Guest Blog Post: By Vinny Ribas, CEO of Indie Connect. A global business club for up-and-coming artists, songwriters, musicians and music professionals.
1. Study the industry. There are countless places where you
can learn how the industry works as well as how to become a better
performer. Some are free. Some cost a little bit. About.com,
IndieConnect.com, CDBaby and many more have free info.
2. Study general business. It’s only when you can marry your talent with business knowledge that you move from having a hobby into having a business.
3. Find a mentor. Network both within and outside the industry to find someone who believes in you and will help guide you.
4. Network. Plug into the many music-related groups on
LinkedIn and just read all of the advice. There are deep and powerful
discussions by experienced industry professionals on every aspect of the
industry. Ask as many questions as you want, No question is ‘stupid’.
There are countless people who want to help young artists not make the
mistakes that they did!
5. Learn to book yourself. You have the same problem with
booking agents that you have with managers. They work on commission as
well – usually around 10%. So if you can’t command a decent amount for
your gigs, and you’re not gigging full time, it’s not worth their time.
6. Master your craft. If you sing or rap, be amazing at it. If
you play guitar, dazzle crowds with your skill. Never stop improving.
Even the most respected singers and musicians have coaches and work on
improving or learning something new all of the time!
7. Find your uniqueness. What is it about you and/or your
music that will set you apart from the vast sea of competition out
there? Once you find it, develop your brand around it. Your brand is the
first sight, sound and feeling that a person gets when they see or hear
your name. Develop it and then protect it!
8. Build your team. Once you have done all of the things I
have just mentioned, you’ll find that the team members you’ve been
looking for will start to find you. Interview them. Do your homework to
make sure they are a good fit and can get you where you want to go. Ask
to speak with other artists they have worked with. Be sure they have a
good reputation and the respect of the industry.
9. Be professionally relentless. The world is going to tell
you that you can’t make it. If you have any level of marketable talent,
they are wrong. There is a place for you. It may not be on the biggest
radio charts. It may not be headlining huge stadium concerts. But there
is a place for you – a place where you can feel good about what you’re
doing for a living, comfortable with the income you’re making and proud
of the person and the artist you’ve become.
10. Give back. Reach down and help other new singers and
musicians in the same way that you were helped. Keep their hopes alive!
You’re never too young to do this. Share anything you’ve learned that
has kept you from making a potentially serious mistake.
The Admin Team
Devine Jamz Gospel Network
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