. We talk about the emotional side—how music impacts our lives, and what we hope it brings to others. Some of my friends are all about perfecting their sound, while others are more interested in telling a story or capturing a feeling. This diversity of perspectives is what makes the music community so inspiring to me. Everyone finds their voice differently, and there’s something incredibly powerful about that.

The Professional Perspective on Making Music

For me, music is both a huge gift and a serious grind. There are moments when everything just clicks, and the satisfaction is overwhelming. But there are also those times when the creative well runs dry, or I start feeling burnt out. I’ve learned that success in music is about showing up consistently, even on days when it’s tough, and keeping that patience and perseverance alive. It’s not just about raw talent—it’s about sticking with it through the ups and downs.

I’ve seen both sides: the highs of performing and recording, and the lows when frustration sets in. The trick for me has been learning to find value in each step, even when things are hard. Those moments of breakthrough, when I finally nail something I’ve been working on, make it all worth it. This balance of reward and challenge is what keeps me coming back, even on the tough days. Music has a way of being deeply fulfilling, even when the road feels rocky.

The Real Hustle

The reality of being a musician today means more than just making music—it means constantly putting yourself out there. The hustle is about sharing my work, making connections, and staying visible, even when it seems like no one’s paying attention. Consistency is key, and I’ve learned that showing up, even when it feels thankless, is what builds momentum over time. It’s a mix of resilience and confidence, and that willingness to keep going even when results are slow.

Sometimes the hustle feels like a lot, but I know it’s necessary. Little by little, I see the rewards in the form of a growing following, deeper connections, or just the satisfaction of sharing something real. I’ve had to find that balance between staying true to my craft and making sure I’m putting in the work to stay visible. In an industry where visibility matters, keeping it authentic while working to expand my reach has become part of the journey.

Getting Good is All That Matters

At the end of the day, my main goal is to get truly good at what I do. Becoming skilled in guitar, exploring different genres, and pushing my personal limits are at the heart of my musical journey. In a world full of distractions, keeping my focus on actually improving is what keeps me grounded. Developing expertise and pursuing excellence in something that deeply matters to me—that’s the only validation I really need.

Getting good means showing up consistently, staying curious, and embracing a deep love for music. I push myself to refine my technique, dig into music theory, and keep finding new ways to express myself. When I’m truly focused on these things, the joy of playing and growing as a musician becomes its own reward. External feedback is great, but nothing beats the feeling of knowing I’m reaching new heights in something I care about deeply.

Social Media as a Practice Space

For me, social media has become more of a practice space than a polished portfolio. I use it to share practice sessions, experimental sounds, and progress. It’s become less about looking perfect and more about documenting the real journey. I love being able to show the raw, unpolished parts of my work—because that’s where the real growth happens.

Using social media this way has made it feel like an open journal, and it’s been surprisingly freeing. Sharing my creative process in real time has connected me with people who appreciate the authenticity of the journey. The pressure to look perfect fades away when I focus on what matters most: building on my passion and connecting with others through the genuine ups and downs of creating music.

Sometimes it feels like there’s a fine line between being a musician and being a social media expert. Am I here to be great at Instagram, or to become a better guitarist?

For me, the answer is always the music, and I try to let that guide how I engage with others.

Social media is a tool, but it’s not a substitute for real musical growth. I’ve spent years honing my skills, and I’d much rather be known for that than for creating the “perfect” post. The likes and comments are nice, but the real joy comes from knowing I’m progressing in my art and getting closer to my own goals. For me, music will always be the focus.

Long-Term Passion Beyond Platforms

My passion for guitar and music theory goes way beyond any social media platform. Platforms come and go, but the love I have for music and the commitment to mastering my craft is something that’ll last. It’s not about gaining followers; it’s about the satisfaction of creating something meaningful and being able to express myself through music. The journey is what matters to me, not the numbers or trends.

Having this long-term perspective is actually pretty freeing. Knowing that my art will outlast any algorithm or platform keeps me focused on what’s really important. It’s about letting my inner drive lead the way rather than looking for validation from the outside. When I stay true to that, everything else falls into place, and the journey feels that much more rewarding.

Balancing Ambition and Life’s Realities

As life changes, I’ve had to learn how to balance my passion for music with other responsibilities. Family, relationships, and personal commitments all play a role in shaping the time and energy I have for my art. I’ve come to understand that both my music and my personal life deserve attention, and sometimes one will take precedence over the other.

When I honour the people and commitments that matter most to me, I can keep pursuing music in a way that feels grounded and fulfilling. It’s all part of the journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

-xoxo

Ameya

For tour dates, gigs, and other inquiries, please visit www.ameyaxoxo.com.