Meet Janet Robin | Professional Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janet Robin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is important in my career as a musician. You have to be willing to try new things and be open to new ideas, otherwise you’ll stay stagnant. Especially as an artist, you want to always be creating something “new” – maybe a little different style from what your used to playing or writing. This helps you grow not only as a better musician, but also as a person. It’s not about whether you get what you want from taking the risk. It’s about just TAKING the risk. If you don’t try, you will never know what could happen. You don’t have anything to lose. Only to gain.. either what it is you want, or you will learn how to make things happen even if you don’t get it. Risk is a “win-win.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a professional musician. I say professional because I get paid for what I do. And what I do regarding music is a lot.. I play guitar in my band, The String Revolution. I produce other artists in my studio, I write songs, I coach people on how to perform and play guitar, I do a lot. It all relates to being a musician however. I think that’s key, at least in my business. You should know as much as you can about all aspects of being a musician, whether you want to tour in bands, write for film and tv, or produce. All of it is important and can help you keep working in this business.

I’ve said it before to many people.. if you’re starting out, say “yes” to everything and figure it out later! You need to grow and get experience and you need to meet people and get out there. This is what I tell a lot of people who want to make a living being a musician. And nowadays, you don’t have to wait around thinking you’ll be a rock star when you get a record deal. You can be a rock star now. The internet has changed so much of the business since when I got started. I think it can help in so many ways, if you use it the right way.

You can now actually be your own agent, manager, and PR firm all in one. Yes it’s a big job but if you want to get your music out there you can learn how to record it yourself, release it yourself, and book yourself on the road if you wanna tour. All of it takes A LOT of time and effort… and dilligence. But if you want it bad enough and work hard at it, you can make it happen.

The biggest thing is that many people don’t believe in themselves and they give up. You don’t want to listen to that fearful voice in your head. Everyone is afraid of a lot of things in their life and career.. but it’s the ones who take risks, challenges, fail, try again, etc.. that eventually succeed.

I’ve had a lot of rejection in my career, but for all the rejection I’ve had, I’ve had way more successes. To me that’s how you build your career. Sticking with it through thick and thin. It really is the same in any business. You have to believe in yourself, be willing to learn and always improve, and be ok with failing and trying again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’m a native Los Angeleno and I love my city. There are so many cool places to go. My first place would be a visit to The Magic Castle where I happen to be a member. I’m not a magician, I just support the club, which is a historic private club in Hollywood. I absolutely love watching magic and love taking people to the shows there. It’s some of the best magicians in the world. The building itself is also really cool and kinda has a “speakeasy” vibe to it. You also have to get really dressed up otherwise they don’t let you in.

Beyond that, there are so many places to see and go to. I love shows at The Hotel Cafe. I’ve played there quite a lot myself. They always have interesting and talented artists that come through that venue.
The Whisky A Go-Go is always a great venue to take people to that has so much history from the 60’s where The Doors, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix played. It’s totally iconic and totally LA.
Then there is The Rainbow down the street on Sunset. Also a totally iconic restaurant where all the rockers used to hang out in… and still do, but it’s not like it was in the 1980’s. Still you get the vibe there and it’s just an awesome place to eat and people watch.

As for Hollywood itself.. people have to see it.. they must walk on Sunset Blvd.. and Hollywood Blvd.. see The Chinese Theater, the famous footprints, and the walk of fame. It’s iconic.

Take a drive on Mullholland and in Beverly Hills to look at all the giant houses. I think it’s fun and it’s totally LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the hardworking musicians out there that really show what it takes to make it in this business!

Website: https://www.janetrobin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetrobinmusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetrobinmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.robin/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanetRobin

Other: https://www.thestringrevolution.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thestringrevolution https://www.youtube.com/c/StringRevolution

Image Credits
Mary Grace McKernan Janet Robin Mark Marynovich