Sure, The Old Adage still rings true: "It's Who You Know!" 

Certainly it's great to have an uncle who is one of three main limo drivers for the soon to be Sir Eric Clapton and/or a cousin who roadies for Chaka Khan when she's on the West Coast or perhaps you live around the corner from Bob James, but once the Introductions draw to an end, it's What You Know & How Well You Know It That Will Make or Break you. 

Your Performance on Stage or in the Studio transcends any Professional Reference. 

Your Professionalism in the most Stress Filled Situations Speak Louder than Any 'Good Word' Someone Puts in For You. 

Your Character & Integrity Stands Taller than Your Résumé ...in fact, Your Reputation Becomes Your Résumé 

Your Choice to Integrate With Your Fellow Musicians and Play Your Lines Rather than the Role of the Superstar is What Gets You Called Back 

Your Ability to Repeatedly "Bring It" On Demand Will Build a Far More Secure Stature Faster than Depending on Your Contact to Make a Connection. 

No less than Quincy Jones quipped, "It's Better that the Opportunity Never Come, than When It Does and You're Not Prepared For It!" 

So, It's Cool, Go Ahead and Reach Out to Your Aunt Betty's Friend of a Friend who golfs with Shawn Mendes, but at the End of the Day, It's Still On You to Produce! 

  

I was listening to Nathan East's new "Reverence" on CD as I composed this Blog