Ahh that grabbed your attention didn’t it? This is an article, of un-biased material and information on the described topic above. I’ve written this article for many of my friends who are musicians, and for whoever is interested in REAL information, and not just heresy, or Uncle Bob’s experience from the 70’s.
First let’s begin with why you are a musician.
Do you have the passion? Or is it for personal growth? Maybe to receive more attention? You don’t have to explain to me why you are doing it, just as I don’t have to explain why I do what I do. I wouldn’t consider any of those options right or wrong, they are more or less motivation for your career.
A Career? Yes, career. As much as you want to believe you can make music, hang out with your friends all day, and not have to deal with the stresses of an average job, you can’t. Being a musician in this day and age is much different than what you’ve grown to know. Most “could-have-been” musicians have a normal 9-5 workday, and then come home to work on music. This can be confusing for artists, as they usually don’t understand the characteristics of running a small business.
(NOTE: If you are a hobbyist musician most of this does not apply to you.)
Wait, did you say small business? I’m just a Musician; I’m not running a company.
Oh but indeed you are.
Look at some of the “be my own boss” style careers, Entrepreneur, Real tor, Investor, or anything freelance and you will see being a professional musician is a FULL TIME job. That is, if you want to make money from it. And when I say money, I’m not attempting to crush your artistic integrity, or dream that you are so unique you won’t have to worry about money. I’m talking about putting food on the table, money for strings and other instruments, advertising, traveling expenses, etc.
Now, if you are still under the delusion that you’re just going to be “found”, you might as well quit reading this. Those cases come in EXTREME rarity, and even then there is someone behind the “talent” creating an avenue for discovery.
Back to small business, how does it tie in? Well for starters, you are marketing YOURSELF or YOUR BAND. So now you are promoting a skill YOU possess. Think of a plumber, who is offering his skills in his desired area. Whoa, nuts huh?
Alright, so I have to take this seriously? Of course, I’m sure you already are, but what you don’t realize is that there are literally THOUSANDS of people doing quite close to what you are doing. What you need to do is take a step ahead of them.
Contact someone experienced with promoting your skills, you may find that many people in your immediate family have great ideas on how to bring you or your band to light. Do you have avenues to promote you or your band? A few songs on Myspace is good, but let’s face it you’re no Rihanna.
Social Media is nice because most up and coming musicians are already experienced using it, whether it’s you or your band’s status updates, twitter feeds, or upcoming gigs, you can easily promote yourself to your friends or existing fan base. Did I mention it’s FREE?
Networking is KEY in becoming a successful musician, as with almost every professional career. Ever heard the expression “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”? How very true that is. How are you going to get fans in Seattle when you’re only promoting your music in Florida? Sure you have a Myspace, but chances are unless they are specifically looking for you, they have no idea you exist.
Freebies are a nice way of promoting yourself. Offering free lessons in whatever field you are skilled in, possibly doing pro-bono gigs for local charities, or maybe your friends little brother’s birthday party will give you more exposure locally, and can then provide you with more avenues of income, or visibility, so you may be able to reach those fans in Seattle.
Becoming a professional musician takes commitment, we all know that. But the type of commitment it takes rivals the amount needed to become a CEO, or even the President at times. The real question is, do you want it for the right reasons? Do you want to make it your life? Are you ready to sacrifice and work harder at it than anything you’ve ever done?
If you answered yes to those questions above, then I believe in you, and want to help you succeed. I am no musician, but as many know I am well skilled in branding, and promoting myself. I am more than willing to provide my experience to your “Career”, as long as you are interested in it being that. A career.
Good luck to you and your future endeavors.
Check out some of the local artists in my area.
Iggnilla – DonkeyMoose
The Divided Mind
Southern Suburbia
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