Will This Change The Way You Look At Me?

12/15/2015

When I was 32 and just out of University, I'd been signed to Warner/Chappell and I'd recently written a song called 'I Don't Think It's True', which was attracting a bit of attention as it sounded a little bit like an Alanis Morissette track. I received a letter from a NY record company asking me to send more songs (which I didn't have in that style), and another record company in Sydney called me in for a meeting as well.

This meeting was interesting and scary because at 32, I was already considered too old in an industry that was male dominated and extremely ageist. As I sat down for my meeting, I was confused by the conversation that ensued. I had been told by the woman who set the meeting up, (and remember, SHE rang ME), that Mr X really LOVE LOVE LOVED my song and wanted to meet with me. Mr X however, clearly wasn't so enamoured as I appeared before him, although I've never known exactly what was going on in his head. He pressed the play button, turned my song right down low, and exclaimed "Is this the song"? O..........M...........G!!!!!

I had spent my last few dollars getting myself to this meeting and I'd gone to a lot of trouble to dress myself up and look good. The female awkwardly offered me a coffee which I passed on, and I was shortly being ushered out of the building.

She drove me to the nearest station, and on the way there she asked one question......

"How old are you Trysette"? BAMM!!!! I knew it!!!

How did they figure that out? I've always looked younger than my years or so I'm told. I'm thinking she did some research after calling me for the interview. Unfortunately for me, she let it all slide and let me suffer the humiliation and inconvenience. She could have at least bought me lunch! hahaha!

So here's my point. I fell victim to this kind of attitude for many years and I even believed in the myth to the point where I was too afraid to let people know my age for fear they would look at me differently somehow, or change their perception of me as an artist. Ironically, I'm now 20 years older and my age has never mattered less! At 52, I'm able to let go of all those worries about what the "industry" wants or expects or requires of me to be the human I was born to be. I'm in charge of my own career, direction and choices about how I bring joy to peoples' lives through my music. That's it. That's what it's about for me.

I hope you've enjoyed my story this week. Please leave a comment below as I always like to hear your thoughts.

AND, before you go, if you leave your details in the Download box, you'll receive a free copy of my Chasing Cars cover plus tour updates, news and interesting bits of information.

Until next time....

Enjoy.

Trysette.

Photo by Robin Craig

16 Comments

Adel

12/14/2015 10:10:33 am

I have learned that age is just a number really... (and it appears you have too)! I have always looked younger than I am and being that I lost my memory at the age of 29 I consider myself a 16 year old in a 45 year olds body... Experiencing life in an adult body with the wonder of a child is both a fascinating and scary experience but one that I embrace (not that I have a choice)... You are never to old to grow young and the only thing stopping you from jumping in puddles and flying kites are societal "norms" that are both crushing and debilitating...

Keep on jumping in puddles, and fly that kite as high as you can! There is only one life given to each person and it is up to us if we march in line with others or dance in the field like there is no one watching...

Trysette

12/14/2015 02:06:56 pm

I love your comment Adel. Thank you! Sounds like you have some stories to tell too. The wonderful thing about growing up is being able to be a kid but with more wisdom and life experience. Best of both worlds. Love you!

Robin aka @thegothamgirl link

12/14/2015 11:58:35 am

Well I just can't think of one thing to add to what Adel said. Brava! Keep dancing in the fields!!

12/14/2015 02:08:03 pm

The Sun, The Moon and all the stars! :)

Troyce

12/15/2015 11:07:55 am

My favorite line from my favorite song . . . .

Thinking back on it now, it seems like a fairy tale, the meeting with you and Bob in Charlotte. Thanks for that.

Ric

12/14/2015 03:06:50 pm

oh yes ... the industry double standards and idiot A&R managers ... I have a few similar stories from my side of the fence. It does drive you crazy.
You know that I became an instant fan of yours the minute I saw you at Blues on Broadbeach with Bob Malone ... I didn't care about your age ... I was marvelling at you, your talent, your charisma ... and I had to get to know the person and I am so glad I did. Your talent is amazing and sadly the industry lost its direction so many years ago.

12/14/2015 03:24:27 pm

I get so much joy singing back ups for Bob Malone. Glad you were there. It's nice to meet new people through the music who become life long friends.

Claudette Landsberg

12/15/2015 12:52:54 am

I just love your Blog Trysette and also am one of those people who looks younger than their age. Maybe because age has never been important to me. I get on with everyone, regardless of their age. You stay exactly as you are for always and keep those Blogs coming. xxx

12/15/2015 02:07:57 am

So glad you're enjoying the blogs Claudi. I'm enjoying writing them too. Lotsa Love. xx

countingducks link

12/15/2015 02:20:53 am

The fact that you are still doing what you are doing twenty years after that experience shows how central to your character and purpose in your life expressing yourself through music is, and that being the case you should sing, and probably would sing if you are all but alone in the arctic with nothing but a couple of penguins to applaud you. That you are still doing says everything about your self-determination and belief, and the body of fans who support you say a lot about your talent, so never giving up is the best decision you ever made, and never mind about missing out on that lunch :)

12/15/2015 02:28:30 am

I love you comment. I agree with you. You are a strong person Tysette even though you may doubt it at times but you are being you regardless and age has nothing to do with it. We don't age we just keep growing and being....

12/15/2015 02:33:56 am

Damn! I wanted lunch hahaha! You're absolutely right about purpose. At the end of the day, you have to use your gift and it's the most rewarding thing you can do. Thank you for your lovely comment.

Fred Wolfe

12/15/2015 06:10:44 am

Well, I'll buy you lunch when next we meet!

I suppose I never really gave your age much thought, as I believe it's just a number and we can make of it what we will. Most of the time, I don't think much about my age or the age of those around me, because it's more about what we're doing with our time that's important. I feel as comfortable around younger people as those my own age, and I believe having common interests contributes to that feeling. Having a love for music is a big part of staying young at heart!

That being said, I would never have guessed your age is 52! From what I can see, you've lived your life well and to the fullest, and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Keep doing what you love and loving what you do, for you do it very well indeed!

xoxo,
Fred

12/15/2015 02:22:43 pm

Love that. Thank you Fred. And I agree. I think music or just living your purpose keeps you young and happy. :) Thanks for your comment.

Fergal link

12/15/2015 12:37:58 pm

Great blog Trysette... its the art, the work, the music that counts, for that is the timeless gift :)

12/15/2015 02:23:55 pm

Beautifully said Fergal. Nice to hear from you.

Will This Change The Way You Look At Me?

Leave a Reply.

Archives