Jacklyn
How hard is it for a woman to succeed in music business? How can I succeed in this industry?
I want to get into the music industry and know how to go about it the right way. #women-in-business #music #music-industry #anything-related-to-music-business #music-business
2 answers
Anne Nicolai
Anne’s Answer
Here's what I know from successful women about building a music career:
• Work in/around the music biz while you're building your own resume. You can work as a roadie, a chart writer, a radio DJ, a booking agent at a venue, a music teacher, a church choir member, a music festival volunteer, a band camp counselor, or a music reporter or blogger.
• Become known as a person other musicians love to work with, which means: be available; be on time; work hard no matter what (or if) you're being paid; never get drunk or abuse courtesy privileges such as food or friends-and-family comp tickets; practice on your own time to prep for rehearsals; graciously accept constructive criticism; if you're a band member or invited guest, don't be a showboat or a scene-stealer and stick to your designated solos; help to promote and build audience for any group or venue you're working with; bring positive energy to every rehearsal, performance, or meeting; delight your fans (all it takes is a smile or a thank you).
• Always be on the lookout for opportunities to perform (or to represent a performer or group you love) and act immediately because it's a competitive field.
• Proudly promote if you're an all-women or woman-led group when advantageous (such as getting into a male-dominated festival) but understand that talent is what the audience cares about most.
• Have your act together. Return calls and texts promptly. Create a website and keep it updated with videos, repertoire, testimonials, etc. so you can send it on a moment's notice to a venue that's considering you. Also be prepared to send a rider (list of all audio equipment and/or staging/lighting requirements you expect the venue to provide).
• Network every chance you get. Comment on your favorite bands'/venues' social media pages. Carry business cards that you can hand out if you're doing bar gigs or private events. Play festivals whenever you can.
• Don't burn bridges. If you have a falling-out with another musician or a venue, keep it between you and don't talk smack about them with anyone or you'll find you have no resources when you need a sub or a gig. Be adult about it. With the exception of a major betrayal, be willing to forgive but don't forget (in the case of someone ripping you off or standing you up).
Cautions specifically for a woman in the music business might include:
• Respect yourself and never, ever believe that you must compromise your dignity or integrity in exchange for an opportunity. Walk away. There will be others!
• Don't use tentative, apologetic language—say what you want and stick to your guns regarding compensation, gig time and billing, etc. If you want to be an agent, know the market rates (usually a commission on ticket sales) and be sure you are the one collecting the money.
• Don't drink or get high before/during a performance, and if you're going to do it after, do it at home, not at the venue if you want to be hired back there.
• Don't walk alone at night (not even a few blocks to the parking lot unless well lit), especially if you are carrying money, instruments, or equipment that might attract muggers.
One of my favorite success stories is jazz singer and pianist Julia Vari, who grew up in Mexico and toured all over the country before moving too L..A. a few years ago. She is cute and petite and talented, but I've watched her trajectory and I can tell you her success is mostly due to hard work and keeping her goals in mind. She used to play a club in Mexico City that doesn't pay, but she did it because that's where all the big names go to play for fun when they're in town for concerts. When she got a chance to be sponsored by MAC Cosmetics, she said yes without blinking because that brand has enough caché to get her taken seriously as an unknown. Look her up!
Judeanne Armenti
Judeanne’s Answer
Hi Jacklyn!
I know it's not proper to answer a question with a question but I think you need to understand this first... What's your definition of success? Do you want to be a performer or someone in the business side of things?
This is what I can tell you about being a female in the music business, the business side of things.
Just as in any other industry, you will meet and work with all types of people. There will be just as many people who are positive as there are those who are negative. There will be those who are helpful and encouraging just as there will be those who feel threatened by you. There will be people you find are people you'll have as friends for life and people you will never see again once you no longer work with them. The important thing about all these people is You. You must make every effort to work just as hard and as well for or with any of these people in every job you have. That will be the measure of your reputation and your integrity. In this industry, and many others, those qualities are the measure of your success, because those qualities will be why others look to help you progress through your career and keep you working with or for them.
Any career in the music industry will require mobility. Professionals in all areas of the business tend to move from city to city as opportunities present themselves. Also, be aware that, again depending on what you end up doing in the business, you may find that the biggest occupational hazard may be your family life. Notice I used the word MAY... it's up to you and what you decide is the best career for you. You may find you miss out on a few parties, family reunions, weddings, birthdays, etc. It's something you'll need to navigate in your own definition of success.
As for getting into the business, again, it depends on what you want to do. I honestly suggest you go to college and jump into any music programs they have - music history, performance, business, marketing, media studies - its really endless what you can learn in school and apply to the industry. Whatever you do, do internships. They are valuable to all sorts of professions but literally no way near as important to a career in the music business.
Before any of that, get some knowledge of the industry. Start visiting Pollstar.com, Variety.com, and Billboard.com. Also, check out this guy, Bob Lefsetz. He has one of the most popular blogs in the industry. (Please note, I said popular, not the best. But he's a good source for learning how many executives think in the business.)
I also highly recommend the autobiographies of Bill Graham ( https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Graham-Presents-Life-Inside/dp/0306813491/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523581662&sr=1-1&keywords=bill+graham+presents) and Clive Davis (https://www.amazon.com/Soundtrack-My-Life-Clive-Davis/dp/1476714797/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1476714797&pd_rd_r=8G0A521EY9VMJXK498ZX&pd_rd_w=vu68D&pd_rd_wg=2LQal&psc=1&refRID=8G0A521EY9VMJXK498ZX) and the biography of Ahmet Ertegun (https://www.amazon.com/Last-Sultan-Times-Ahmet-Ertegun/dp/1416558403/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523581722&sr=1-1&keywords=ahmet+ertegun). They were pioneers in the concert promotion and recording industry and, frankly, are my industry heroes. Also, read All You Need to Know About the Music Business, by Donald S. Passman (https://www.amazon.com/Need-Know-About-Music-Business/dp/1501104896). He's a brilliant entertainment lawyer and you will learn SO MUCH about the business end of music. It will be mind blowing.
So, to sum things up, don't worry about how hard it may be to get into the business or to succeed in the business. If that is where your heart lies - Go for it! Get your formal education, educate yourself on the history of the industry, work internships, build your reputation, your network, and your skill sets, and you will enjoy the career you build, regardless of the industry and, most importantly, regardless of anyone else's measure of success.
If you are happy then you have succeeded!
Judeanne recommends the following next steps: