How a Hiatus Reignited My Creative Fire
The power of reinvention
The underground music industry is a vibrant and exhilarating world, full of flavor and artistic expression.
But it can also be demanding and exhausting…
So much so, it can bring you to your limit. And that’s exactly what happened to me.
If you’re new around here, I’m Wendy (a.k.a. Winnie). Winnie Escobar, also previously known as The Voice of the Underground. A born and bred New Yorker, I spent countless years working as a house & techno DJ, working my way to becoming a radio personality for Traxsource Live and ultimately, a producer. They call me the “DJ’s DJ.”
From London to Ibiza, I played music festivals and underground parties around the world. It was such a rush immersing myself in the pulsating beats and infectious energy of each crowd. I was living the life…until I wasn’t.
The constant club scene, working odd hours night after night – 2 am, 4 am, or even 6 am start times for after parties and early high-energy fitness classes – began to take its toll. It forced me to step away and reevaluate not just what I was doing, but how I was doing it. I felt the passion that brought me into the music industry was fading and that felt like a tragedy.
So I made the difficult decision to step away and figure out where I wanted to go and how I wanted to do things. I knew what I was previously doing was just not sustainable in the long term.
I’m happy to say that taking that space to find my creative fire was well worth it. And as I’m finding my way back to my first love – music – I want to share with my fans and anyone else who needs to hear, what I learned throughout this rediscovery journey.
Embrace Self-Care
When the demands of the music industry become overwhelming, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. If my hiatus taught me anything, it’s that self-care is crucial to happiness. I completely changed my habits and lifestyle when I moved to CA four years ago. Focus on things that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Practice mindfulness – spirituality was huge for me, as someone being agnostic for parts of my life and reconnecting with my Christian faith. Lastly, engage in physical exercise and pursue other hobbies. For me, that’s fashion and food. I also rediscovered my love for reading. This is the first step in avoiding burnout.
Cultivate a Supportive Network
Navigating the underground music industry can often feel isolating. Building a strong support network can provide a crucial lifeline during challenging times. I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system of like-minded individuals who understand what lights me up. From my circle of friends to my husband (I just got married!), to family. I was so fortunate to have time off to rediscover myself, with the support of my aunt when I first moved to CA. I also took a ton of music production classes and earned certificates. Collaborating with other artists, attending industry events, and joining online communities have also helped tremendously. More on that, soon.
Diversify Creative Outlets
Engaging in diverse creative outlets can be a powerful antidote to burnout. When I stepped away from the club scene, it allowed me time to experiment with production techniques and collaborate with artists from various disciplines. I’ve also been able to pour more of my energy into my weekly show, Mood Swing.
Taking this hiatus has been a truly transformative experience, helping me find new sources of inspiration to hone my craft and come back even stronger, and creatively.
I hope you join me in this next chapter, as I have a bunch of exciting things dropping on the horizon. Stay tuned!