The music industry is a vast one. It’s not just about one genre anymore. In the past, the business was more like a fraternity, where there were a limited number of musicians and studios that produced and sold music. One could easily find a music executive trolling the local pubs and gigs to grab a hold of the talent. But things have changed to a great extent. With the expansion of genres and sub-genres, so has the empire. First of all, the industry is not available only in physical form – there are several online portals that offer budding and talented musicians to upload their works. Also, bands have their own niche sites where they can advertise and announce their next gig. Music isn’t anymore about a singer, musician, studio, etc. There are several ambiguous levels from those who actually make the music to those who market, promote and create a “brand” for the artiste and band. Good news, there’s place for everyone and bad news, everyone who is anyone is clamoring for a position in this glamorous industry!
But, like any popular field, there is always hope if you persevere and work hard. True, it is difficult to make your mark owing to the gigantic nature of the entertainment industry itself. But if anyone can do it, so can you if you really want to. Steve Rennie, aka RENMAN is a Mogul in the industry already, being the manager of multi-platinum selling artists, Incubus. He knows the industry pretty well and he has these online courses where he explains everything to a novice step-by-step, tutorial by tutorial on how to succeed. Check out his work and register HERE.
Ok, now let’s get down to serious business. Here’s something important you need to remember: In general, the music industry these days is more about the image over the music. Think about it. All the “major” artists of yesterday and today had a particular USP (Unique Selling Point) that grabbed loads of attention and won a lot of fans. For example, rock stars are usually known to be living that clichéd “sex, drugs and rock n’ roll” lifestyle. At the same time, pop stars (especially the females) have some sort of “sex appeal” and scandalous secret lives that keep them constantly in the tabloids and therefore earn plenty of attention for themselves and ultimately their music. Yes, you may be someone with serious talent who lives a pure life and is “all about the music”, but ask yourself these questions before trying to get into the music industry, because let’s be honest: at the end of the day, it’s nothing personal, just business and studios want to make money from signing you on. Here are some helpful tips for you:
FIND YOUR AUDIENCE – Ah, yes. How are your music and you going to make it if you don’t have anyone listening to it? Of course personally believe in what you are doing and have this raw passion to put out music you have composed for all and sundry to listen to. You might have a few “fans” in your friends and loved ones, but does your fandom extend beyond that? You need to know what type of audience you want to reach – are they hippies who frequent music festivals in the desert? Are they hardcore headbangers? Are they people who like to get all turnt up at the club? Or are they fitness freaks who like something upbeat to keep up to the rhythm of their jogging? Again, how many people usually fit these niches? The point is, do some research before you try and venture out in the commercial world.
JOIN A MUSIC SCHOOL – These days, it’s all about groups. Facebook has them, blogs have them and music schools enroll them. Find similar artists through a music school that you can enroll in either online or physically. First of all, they provide a lot of tips on how to break it in, and they have teachers who will smooth out the rough edges and improve your skill. The best part? There is in-house and visiting faculty that belong to the music business already and if they spot you and like what you do, they might sign you up immediately! Also, many major music schools have tie-ups with music houses so it would be easier to find a job once you graduate from said institute. Click here to learn more about IMA Music Business Academy.
PARTICIPATE IN A MUSIC COMPETITION – When American Idol came out, it actually created a brand-new way for desperate producers to find new talent that would otherwise have stayed in obscurity. Since then, there have been other talent shows popping up all over the world that help gifted musicians gain exposure and make it big. No one is saying you audition for such a major show. But start small, maybe at your local church or county competition and take it from there. Not only will you be slowly but surely earning fans, you will also be gaining exposure and clocking in performance time that will improve your skill.
MAKE YOUR PRESENCE FELT ONLINE – Everything is happening online these days. If you are sitting in your zone making music, there are limited opportunities and audiences you can reach. But with major sites like SoundCloud, BandCamp, etc. allowing musicians to detail their profiles and showcase their talents, the sky is the limit. Many new artists were first discovered on these online platforms and you might just be the next one! You can also connect with other people who are making waves within the same genre and learn more from your contemporaries all for free.
Click here for more information on getting into the music industry.
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