Getting your start in the music business can be a long, difficult journey. It takes patience, passion and talent. And maybe you were born to do it. We think this guy definitely was!
Bruno Mars was born to a father who was a percussionist and a mother who was a singer. His parents performed doo-wop melodies, Motown hits, and even did impersonations of the great singers. Talk about a God given talent. This explains so much about Mars’ “sound.”
But how did he get his start in the music business?
When Bruno Mars was 4 years old he joined the family business and began to perform Elvis impersonations and later on graduated to Michael Jackson impersonations. He learned to play instruments on his own, saying that it was always in his environment so it was just natural for him to pick up on it so quickly.
Once Bruno Mars began high school he formed a band known as the School Boys. The band performed along the side of Bruno Mars’ family at a hotel in Honolulu. After graduating from high school, he decided to move to Los Angeles.
It was tough for him during the first few years in LA because he felt stagnant. He was so accustomed to performing all the time that when his career didn’t take off in the time frame that he expected, he became frustrated. This was when he began songwriting.
During this rough patch, he learned that his career would not just be handed to him; there was no easy way. Bruno Mars began songwriting, knowing that he’s never had to before, because he was becoming more self-sufficient. This was a way for him to make a good use of his time and explore his creativity. And this is when his breakthrough truly began. It’s funny how opportunities turn up as soon as you start to lose your confidence a bit.
After Bruno Mars was introduced to a songwriter named Philip Lawrence, a very talented composer of our time, they worked together and came up with a great song. After the song was sold to the record label for another artist, Bruno Mars was a bit disappointed. But then he realized that he could get into the business a different way; as a songwriter.
It’s important to remember that the plan you have for yourself is nothing compared to what the universe has planned for you. There is more than one route to your final destination. Remain open minded but always keep an eye on the ultimate goal.
Bruno Mars became successful as a pop music industry songwriter, but it was in 2010 when his dream as a singer was finally right in front of him. “Nothing On You” was a single featuring Bruno Mars on the chorus. The song catapulted to No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart.
Bruno Mars then released “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” in October of 2010 and it reached No. 3 on the Billboard album charts. He has moved on to performing at the Super Bowl, and even winning “Record of the Year” at the Grammy’s for his song “Uptown Funk.”
Bruno Mars is without a doubt, one of the greatest of our time. His talent, diverseness, and his ultimate “sound” inspire many who wish to follow his footsteps in the music business. It wasn’t easy for him, nor was it quick. But he followed his dreams through any route he could take. That is what dedication looks like!
Written by: Airis Kemp (Instagram: @loveairisstyle)
