Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Ratledge.
Tracy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Becoming a singer-songwriter combined all of my passions. For awhile, I kept my original songs private, and usually just performed covers. I am a perfectionist and a music lover, to a point where if I want to release something in the world it needs to be different and contribute a specific message that I don’t think exists widely. I’ve tried to be less hard on myself in knowing that certain songs really speak to other people and if it helps them get through the day any easier, then I’ve done my job.
In that sense, as an editor in marketing, I apply these same principles. When developing messaging for campaigns, I try to draw on references to be punchy, but also want to make sure that I’m not developing a message that’s already been broadly communicated by another company or competitor.
I find that trying to find a unique way of wording that still resonates with the most people possible is the common thread in my dual career lifestyle.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Venturing out into creative realm is always a bumpy road and you have to have thick skin. As a writer and a musician, there are some skills that come more naturally, but similarly there are hurdles thrown either from the outside world or from your internal monologue.
Background wise, I’m half-Japanese and small aspects like the cultural norms surrounding how to respond compliments or how often you promote yourself can be conflicting with what is expected in both arts and writing. Speaking up for why someone should want to book me or negotiating career development are two areas where I had to break outside of my cultural comfort zone to get on the road for where I want to be.
Receiving criticism in the areas that you’re most passionate about can be tough at first. I think the fact that I’ve been performing for 17 years and that I had to sometimes flip on a dime to implement feedback on the spot made me able to digest comments in a constructive way. Of course in the era of online comments, I think you have to look at who you listen to and what you take from criticism. You don’t have to agree with everything, but I think there’s always at least a shred of truth in meaningful feedback.
I am lucky to have my family and friends along the years who have consistently show up to support shows as well as give advice to make the next one better. My mom gets a double honorable mention as a retired university professor that’s willing to give Microsoft review comments on all of my papers, cover letters, presentations and long-form articles I’ve written over the years.
I might be guilty of a bit of imposter syndrome when it comes to both writing and performing, but being a part of a musician community in college was incredibly grounding. The support and encouragement from them (and to this day via social media) opposed to the cutthroat competition you find in a lot of performance circles is what I aim to give back to others. So, if anyone else out there ever feels like they’re not sure if they should go for it, go out to an open mic, find your people and see where it takes you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about musician and writer – what should we know?
I’ll speak on behalf of my music career here that I’m most proud of my YouTube channel. I know from my marketing experience, that I really should be applying a paid media budget strategy. That being said, it’s garnered a modest following without it that is solely based on who ends up finding it. There’s something about that magic of not just being algorithm-savvy and the natural discovery of music that is incredibly important to me. I still love digging through databases for new artists the same way I would dig through CD bins at record stores when I was younger. I want some of that spontaneity to stay alive.
The other aspect I like to keep is a pillar from my journalism background. I like playing everything live and in one take. Now, it might take many attempts to get the one I want, but I want to put something out in the world where it’s exactly how I would play it for you in real time. I use the same key, there might be times I’m not completely on a metronome-accurate beat, but it’s real and approachable. I’m really inspired by artists that I’ve seen done this or record live records in their early releases. It’s so impressive.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m not sure I would say I’ve reached success yet, but I’m progressing and movement at all is success to me. There are so many factors that are involved, but putting yourself out there, doing your own outreach and having a clear goal as an artist can help you gain more momentum. I’m passionate about the small businesses in my North County San Diego and supporting them with live music. I’m hoping that in doing so, I can help do my part to grow our local music scene and get more people to check out places I frequent for fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoodratledge/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/tracyratify
