Beth Hart – HuffPost 2.22.13

Mike Ragogna: What advice do you have for new artists?

Beth Hart: Number one, get a great manager who’s smart, well-connected, and really, really cares about you personally. It can’t just be like you’re a meal ticket or he says he’s going to make you a star and be all business. Really get someone you can connect with and have an amazing relationship with. Number two, realize that you can’t count that fame and money is going to come just because you think you’re talented or your mom thinks you’re talented. You have to really make a decision and say, “I’m going to do this and I’m going to love this, even if the fame and the money doesn’t come, I’m going to dedicate myself to growing as an artist because I love it and it brings me joy and it drives me crazy and all that stuff that life does.” It kicks your ass and then it turns you around and gives you a big fat hug and a kiss. And I think you’ve got to approach it that way because, as we know, there’ve been so many great artists out there that you’ve never even heard of, you don’t even know they exist, and it doesn’t take anything away from their artistry or the relevancy of what they have to say. Sometimes, you’ve got to get lucky or get promoted properly or timing or whatever. So I would say those two things: Get a great manager, someone you can trust, and make the decision, are you willing to do this, even if fame and money never comes? Because you know, even if fame and money doesn’t come, and I’m speaking from serious personal experience here, I have had the time of my life in my career. As a kid, I dreamed of a big house in Malibu, a jet, and the whole world. I didn’t get that, but I’ve had an amazing time. I feel so beyond blessed.

MR: Beth, what advice would you give to the young woman who had a big hit with “LA Song (Out Of This Town)?”

BH: [laughs] My advice to her would be, “It’s okay to get lost and f**k up. Forgive yourself, learn how to have compassion, and open up your heart and get back to work and do what you love to do.”