Last night, I performed at Joe's Pub in New York City, which was an absolutely unreal experience. I know this is a website for my writing, but I want to talk about music for a second, because I think this really applies. This time last year, I could have imagined performing at an iconic NYC venue, but I wouldn't have thought it would happen so soon. But the reason I did is because I put myself out there.
For a long time, I have been a firm believer that if you put yourself out there, doors will open for you. But you have to take the leap first. Last year, I saw a Backstage posting for Future Perfect Records, a residency for young queer musicians. I didn't think I had a shot of getting in, but I applied for the heck of it. And guess what? I got in.
What followed was one of the most incredible years of my life. I was mentored by industry professionals, wrote a concept album with 11 other artists, went to Brooklyn to record my song, released the album, and performed a live album release show in New York City. This program has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities, but if I hadn't put myself out there and sent in my application, I wouldn't have had any of them.
The first time I took a leap like this that paid off, I was a freshman in high school. I'd just been rejected from a musical theatre songwriting competition, but my voice teacher sent me another one, and since I already had the demo of the song, I submitted it. Once again, I didn't think I would win, but a few months later, I did. I got workshop my song with Broadway artists and record it in New York. I even got considered for a Grammy nomination. That's when I started believing in the power of putting yourself out there.
When I was in high school, I participated in a program called the Broadway Collective, where I took masterclasses in musical theatre. The founder, Robert Hartwell, always stressed the importance of "hitting send" - of putting yourself out there and taking the leap, even when it's scary or hard. That philosophy has been in the back of my mind over the years, and I've realized it is impossible to achieve your dreams without hitting send.
So many doors have opened for me because I hit send (literally and figuratively). I may not be exactly where I want to be yet, but I am on my way because I keep taking the leap and putting myself out there and seizing every opportunity I can. Of course I won't get in to every program I apply for or win every competition I submit to - but if I don't try, I won't get in to/win any of them. I'll get off my soapbox now, but if you're reading this: put yourself out there. Take the leap. Hit send. I promise it'll pay off.
~Tessa
P.S. - Stream DIVINITY: https://vyd.co/Thefutureperfectprojectdivinity
Watch the live show: https://bit.ly/divinitylivestream
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