It's a Burden, But What Does It Outweigh? Will Clarke on the Artist's Trade-Off | EF EP 134
Will Clarke posted that he was retiring. For 48 hours before revealing it was a remix album announcement, he experienced something unexpected: complete freedom. "I woke up the next day after retiring and was like, my god, this is so free."
That moment revealed a truth most artists won't admit - this career is both a calling and a cage. Will's been doing this since he was nine years old, DJing longer than he hasn't, and sometimes the only way to remember why you started is to imagine walking away.
Key Takeaways:
- Why the artist career is gambling - and what that really means
- The truth about sacrifice: how to know if what you're giving up is worth it
- Why playing more bad gigs than good gigs is the only path forward
- The windscreen vs. rearview mirror: why regrets are valid but what's ahead matters more
- Why dating outside the industry might save your sanity
- The real question: would you still make music if no one was listening?
If you're struggling with whether this career is worth the sacrifice, this conversation will give you the framework to decide.
Need personalized guidance on building your career and protecting your mental health in this industry? Book a consultation with me on GreenRoom. and let's create a strategy that works for your life.
Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__
Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
00:00 - The Freedom of Retirement
02:57 - Building a Career in Dance Music
06:12 - The Business of Being an Artist
08:54 - The Journey of Self-Discovery
11:58 - The Importance of Conversations
15:00 - Closure and Moving Forward
18:02 - Regrets and Aspirations
21:00 - The Sacrifices of an Artist
24:04 - The Nature of Imposter Syndrome
27:04 - The Personal Side of the Industry
29:47 - Future Aspirations and Goals
