The music industry is very tough to get into, and unless you have the right people around you, you will have a very hard time making it. Those who were able to succeed were usually very well prepared and had a good understanding of the realities of the music industry before they got in. This is why you should wait before thinking about getting signed and see if you truly have what it takes to survive in the music business. You can then start to put the pieces in place to make things work. Let’s take a look at a few things you will need to do if you want to be successful in the music industry.
Have an Optimistic Mindset
The first thing you should do is change your mindset if you tend to be pessimistic. You’ll be told “no” many times in this industry, and unless you’re ready to pick yourself up and try again, you will have a very hard time succeeding.
You should know that not getting a deal after an audition is not the end of the world. Maybe you need to work on your product more. Or maybe you could improve your look or your live performance. There are also different avenues that you can take if you’re genuinely talented. Do not give up, look at all the opportunities that could be open to you, and always have a plan B.
Get a Good Studio
You will need to find a music studio that has all the equipment you need to make professional tracks, and is a place where you feel comfortable. This is important if you want to record professional sounding demos and make good records that will allow you to get a following. These days, you will have difficulty getting a deal if you don’t have some sort of core fanbase. A lot of new artists try to cut corners and make records from their makeshift studios, but they will never sound as good as if they were recorded in a real studio.
If you think booking studio time is too expensive, you shouldn’t. If you’re in Brooklyn and are looking for something affordable with top-of-the-line equipment and a great atmosphere, check out the Brooklyn recording studios. Their Brooklyn music studio is open 24/7 and you’ll have tons of space to work with your team. Their studios are bookable by the hour and you can do everything you want whether it’s doing editing, recording, or mixing tracks.
Be Ready to Perfect Your Craft
Most major music stars are workaholics and perfectionists. This is what sets them apart from the rest. You will also need to become a perfectionist if you want to make it in this business. Even if you feel like you have a great voice, you will need to hire a vocal coach so that they can teach you new things. You should also have an open mind and study others. Do not stick to your genre only either. By having an open mind, you could pick up on things from other genres you like and incorporate them into your art. This will only make you more interesting as an artist.
Have a Solid Home Base
Now is not the time to cut ties with your close friends and family. You will need them along the way. It’s always good to have someone who you know cares about you when you’re getting ready to make a decision. What you shouldn’t do, however, is take their opinions too seriously when it comes to music. You will need to form a professional peer group for that as they’ll be more realistic and knowledgeable.
Build a Team
There are lots of people you will need to hire when you’re a recording artist, and they’ll all be taking a cut, so this is something you’ll have to prepare for. The first person you have to hire is a lawyer, even before a manager. Find a lawyer with a good reputation who will be able to review all the contracts you will be signing, including the one you will sign with your manager.
Your manager will be in charge of representing you and guiding you in your business. They will also help with promotion and soliciting performance opportunities. Ideally, you want to go with a manager who has a history in the industry and knows a few important people. It’s always better to go with an agent who works with acts similar to you as well.
The next person you will need is a booking agent. Booking agents will help you find venues where you can perform and can also organize the logistics of a tour. They will help negotiate fees, draft booking contracts, and find support acts as well. If you sign with an agent who works for a major agency, they may also be able to book you as a support act for bigger artists on their roster.
You will need a social media manager as well. You have to be very careful with who you work with since a small blunder could end up being disastrous for you. You need to go with someone reliable and you can trust as they will be responsible for interacting with your fanbase.
Another professional you’ll need to hire but not enough artists do is an accountant. They will make sure that you stay out of tax trouble and help you budget so you always have enough to pay the IRS. They will also prepare financial forecasts, make profits/loss reports, and balance sheets, among other things.
Know that you won’t necessarily need a publicist at the beginning, but you would consider hiring one if you start getting bigger as an act. They will play an essential role in building your brand and getting you media opportunities.
If you want to make it in the music business, you will need to understand all aspects of it and work with the right people. Don’t be eager and find a good agent and lawyer before you take the next step in your career.
