My experience in the music industry (so far)

Overview

The creator finally records a video diary about their music journey, admitting they’ve long avoided it because they tend to “put up roadblocks” whenever something feels challenging—whether that’s camera/audio setup or even writing the script. They decide to look back anyway, hoping it helps (or at least helps them document their life).

Main plot / timeline of the career

• COVID-era breakthrough (2020): Still in high school, they make music at home during lockdown. They notice deadmau5’s feedback streams, pay the small entry fee, and submit a dark techno-style track. deadmau5 responds positively, and the creator feels encouraged by reactions inside deadmau5’s community.

• Second submission leads to serious opportunity: They submit another track inspired by artists they admire (Mat Zo / Daft Punk-style energy). deadmau5 gives a specific critique (“didn’t like the snare” on one track), but still adds their name and later shows strong approval. When they submit “Ping,” deadmau5 calls his manager on the stream, and the creator ends up in negotiations at age 17.

• Mentorship + signing: Their childhood hero provides career advice centered on staying true to yourself, trusting your gut, and not deviating no matter what others say. They eventually join management and mau5trap.

• Touring highs + anxiety struggle (2021): As things return to normal, they tour with deadmau5 and receive strong feedback. A major highlight is opening at Red Rocks, building a full live production with the team. But the success coincides with a mental health crash—travel anxiety triggered by getting food poisoning on a camping trip, which turns into panic-attack cycles. They feel trapped between a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and their inability to fully enjoy it.

• First album and next chapters (Encore, 2022): They release “Encore,” build a small core audience, and hit another peak moment—then it starts to feel like momentum fades into “what now?”

• Solo touring (2023): They headline smaller venues to test what works. It’s uneven: some shows are great, some barely have a crowd, yet they push through. Afterward, they slip into limbo—living at their parents’ house and over-relying on management/booking.

• Career low + switching paths: Morale drops. They try to “solve” the problem by changing careers—becoming an electrician (trade school), then later taking a maintenance job—only to realize it’s not right for them. During this time, they’re anxious, emotionally dependent on their parents, and sometimes struggle to even leave the house. Eventually, they switch to software engineering while continuing to make music.

• Comeback + posting daily: After a gap, they release “Blip.” On release day they feel terrible, then see an upsetting YouTube comment claiming they “wasted the opportunity.” Instead of quitting, they take control: move out, release more music, and—crucially—post music every day. They learn that marketing works better when it’s real: stop trying to be mysterious/cool and just be themselves.

• Two major “proof” moments:

  • “Voicemail”: started as a quick remix-like sketch, then unexpectedly blows up—reinforcing that overthinking was the enemy and enjoyment matters more than perfect strategy.
  • Zedd plays “Blip”: Zedd performs the creator’s earlier underperforming track, confirming the emotional payoff of persistence. But there’s also a harsh lesson: once one goal is achieved, the “goalpost moves” again, and the chase never fully ends.

• Final takeaway: Enjoy the process. Don’t rely entirely on career outcomes for happiness. Keep working hard, but focus on what you actually love—waking up, making music you enjoy, and building friendships along the way.

Highlights / jokes / memorable reactions

• They repeatedly admit they procrastinate by creating setup/script “roadblocks.”
• deadmau5’s critique is both specific and funny in context (“didn’t like the snare”), showing the creator takes feedback seriously.
• They acknowledge the emotional disconnect between opportunity and internal anxiety—“having an opportunity but wanting to retract into my hole.”
• They joke that music is more enjoyable than school, while also admitting both require hard work.
• Reaction-style beats:
  • disbelief when “Voicemail” suddenly hits,
  • an emotional payoff when Zedd plays “Blip,”
  • followed by reflection on how “goalposts move.”

Main message

The video isn’t just “my career so far.” It’s about learning to stop waiting for permission (from management or circumstances), stop overthinking, and build a sustainable routine around authenticity, daily output, and enjoying the ride.

Personalities mentioned / involved

• deadmau5
• Mat Zo
• Zedd
• mau5trap (management/label network referenced)
• Pixel Empire (referenced via Mat Zo track inspiration)