8 answers
Abigail
Student
Richland, Washington
3
Questions
Asked
878 views
What's something you wish you knew before starting a career in the music industry?
I know there are some jobs where you find out something that would've helped a lot before starting a career, and I want to know everything I can before I start my career. So, if there's anything you wish you knew before starting your career, what was it for you?
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7 answers
Nicolás Ramírez
Music Producer
4
Answers
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Updated
Nicolás’s Answer
Royalties - Digital Streaming Services - Contracts - Publishing Services
Branding - Social Media Content
Branding - Social Media Content
Gary Reid
Graphic Design
2
Answers
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Updated
Gary’s Answer
In short: Busk!
If you play an instrument and sing, grab your stuff and go to where the tourists are in your town. Right now, it's the holiday season, and you'd be surprised how easy "Run, Run Rudolph" and "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" are to play and entertain people with.
It's great to mix in your original songs, too, but when you're starting out, get the people tapping their toes and print out a Venmo QR code.
I played on street corners and near tourist attractions for 12 years, and it paid my way around the world.
The biggest thing I'd say is, when you're playing, put everything you've got into it. Nobody wants a half-baked performance.
Best of luck,
-GaryReidMusic
Get out and play in front of people
Put your stuff on YT
Get a Venmo and a Paypal and a Cashapp (QR Codes)
Don't give up your passion
Work as hard at your passion as you would if it was a job you actually wanted...
If you play an instrument and sing, grab your stuff and go to where the tourists are in your town. Right now, it's the holiday season, and you'd be surprised how easy "Run, Run Rudolph" and "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" are to play and entertain people with.
It's great to mix in your original songs, too, but when you're starting out, get the people tapping their toes and print out a Venmo QR code.
I played on street corners and near tourist attractions for 12 years, and it paid my way around the world.
The biggest thing I'd say is, when you're playing, put everything you've got into it. Nobody wants a half-baked performance.
Best of luck,
-GaryReidMusic
Gary recommends the following next steps:
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
82
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hey Abigail! I assume you want some honest answers to your question, so I'm going to be quite frank with you.
The number one thing I wished someone would have told me about the music industry is just how dirty and corrupt it is. Of course, this is not EVERYWHERE, so please don't think I'm indicting every single performer, businessperson and venue. But where I was in the industry, working with artists and record labels, I saw the incredibly dirty business music can be. Here's a few examples.
- Local performer has an Irish band. Whenever a new Irish or Celtic band would come to town, he would reach out to them and tell them he can "get them all the good gigs." When he would find one of the other bands one of those "good gigs," he'd cancel them and put his own band in place. Or, he would tell them the gig paid far less than it did, and pocket the rest.
- Major recording artist, in town auditioning beats from local producers. If he likes them, they get two options: get paid $500 with the promise of "the possibility" of future work, or $50,000 and "Get the f**k out of my face, and I never want to see you again." That's a quote, BTW.
- It's also common knowledge working with major record labels or artists, if you get one of those really big opportunities, you will "take the first hit." That means basically you will get paid NOTHING for the first thing - album, single, artist deal, etc - as your way to show them you're willing to "play ball." If you don't, you're blacklisted from the industry, and will probably never get the opportunity again.
Again, that's not all-encompassing, but it does tell you how bad it can be, if you're not savvy. I can honestly say my music career was hampered because I have what I believe to be a fairly high moral standard. And yes, I believe it cost me on a few occasions - money, opportunities, etc. I also sleep great at night because of it.
So if you're still interested LOL, I agree with others who've said to LEARN THE BUSINESS. That's where most of the dirty stuff happens. Learn about music publishing, songwriting, marketing, promotion, contracts, etc. No matter what part you play in the industry, knowledge in these areas will always be a help to you.
Stay pure, keep your integrity if you can, but know it will probably cost you somewhere along the way.
The number one thing I wished someone would have told me about the music industry is just how dirty and corrupt it is. Of course, this is not EVERYWHERE, so please don't think I'm indicting every single performer, businessperson and venue. But where I was in the industry, working with artists and record labels, I saw the incredibly dirty business music can be. Here's a few examples.
- Local performer has an Irish band. Whenever a new Irish or Celtic band would come to town, he would reach out to them and tell them he can "get them all the good gigs." When he would find one of the other bands one of those "good gigs," he'd cancel them and put his own band in place. Or, he would tell them the gig paid far less than it did, and pocket the rest.
- Major recording artist, in town auditioning beats from local producers. If he likes them, they get two options: get paid $500 with the promise of "the possibility" of future work, or $50,000 and "Get the f**k out of my face, and I never want to see you again." That's a quote, BTW.
- It's also common knowledge working with major record labels or artists, if you get one of those really big opportunities, you will "take the first hit." That means basically you will get paid NOTHING for the first thing - album, single, artist deal, etc - as your way to show them you're willing to "play ball." If you don't, you're blacklisted from the industry, and will probably never get the opportunity again.
Again, that's not all-encompassing, but it does tell you how bad it can be, if you're not savvy. I can honestly say my music career was hampered because I have what I believe to be a fairly high moral standard. And yes, I believe it cost me on a few occasions - money, opportunities, etc. I also sleep great at night because of it.
So if you're still interested LOL, I agree with others who've said to LEARN THE BUSINESS. That's where most of the dirty stuff happens. Learn about music publishing, songwriting, marketing, promotion, contracts, etc. No matter what part you play in the industry, knowledge in these areas will always be a help to you.
Stay pure, keep your integrity if you can, but know it will probably cost you somewhere along the way.
Napinder Gill
Singing
4
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Napinder’s Answer
Music industry is not only about being creative. At the end, it's also a business. It's very important to learn how to sell yourself right in order to get returns on the investments you have made. Thankfully, digital world has opened lot of avenues for promotions, but at the same time has increased the competetion. It takes time to create your niche and let your audience know that you exist. But don't copy trend, make your own.....
William Moody
Freelance Musician
6
Answers
Downers Grove, Illinois
Updated
William’s Answer
It takes a lot of practice and rehearsal to be a good live performer. All the prep work from recording a sample CD to send out for prospective hires is well worth the aggravation to capture YOUR sound...it's your business card.
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
17
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
There are many things you'll find out along the way but one thing I wish I knew is that the music business is bigger than I thought. There's so many gigs, jobs, and career paths. Sometimes it seems like you have to be famous to make it in the business but what I didn't realize is there are thousands of musicians who pay all their bills and are amazingly skilled but we'll never hear of them. I'm one of those people and making a living with music has been so much better than playing it safe for a normal career!
Thank you!
Abigail
Kevin O'Neill
Music Production
4
Answers
Hempstead, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Connecting with other people is a very important key to success in the industry, whether it be on the business side or creative side.
It wont matter how groundbreaking your music is if nobody gets to hear it. Building an audience starts with your family and friends, but can expand to industry professionals depending on how well you network with others. It is crucial to have a genuine relationship with everyone you meet because they wont be happy to find out you are using them as a stepping stone for your career. Think of everyone you meet in the music industry as a friend that shares the same passion as you!
It wont matter how groundbreaking your music is if nobody gets to hear it. Building an audience starts with your family and friends, but can expand to industry professionals depending on how well you network with others. It is crucial to have a genuine relationship with everyone you meet because they wont be happy to find out you are using them as a stepping stone for your career. Think of everyone you meet in the music industry as a friend that shares the same passion as you!