Meet Louis B. Middleton | Musician & Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Louis B. Middleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve tried working other jobs, taking positions, working for other people and organizations. Ultimately, I’ve always come back to being a musician and working for myself. Let’s be honest, I’ve always been a musician but it wasn’t until more recently I made a decision to truly dedicate myself to my own business. The last position I took at a company inspired me to rethink what I was doing with my life; that I should give being a full time musician another shot. I’m grateful I did.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an “elevated” piano man who loves what I do. I bring inspired covered songs, musical performances, and energy to a space to elevate and inspire whoever is willing to listen. When I perform for an audience, I don’t care how many people are in the room. I’ve learned through the years quality is more important than quantity. Every person in that room is the most important person in the room at that given moment. I never want to feel like I’m “phoning it in”. I’ve been given this gift and believe everybody deserves to feel inspired. If I can make one person feel something in a room through my music and performance, thats my natural high these days.

I grew up around music in a small Pennsylvania town called Pleasant Valley. We had an old piano in our country house living room next to the exposed fire place. Sure, it was old and out of tune but my father taught me how to play for myself on that piano. I didn’t know that it would turn into a career one day and I still take that feeling with me. That feeling still excites me. I believe my audience loves what I do because I love what I get to do. I know how lucky I am.
In my experience, I’ve already won. I’m fortunate to get to do what I love and people appreciate my craft enough to pay me to do it.

I’m excited to see what comes next! I’ve been pounding the pavement for so many years and have finally reached a place in my career I’m comfortable. One of my problems is not accepting I’m allowed to be comfortable. I believe a side effect of being so uncomfortable for so many years has lead me to a place where being uncomfortable is actually my comfort zone. I’m a recovering addict and through my process of recovery, I’ve learned it’s very difficult for me to ever be satisfied with where I’m at. It’s in my nature to want more. I want more gigs, more exposure, more unique travel destinations, and sometimes more challenges for me to overcome.

Externally, I have a strong business structure and it’s growing with each gig. internally, I sometimes still feel like that unstable musician. It wasn’t an easy road to get to where I am now. I’m a work in progress. My business is a work in progress. Through trial and error and a lot of work on myself a day at a time, I’m getting better. My business continues to grow. I’ll be honest, I don’t always know what I’m doing but that’s okay. I keep doing the best I can in any given situation, showing up, playing from the heart, and it keeps getting better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Miami, I suggest you take a walk through Little Havana. Take in the history. Versailles Restaurant is a world famous Cuban restaurant and the owners are friends of mine. I usually go into Miami with no actual plan. It’s that kind of city. You can wander along the beach and shop for hours or relax by the ocean on a towel. Take in the sun for the day, head back to your hotel or apartment for a quick change, then head out for the night. Take your time while there. There’s a lot of art, history, and culture to take in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Here is a list of people and/or organizations who deserve special recognition in my life and the success of my business…

The Universe
My Recovery Support Network
My Wife, Jessica
My brother, Jesse
My Family
My Friends
Philadelphia
New York City
Jayma Cardoso
The Dante West Village Family
Past Musical Endeavors

If I didn’t mention you, you know who you are.

Website: www.louismiddleton.com

Instagram: @louisbmiddleton

Twitter: @louisbmiddleton

Image Credits
Jessica Opala