Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.

The music business is frustrating. Why aren’t the best singers always the biggest stars? Why aren’t the best songs always the biggest hits?

Because it’s about MORE than just vocal chops or well-crafted songs.

Maybe you sing great, but your shows aren’t entertaining. Or maybe your personality makes you hard to work with. Or your style of music appeals to just a small niche.

Same goes for songwriting. Maybe you have a high level of craft, but your songs are oranges when most folks only want apples. Or maybe you’re unreliable and difficult so pros don’t let you into their inner circles.

Or maybe you’re good and getting better but just haven’t connected with the right people yet.

What I’m saying is, it takes more than visible talent. By “visible talent,” I mean the part that the outsider can easily see. You sing great or put on a great live show or write great songs. Don’t get me wrong- visible talent is a must if you’re going to get to the top. But you also need the invisible talent. Talent like people skills, drive, determination, grit, good business sense, good commercial sense, etc.

Think of a house. It might look big and beautiful from the outside (visible talent). But if it sits on a foundation made of sand or it’s eaten up with termites (invisible talent), it’s just a matter of time until a storm blows it down.

So, yes. Work to improve your visible talent. But also work on your invisible talent. You need both.

God Bless,

Brent