PLUG IN with singer, songwriter LaFond

I would describe myself as going with what feels natural. I've found myself stepping outside of my comfort zone a lot in my career as an artist, and as much as that has helped me learn and grow, I realized that as an artist, I thrive when I am doing what I know. I write best when I write from experience. If you ask any person in my life a personal question about myself they won't be able to come up with much, because I don't particularly like sharing my secrets. But if you listen to my music I spill my heart. You will learn more about me from a song than you will from a conversation with me. I think that's what works best for me. I'm honest with my music. I speak the truth that's too scary to say out loud. 

The best part of my job is working alongside people who are truly passionate about what they're doing. Knowing that someone does this, not to pay bills, but because they feel it in their bones that it's something they have to do is the most incredible thing in the world. I love meeting and collaborating with other artists because it's the only time when people aren't showing face and aren't pretending to be something for the world. Art breaks down those walls. 

The best advice I can give to people who are just starting out is to make as many friends as possible that work in the same field that you do. You never know who you're talking to and what that connection can turn into. Talk and work with as many people as possible until you find something that fits right. When you limit yourself to your circle of friends, it becomes redundant. Your work will show that. Explore as much as possible. Travel. READ. Leave the house. Write everything down. The more experience you have to draw from, the more inspiration you have for your art. 

I think my answer above is socializing with a purpose. Make friends, open up and exist amongst creatives. Having a conversation with a visual artist might lead you to think about color theory which might lead to a song about the way that the blue in the lake fades as it reaches the shore. The more you talk and interact the more your brain expands and is able to do more. But on the other side, don't treat every conversation like a sales pitch. The best partnerships start as friendships.