The hang is half the gig.

When you're a professional musician on the scene, hanging out with your fellow musicians is half the job.

Making bonds, building friendships, and having fun — these are all essential parts of the experience. Sure, you need to have the chops to play the music, but you're getting called back to the gig because people like you.

I remember back in music school, I asked my jazz professor about gigs. If he had a choice between a friend who's a medium-level player or a stranger who's a top-level player, who would he choose? He said he'd choose the friend. Every time.

When we go out to play, people can feel the chemistry between musicians. We're transmitting vibes literally and figuratively. When people see musicians having fun, they feel it too. The audience can feel the bond and intimacy between friends who have played together.

Let's not forget that the hang is where you talk shop, figure out the next gig, and remember to invite someone to something. It's like corporate water cooler talk — if you're not there, you miss out. And yes, it's an important part of the job.

This lesson spans beyond music. Building friendships and genuine connections wherever we work enriches both the work itself and our careers.

Next time you have an opportunity to connect with those you work with, remember: it's part of the job.