While the industry is still really competitive, it’s exciting to see how many folks are able to earn a living with their passion. – Asher Laub
In this Journey in Music with Asher Laub, you see how a unique combination of break-dance and violin makes for a great entertaining musical performance.
Here is how gymnastics, and the violin, shaped his future.
Have fun!
How would you introduce yourself?
My stage name is Asher, but people locally or on social media know me as Asher Laub.
What made you start in making music?
I started the Suzuki method on violin at the age of 2, believe it or not, on a margarine box violin. I don’t remember really enjoying the violin until I was old enough to make up my own tunes and play along to popular tunes on the radio around age 7. The fun really started in high school when I was brought in as the only violinist to improvise along with the jazz band. That’s when my love for composition was sparked.
How did you come up with the unique combination of violin and breakdance?
Sports, particularly gymnastics, struck a note with me at an early age, pun intended. I learned to flip, walk on my hands etc. And wished I had more time to hone that craft, but my parents valued my orchestral performances and recitals a bit more.
In my post-college years, I hit a serious snag in my health, as I was diagnosed with the “incurable” diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. This was one of the darkest periods I could have ever imagined. Hard to believe that I learned enough about my condition and alternative practices to emerge from that hellish state, practically unscathed. And as soon as I became healthy strong enough I felt this inexplicable drive to reinvent myself. And so the breakdancing violinist concept was born.
What is your latest music project?
I am in the midst of multiple projects with 3 electronic producers. I’m getting ready to release an original instrumental cover of Bruno Mars, Finesse. It’s in its mixing/mastering stage and should be released soon!
What are some great achievements that you had in music in the last years?
My big achievements this past year included millions of views on my YouTube channel, tens of thousands of new fans on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also, some concert performances for a list of celebrities, and some of the largest multinational corporations including Citigroup, Mountain Dew, Nickelodeon, TNT, Google, LG Sprint, CNN, Meridian Healthcare Network, and a slew of others. It’s been a year and I’m grateful for all of these wonderful opportunities.
How important are the connections in music and how do you find them?
Connections are pretty valuable for any career. I do my best to connect with people at concerts, and various events. People ask for your card and may refer you to others looking for live entertainment. I have found the quality of my live performance made all the difference in building referrals and connections. Because people videotape these events on their cell phones and share them on social media, and with friends, and some of whom may be prospective clients.
What do you think is most important in being a successful musician?
The single most important ingredient in succeeding as an independent artist for me has been an unwavering commitment to honing my craft as a violinist and as a studio musician. Also, creating quality music and engaging my fan base with good content has been key too much of my success. Collaborating with other artists is also really helpful in cross-promotion, which I honestly haven’t done enough of.
What is your opinion of the music market these days?
I’ve noticed an interesting landscape that includes some incredible talent, but also some really weak artists. Unfortunately, many of the major labels look for quick profits and invest significant funds into artists who were once strippers, or reality show celebrities. That’s all fine and dandy, with exception to the fact that those criteria got them in the door with little attention paid to their actual musical talent. This is a trend that I find baffling, but with the advent of social media a whole lot of serious band, electronic and solo talent has emerged. While the industry is still really competitive, it’s exciting to see how many folks are able to earn a living with their passion.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I typically wake up late morning, eat a nice, big breakfast and check my mail and social media for new messages. Then, I answer my client and fan questions and head straight to my studio to begin new recordings, or finish up music video projects. Usually, I have to edit tracks and rehearse new music with my bandmates or review choreography with my dancers for upcoming performances.
My schedule is a bit unpredictable because most of what I do is structured around track releases and live performances. Some events end at 7 pm and others end at 1 am. The later I get home the later I need to sleep in. And when I do, it shifts my schedule up a few hours.
What advice would you give other musicians that are just starting out?
The music industry is very competitive with a lot of people looking to make it “big”. I’ve noticed a number of smaller artists succeed by finding a niche of fans, albeit small, but dedicated to their work. Content is key, and if fans see your passion in the music you create, I think that’s a recipe for success.
Where can people find you, and why should they connect with you?
These platforms below are the best way to connect with me. I always read messages and comments even if it takes me a while to get back to people. It means a lot to me when I see people interested in my work.
https://www.instagram.com/asherlaub/
https://facebook.com/asherlaubmusic
Thanks, Asher, for this great interview!
Keep making awesome music and share it with the world!
Maurice from Music-Mindset.com
(If you found this article interesting and helpful, you can find more online music promotion tips below this blog-post.)
