NEWSLETTERS

March 2002
©2002 Terri Hendrix

"Bright is the ring of words
When the right person rings them."
—Robert Louis Stevenson

What do you think of when you hear the word "ring"? Jewelry? Church bells? A coffee stain, perhaps. A doorbell indicating the arrival of guests. Tree rings signifying age. The sound of the telephone. Ring around the collar. Ring of fire. A ringleader. It’s interesting how a simple word can conjure up so many different sorts of images, isn’t it? In Australian slang, "to ring" means to beat a shedful of men at sheep-shearing (notice I said sheep-shearing, NOT Goat)! And in 1968, The Ring referred to an organization of English dealers who attempted to take over the entire antiques business—rigging auctions, intimidating retailers, fixing prices. Apparently, they were running rings around their competition!

For me, at this point in my career, "The Ring" signifies coming full circle. It’s a symbol of happiness and of completion. It also captures the inevitable struggle inherent in maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process.

During my twelve years in the music business, I’ve enjoyed my share of happiness, and I’ve endured some knockouts in the ring as well. In the beginning, I wanted a "deal." I sent my music out in the hopes of getting signed to a label. I got "No" in response—or no response at all. I had two choices: change my style to be marketable and wait for "them" to sign me; or release my music on my own label. As you know, I elected to go independent. In fact, I’ve sealed my fate as an independent artist, because with every year that’s passed, I’ve become more satisfied and committed to the path I’ve chosen. Economically it’s made sense, enabling me to work for myself and hire the musicians I need. More importantly, it’s allowed me artistic control, and I can’t put a price tag on that.

Over the years I’ve noticed the tide changing in favor of the independent artist. For me, it started when production and manufacturing costs of cassettes and CDs became affordable. Now, the growth of National Public Radio, satellite radio, public television, and the Internet—and, of course, the fan base that supports these outlets—has allowed someone like me the opportunity to pursue a career doing what I love. I’ve also noticed an important change in public perception: artists no longer have to be household names to be deemed legitimate. Independent artists now compete with major-label artists in the marketplace.

But whether I’m an independent artist or on a major label, it’s easy to fix my sights on the wrong brass ring. I turned another year older last month, and I realized that in my business, I could have saved myself a lot of heartache by realizing earlier that attitude is just about everything. Sometimes we become so focused on trying to attain a certain level that we miss the joy of the journey, which resides in doing whatever we do with passion and dignity. In the end, it won’t really matter which ring we secured but how we conducted ourselves in our quest for it. I now put all of my Saint Patrick’s clover into one Easter basket, and this basket is called—you guessed it—Attitude.
I’ve noticed that some suffer from a peculiar affliction where every new idea or suggestion is met with either "No" or "But"—what I call No But Syndrome. This attitude rings my bell, because I firmly believe that if you argue for your limitations, they’re sure to become reality. Personally, I prefer to talk with individuals like Dana Carpenter, the opposite of the No Buts. Why not take a second to read Dana’s story on my web site (it’s in the "Februaries" section of the Aquarius menu)? Dana has every reason to be a No But. Instead, she has that uplifting and inspirational You Better Believe I Can Syndrome. Sure, paths are difficult: perfect health, lots of moolah, and worry-free lives aren’t the norm. That’s why I believe attitude is the foundation upon which happiness is built. As I watched the Olympics and saw those gifted souls competing, "Attitude" sure had a pleasant ring of truth. I bet you a zillion dollars you don’t get to (or survive) an Olympic experience as a No But.

Coming full circle has been both enlightening and fulfilling for me. I started this adventure with my CD "Two Dollar Shoes," and I believe that my new CD, "The Ring," completes this period of my musical journey. Who knows what’s next? I appreciate you for being such an integral part of the process. Many of you have been on the mailing list (now e-mail list) since the beginning, and that’s truly gratifying.

Well, the bells ringing and it’s time to go. I’m off to see Lord of the Rings. I’m wringing my hands in anticipation. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all! May your clover be FOUR-ever green, and may you enjoy the luck of the Irish all year long!
Warm regards, Terri Hendrix

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