But 99% of them are not really in the music business. It's not because they're not making a living at it...lots of people have other ways of paying the bills. In fact, like my friend who owns a gas station yet doesn't make his living selling gas, many "full-time musicians" are doing the same thing with t-shirts, licensing deals, and other income streams rather than music.
Forget those people though... I want to talk about the people, regardless of how they make their living, who only claim to be "in the music business." I want to talk about the folks who talk big and dress the part, but just pretend to be doing this for real.
As many of you guys know, I'm a big fan of yoga. I've been practicing for seven years and do it daily for at least an hour. And not only that, I subscribe to a couple of yoga magazines, I take workshops, I've got all the props here, I've got a shelf full of books, and all the other things you'd expect somebody who is interested in yoga would have.
So I find it amazing that people who are "in the music business" aren't doing something similar.
Before I locked the doors on my music business consulting program, the first thing I'd do when a new client would come though is send them a box via UPS which contained several of my music business books, hours of recorded conference calls, seminars on CD, and a lot more information on the business to really give them a jumpstart on things. All in all, it was probably $800 worth of stuff.
During this time, I had a moneyback guarantee. If you'd work with me for six months and what I told you to do didn't help you to sell more music, get more people to your shows, and make more money, you'd simply send everything back and I'd give you back not only everything you'd paid to me, I'd also throw in a check for an extra $50.00 just to say thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with you.
While I was doing this, I only had two people (out of hundreds) return their stuff to me. And both of those packages, contained the books, the conference calls, the seminars, and whatever else I'd thrown in...still in the shinkwrap.
Now, I supposed I could have called these people up and said, "You guys have to actually open my stuff and use it for it to work." But the truth is, I've seen enough folks like this to know you can't do anything to help them if they're not going to help themselves.
Don't move the lazy. It's one of my 14 Qualities of Successful Musicians, Songwriters, and Music Business Professionals. And it's why most bands never get the attention they think they want.
If you're "in the music business," wouldn't it make sense that you'd want to read up on everything that the music business involves? If you don't, you might want to think about how bad you really want this.
Careers In The Music Business
Music Demo Tape
Initially when you contact management and recording companies, music producers and talent agencies they will ask you to supply them with a tape or CD of your music.
The demo tape you submit will provide the reasons for the record company to be interested in you and give you a recording contract. It not only portrays your image, but also your musical capabilities. After all, the recording company will need to see you have something special to offer them to warrant the money they will be investing in you!
Make Your Music Special
As your music must reach your listeners on an emotional level you should ensure the start of your songs will appeal to your audience. If the beginning holds no interest to the recording companies, they will not hang around long enough to get as far as the chorus and the public are never likely to hear your music at all.
Choose Your Song Carefully
Don't just think you can record any old song, simply because you wrote it yourself. Do your research, and find one of good quality with the potential of encouraging your audience to listen to more of your stuff.
The Role of the Music Producer
The "music producer" helps you to select which songs to record and he makes all of the technical decisions. He knows how to put across your singing talents, and is the one who often turns you dreams into reality.
A good music producer will not only make your demo sound exciting but will also present you as a polished and professional artist in a style which will compliment your particular genre of singing.
How to Choose the Right Music Producer
You should shop around and check out the reputation of the music producers before making a decision about who would be the right one for you. Ask as many questions as you like. Have they had many successes in the past? Have they worked with anyone famous and produced a hit record? Have they received any awards for their music productions? When you meet him or her in person, really listen to what they have to say for themselves. Check out their music reproduction and ask yourself "Am I impressed?"
Are There any Other Options
It is not the end of the world if you cannot get a record deal and this does not indicate you are no good and that you should give up and concentrate on your day job! In this day and age, the World Wide Web has a lot to offer to those looking for a career move and the Internet is even providing a way for budding stars, who previously had a recording contract, to sell their music on line and become recognized with music lovers all over the world.
Both David Hooper & Kevin Sinclair are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kevin Sinclair has sinced written about articles on various topics from self improvement and motivation, Personal Development Plan and Ezines And Newsletters. Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of , a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.. Kevin Sinclair's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
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