Hi All, I'm writing a short eBook about an artists personal development in the music industry as opposed to their professional development. There's a lot of information and education out there to help artists with their professional development, but a lack of material and guidance to help artists cope with the pressures of the industry (rejection, long term work, difficult hours with family etc.). Personal development is close to my heart (hence why I got into artist development), and I'd love to put something short and concise out there, maybe a top 5 or 10 tips type of thing. I'd love to hear any stories or tips/suggestions on the topic that I can use for the eBook. Even if you don't direct experience within the music industry, any experience from other creative industries or general experiences, tips and suggestions are welcome. I'd be more than happy to add links and references for your quotes. Thanks in advance
Hi Everyone, I know there's no secret formula or one answer out there for success in the music industry, but if we can shine light on some areas that an artist may overlook, maybe we can help better their chances to succeed. I believe that if artists were to pay as much attention to their personal development as they do their professional development, they would learn to work smarter, adapt to change, cope with various circumstances and ultimately better their chances of success in the music industry. The questions below are in regards to an up and coming musicians personal attitudes, mindsets and capabilities to deal with the music industry and the trials that they are confronted with. We can assume that the individual or band is hard working and already doing all the necessary things (press kits, mailing lists etc), what we want to know is "After all that hard work, why can't they make it?" and "How do they stay committed?". Please feel free to elaborate and give examples: 1. What are 3 common issues/weaknesses that prevent an artist from developing a successful career in the industry? 2. Most, if not all musicians struggle with financing their living expenses in the early stages of their career, particularly if they have wife and/or kids. What advice can you give to budding artists to help better manage and prioritise their limited income that they receive from their business? 3. An artist can be required to balance a "9-5" job, family/friends, gigs, interviews, meetings, practices, recordings and in some cases all of the above. What are some tips that can help someone achieve a good work/life balance yet still remain focused and achieve success? 4. Is age a factor and should artists be conscious of this? or should age be ignored and the individual encouraged to pursue their career regardless? 5. How can an artist overcome high expectations when it comes to physical appearance? How can they best cope with judgement? 6. What are 3 areas you think an artist should personally develop before attempting to sign a record deal and/or make a living off their music? 7. I've worked with a lot of individuals who are naturally talented, and build their confidence on this talent. On the flip side, you have individuals who aren't as talented but have the work ethic. What you end up with is the "Turtle and the Hare" story. The talented artist can build and talk themselves up so high that they become fearful of failure. What are some ways an artist can keep level headed and conquer a fear of failure? 8. Do you have anything else to add? Thanks in advance for all your input.
Great topic - hope it goes well for you I would suggest if you are writing an eBook that you concentrate on one or two of the most importants problems that your auidence is having and then provide the best possible solution to that. For example (and I know nothing about music, though a little about publishing) maybe a recurring problem is "how do I get an A&R guy to listen to my music. You then provide the best solution you can too that one problem. If you are providing the right solution to the right customer then you will make a sale. The problem when your book is too general is that it doesn't really solve any critical problem that the reader is having. People value specific advice over generalities.
Hey John, Thanks for the input and the great advice. This is definitely my intention. To take the answers from a large group of people and identify key problem areas. I've started receiving emails back from key music industry professionals and the answers are very interesting. I'll keep you updated with how it all goes.
The entertainment industry is one with a great facade of glamour and glitz -- and of course, money! However, there had been so many artists who once tasted success and financial wealth and yet after some years they all ended up miserable and poor. What could have gone wrong? Surely, these artists have concentrated developing their talents and artistic skills and have forgotten to develop personal and financial skills that can hopefully make them more resilient with the tide of changing trends. One of the recent examples of this is Whitney Houston and I don't have to tell here why and what went wrong.
I think that it is very hard to be very successful and to go through the ups and downs of the music business, or any industry, where you have so many people competing for one stage. You must be good, you must be different, you must have talent, resilence and stamina. That is asking a lot, one other very important factor is that you must be grounded and have a lot of self-confidence. Your upbringing has a lot to do with that. If you lack this, then you will be forever trying to boost that one thing to the detriment of your life and good health. Internal fortitude is not something you can pour into yourself, it must be there and it is essential to success. Sadly, many don't have it and they fall by the wayside into one ditch or another. Cheers.
I really think the fire to be a successful musician is born within you. My daughter started taking violin lessons when she was four. When she found out that she could stand up on a stage and entertain people and have them clap for her, she was hooked. She is never happier than when she is on stage. By the time she was ten, she was working professionally at Opryland theme park. She got the best training there for working with the public and learning how to perform under any circumstance, like, for instance, being so sick that you have to run backstage to throw up, then get back front and center to continue performing. I think one of the key ingredients is surrounding yourself with the right people, role models who can teach you the ropes. My daughter went to Berklee College of Music and learned the art of networking there. You have to have the right support team, intelligent leaders who will give you the right advice, friends and family who support you through the good and the bad times. If you are putting a band together, you have to have a family atmosphere, a group who is compatible and genuinely have each others best interests at heart, a group that likes to hang out together even when they don't have to. Another key is the confidence that was mentioned above. You need to have your mind set on a goal and a plan to achieve it. With confidence you won't let anyone or anything get in your way. A touring band does not have a glamouous life. It's really, really hard, driving all night under terrible weather conditions, flat tires, wrecks, having your van broken into and having everyone's computer stolen, having your suitcase with all your performing clothes, jewelry, etc. fall out of the van and lost forever because someone didn't latch the door correctly, performing when you've had no sleep, when you are physically hurting. For instance, Natalie's guitar player last week hurt his back. He was in such pain during the show that he would run offstage, keep playing so that he could be heard, while leaning against a bag of ice until he could run back on stage. What a trooper. It's one thing after another like that and if you don't stay positive, don't stay focused on your dream, don't love what you are doing more than anything else in the world, you'll never make it.
