Not that I claim to be a guru nor do I have intricate experience of working within the music industry. However, for those people seeking to enter music industry here are some tips that I have discovered along my path that I'm sure that could assist you.
1. Get your business on!
- Register with BMI or ASCAP. This shows potential collaborators and persons of influence that you are taking this seriously, and whether you are a part of a small project or larger project, that you take the same precautions with potential royalties. When you register with one of the aforementioned associations, never forget to copyright your ideas. If they're lyrics - do the poor man copyright ASAP! Then work on registering your ideas to the government. Intellectual property is big business. Protecting yourself is KEY!
2. Know YOUR lane!
- Not everyone is meant to be in the spotlight. In fact, that is probably the position with the most amount of responsibility and the least amount of pay if you don't do anything else. Study your craft. It should not be JUST enough for you to sing, be a writer, learn basic theory. Trust - it helps when you go in the studio knowing what you know so you don't have to pay other people to do that for you. Know your craft well enough and know what styles you mesh most with. If there is particular song that you like (or songs) check out who did the production on them. But remember, just because you like them doesn't mean that area is specifically for you. Seek professional guidance and have some experience in various avenues of technology.
3. Don't depend on technology to fix what you don't know already.
- Although, ProTools, autotune, vocoder, Logic, etc. are great tools, you need to know that you can produce without those.
Music industry is moving towards an arena that is going to expose talent from manufactured art. There's nothing wrong with either; there is just a time and a place for certain styles of music. Knowing what you do and what you do well will benefit you the most. It is important, however, that you not be scared of getting out of your box if absolutely necessary. Industry is looking for away to make money for everyone involved. Just as we, as a society, are shifting to more "energy efficient" technology - music industry is searching for its GREEN product that makes sense to the consumer and the producers.
Also - be a business card. Advertise your services. Always know what the last book you've read, your favorite album and why, your favorite artists and why --- and SINGERS, if you have to sing on the spot - have a song that you can wake up singing without being fed the words. Know at least the keys you sing in - so if you ever come in contact with a house band you can present yourself in the best possible light.
Start early with business. Don't depend on nobody that knows somebody that knows somebody. Even if you have friends in high places, your connection will only create so much room for you... favor does the rest and having talent creates sustainability.
... watch for more to come...
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