The Power of Almost & the Art of Not Giving Up
- Marx James
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Earlier this week, I received a message from BBC Introducing after submitting one of my recent tracks, Smooth:
"Hello Marx James,Someone from the BBC Introducing Northants and Three Counties programme team has listened to your track, Smooth.This doesn't guarantee we'll play it on air, but it's a good start..."— BBC Music Introducing
It’s a standard message—one, hundreds of producers and musicians receive. But still, something about it stuck with me. Because in a world where most creative journeys are spent navigating silence, that one line — “someone listened” — means a lot.
It’s Not a Yes, But It’s Not a No
Over the years, I’ve submitted several pieces of music to BBC Introducing. Some were played. Some weren’t. Every time, it’s felt like placing a little part of myself into the universe and waiting to see if it echoes back. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t.
But what matters is this: I never stopped sending.
The same has also been true in another part of my life — curating the legacy of the late Nick Fraser, a visionary outsider artist whose work I’ve spent the last year sharing with the world.
The Art of Rejection & Resilience
In both music and visual art, rejection is not rare, it’s routine. If you’re an artist, a curator, or any kind of creator, you’ll know what it feels like to knock on doors that never open.
Applications sent.
Emails unanswered.
Grants denied.
Pitches rejected.
Yet, I’ve kept going.
Whether I’m submitting music or applying for funding, what drives me forward is the belief that one day, the right door opens. And until then, you build, refine, and grow in the shadows. There’s a quiet bravery in choosing to keep creating when no one is clapping yet.
Creative Work Isn’t Linear — It’s a Spiral
As a curator, I’ve had every funding applications rejected, But for every no, there has also been many moments of light:
Nick Fraser’s work exhibited for the first time in 30 years.
A full Nick Fraser legacy feature and exhibition review in RAW Vision Magazine.
A digital exhibition hosted by Outside In.
Our first Paintings listed with House of Assets.
The Launch of Imaginative Reaction - Providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, gain visibility, and connect with a broader audience.
These moments didn’t come easily, they came after many challenges. The same goes for music. That’s the reality of being in the creative industry — you’re always in motion, always learning, and always reapplying.
Why I’m Sharing This
Because I know I’m not the only one receiving polite rejections, and I know I’m not the only one still showing up.
To every creative who has heard “we’re not able to proceed” or “you didn’t make the cut”—I see you.
I’ve been you. I am you.
But I also know that the real artists, the ones who shape the future, are the ones who don’t stop after the no. They reflect, They rework, They return and one day, they rise.
Some Places of Support & Belonging
For any artist, producer or dreamer walking this path, here are a few resources I’ve found helpful — and that you might, too:
🎧 BBC Introducing — Keep sharing your music. Someone is listening.
🤝 Help Musicians UK — Offering wellbeing, development, and financial support.
🎙️ PRS Foundation — Grants and funding for emerging music creators.
💡 Imaginative Reaction CIC — A platform I’ve been building alongside my curation work to support artists of all disciplines through community, exposure, and collaboration.
🗣️ Musicians' Union — From legal advice to contracts and guidance, they're in your corner.
Final Thought: Keep Hitting Send
Whether you're making beats in your bedroom or pitching a gallery for a first-time exhibition, do not stop.
Being heard once means you’re in the arena.Being rejected means you’re trying.And trying is a victory in itself.
—
🖊️ Written by Marx James
Producer | Curator | Founder of Imaginative Reaction CIC
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