2 answers
Jenna
Student
Springfield, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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What should I be aware of in the future as a musical artist?
#artist #singing #music #music-industry #singer
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2 answers
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
82
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Let’s break this into two major parts: the artistry and the career (I.e., the business side).
Artistry:
1. You will never be done learning. There’s a reason they call it a practicing musician. Different styles, genres, scales and modes, it never ends. And you can always be better if you want.
2. There may be limits to your skills but you can always master those skills. Maybe you can’t play jazz but you can excel at pop, rock or even classical music. Find what you’re good at and excel at it.
Career stuff:
1. It will NOT go as you expect. Between industry trends, popular music fads, new technologies and simple twists of date, you can not plan your career with infinite detail. It WILL change. The ones who do well know how to see those trends and make changes to your career arc, while still being true to your art.
2. You WILL get screwed over. Might be a manager, an accountant, a club owner, or even a good friend, but it will happen. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work with others or trust no one. Just know it will happen, usually when things are going well.
3. You need to learn as much as you can about the industry itself. In addition to social media and distribution, that means boring things like publishing, contracts, finance etc. You will be more equipped to understand what’s happening in your career, and may even help you notice when #2 is going to happen.
4. You will want to give up sometimes. Everyone goes through it, and obviously, many people do walk away. Only you will know how deep your passion goes and everything you are willing to do to keep doing it.
I hope this isn’t too pessimistic. But I have found too many young aspiring artists have not been told some of the more unpleasant truths about the industry. But if you’re prepared, you can weather the storms. Good luck!
Artistry:
1. You will never be done learning. There’s a reason they call it a practicing musician. Different styles, genres, scales and modes, it never ends. And you can always be better if you want.
2. There may be limits to your skills but you can always master those skills. Maybe you can’t play jazz but you can excel at pop, rock or even classical music. Find what you’re good at and excel at it.
Career stuff:
1. It will NOT go as you expect. Between industry trends, popular music fads, new technologies and simple twists of date, you can not plan your career with infinite detail. It WILL change. The ones who do well know how to see those trends and make changes to your career arc, while still being true to your art.
2. You WILL get screwed over. Might be a manager, an accountant, a club owner, or even a good friend, but it will happen. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work with others or trust no one. Just know it will happen, usually when things are going well.
3. You need to learn as much as you can about the industry itself. In addition to social media and distribution, that means boring things like publishing, contracts, finance etc. You will be more equipped to understand what’s happening in your career, and may even help you notice when #2 is going to happen.
4. You will want to give up sometimes. Everyone goes through it, and obviously, many people do walk away. Only you will know how deep your passion goes and everything you are willing to do to keep doing it.
I hope this isn’t too pessimistic. But I have found too many young aspiring artists have not been told some of the more unpleasant truths about the industry. But if you’re prepared, you can weather the storms. Good luck!
William Widjaja
Software Developer
3
Answers
Millburn, New Jersey
Updated
William’s Answer
Like everything else that we will master, singing requires some passion in practicing and doing vocal exercises even when we think that we are good already. When starting, we may feel discouraged that we are not singing well, but as time passes and we constantly practice, we will get very good at it. Set up some schedule and spend the time completely singing daily. This will strengthen our vocal cords. It will also enhance our breathing technique. Find a singing teacher and join a choir and need not feel embarrassed while practicing. Keep singing and enjoying singing. Watch the Youtube channel of America Got Talent and enjoy it.