Friday, March 18, 2005

A Career in the Music Industry

So you want a music career. Let's talk about what it means to have a "career" in the music industry.

I've been involved in the music business professionally since 1976. That's right, I'm a fossil. Although a lot of things have changed in my 25 years in the industry, one thing hasn't . . . to be successful you have to have talent, passion, drive and ambition to succeed. Having a "diva" attitude without the credentials to back it up doesn't work. Sitting on the couch waiting for the phone to ring doesn't work. It's a job. You have to get up every morning and put in the work to make it happen.

Indie artists have to be able to handle all of their marketing, promo, pr, management and create their music on top of all of that.

So the first thing you need to realize is that your goal shouldn't be to get the record deal. Your goal should be figuring out how to make a living as a professional musician without losing site of your creative muse in the process.

It's hard work. The competition is fierce. But take heart. If it's what you're meant to do and you have the drive to do it, chances are that you'll find the path that's right for you.