Gloria Gaynor said it best, “I will survive” in her 1983 album, and that is all she had to say to make a hit. However, this is about surviving the music industry, especially in this tough economy. It’s not easy for musicians, artists, and bands to get their music out to the waiting audiences at bars and clubs the old fashioned way because it has become expensive to do so. Not only that, it has become more of a hassle and more communication with fans are jumping on the internet to join these social networking sites that make life a bit easier to live while attempting a music career.
For the “serious inquiries only” artists, I personally love to give advice that I know works and I like to share tips and tricks that most won’t comprehend because they aren’t as tangible, yet they are the most valuable. These are in order as #10 is the least important and #1 is the most important. These can be changed around and some ignored if not applicable.
10. You got to spend money to make money
If you want to make it in this business, you need to start out by spending some quality money on good recordings, photography, music gear, band website, traveling to practice and playing shows. There are certain areas that you can save money, but you want to make sure you are investing the money into the right areas that will help get you discovered and these are the things that fans will care about the most at first.
9. Look, Attitude, & Sound
These are the three most important ‘things’ about your band or you as a solo artist. Look is all about dressing to play your part in the band. As a band, you should look like you belong together, like band members. Keep your look consistent and that way fans can relate to you even more than just what your music is about. Attitude means keeping your head held high and talking to everyone you meet with a smile on your face. You don’t want to make anyone angry or your reputation will be ruined. Sound simply means pick a genre that you and your band members feel comfortable playing and that you are somewhat familiar with.
8. Use professional services
There are many growing small companies that offer great professional recording, photography, and graphic design services that can be taken advantage of at affordable prices. The use of professional services makes you seem more serious about your music career and what you want to portray to your fans is that you care of the quality of your music and band image.
7. Get a manager
Most of the manager’s duties and responsibilities come into play once an artist is generating income – especially through a record company association, but also for active local and regional artists who are touring and selling product on their own. Therefore, many people think it isn’t really necessary to have a manager until there is an income-producing career to ‘manage’.
One exception is the manager who can help you obtain a record deal. The right manger for this task can be hard to find, and must be carefully chosen. You don’t want to get tied up in complicated legal contracts with inexperienced managers who will need to be replaced once a record deal comes along.
6. PR – “Never say no”
This is an easy concept to follow and every artist should embrace this. Press can be your worst enemy or your best friend; mostly the latter. Whether it is getting an article in a newspaper, magazine, or at a charity event, you need to always be there. Never say no to any press because every little bit of press will help get your music known and recognized. No matter how small you think it is, just do it and it will help.
5. Network, network, network
Networking is simply talking to people; that is it. As a band, this is part of your job. You need to network with anyone who talks to you. You should have business cards with your band name on it always in your back pocket ready to hand out. You can help establish your name and music to some people you barely know and they might know someone who works in the music industry that can help propel your music career; you never know until you network with people. Treat everyone you meet like they are a business prospective or a future fan of your music.
4. Building relationships
A few of my other points are part of building relationships. As an artist/band, you want to establish a reputation among peers, family, friends, and industry professionals. You need to build your fan base by shaking everyone’s hands and making sure you talk to just about every one of your fans and supporters to build lasting relationships with these people. They will help make you famous if you tend to them and make sure you are consistent with giving away the same messages.
3. Start locally
This means to start all of the above items like networking and participating locally at your church, school, venues, events, parties, etc. The local people are your nest bet because you might have established good relationships and trust among your peers, family, and friends.
2. Join Social Networks
Why? Why not. 95% of them are free, popular, and can only help you get your music and name out there and start to create a fan base. There are dozens and it can be confusing to choosing which ones to join. Typically, you would join the most popular ones because every other band is on them. However, the smaller networks/websites might not have as much traffic but they will have a more targeted fan base, you will be a part of a smaller pool of competition, and you just might reap the most benefits of the site. Do some research online about what each one offers and how they differ in helping to reach your music goals. Pick the one(s) that suit your needs the most/best.
1. Practice, practice, practice
This is the single most important piece of information and instruction anyone can give you. You must constantly, consistently, and always be practicing to better your craft to be a professional in the music industry. There is too much competition for your music to be lackadaisical and not refined to it’s potential. Even the professionals always practice, so what does that say? If you are serious, you will practice 3 times a week for 2 hours at a time. This will prepare you for the real world when and if you hit fame eventually.
Post by Mike K - Meet Me
A musician since 5th grade, guitar is my instrument of choice. You'll find my posts on a wide variety of music related subjects.
