In their latest episode, “Tara & Bree: Rejection,” Bree Noble and Tara Brueske (aka Tara B.) reunite for a heartfelt and candid conversation about facing rejection as musicians. The pair reflect on their decade-long friendship and professional collaboration, tracing their paths from early podcast guests and hosts to published authors and mentors in the music industry.
The episode dives into the realities of rejection that every musician encounters, from unreturned emails and cold outreach to the sting of dismissive feedback from booking agents, audiences, or even local radio stations. Bree and Tara openly share personal stories—like Bree recalling a radio station rejecting her music and Tara recounting awkward moments with audience members during performances—that perfectly illustrate both the vulnerability and resilience required in this field.
A key theme is the tendency, especially for women, to internalize rejection and let that one negative comment overshadow dozens of positive ones. The hosts encourage listeners to keep perspective, suggesting practical tactics like creating a “bank” of positive feedback and accolades to revisit whenever doubt creeps in. They emphasize the importance of community, rehearsal, and self-affirmation, reminding everyone to celebrate their uniqueness and remember that not everyone is meant to be their fan.
Tara and Bree also talk about how rejection doesn’t disappear as you become more established—if anything, it takes new forms and often becomes more public. Nonetheless, they advocate for perseverance and adapting a growth mindset, suggesting that each “no” simply gets you closer to a meaningful “yes.” Tara plugs her book, “20 Must-Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs,” as a resource for turning rejection into more opportunities and a sustainable music career.
Wrapping up, Bree and Tara invite the community to reach out through Instagram DMs with podcast topic requests—and reassure listeners that rejection is both normal and survivable. Their message is clear: keep creating, keep pitching, and know that your music will find the audience it’s meant for.
**Key Takeaways:**
– Rejection is an inescapable part of every musician’s journey.
– Internalizing negative feedback is natural, but not constructive—offset it with positive reminders.
– Build a support system; solo artists especially benefit from a creative community.
– Your uniqueness (even quirks) is your superpower—embrace it.
– Persevere: One opportunity often leads to many more.
– Age and experience can become assets in building connection with your audience.
– Engage directly with Tara and Bree on Instagram for advice or to suggest future episode topics.
**Connect with Tara and Bree:**
– Bree Noble: @profitablemusicianllc
– Tara Brueske: @tarabrueskemusic
Stay tuned for more monthly coffee shop-style talks, filled with wisdom, laughter, and real-world advice for thriving as a professional musician!