Getting Started

The first thing you need to do is establish some short range, medium and long term goals regarding what you want to accomplish. By the way, "Get a record deal" shouldn't be one of your goals (more on that later).

Think like a small business person who's trying to set goals and establish a plan to make a successful business. After all, a career in music is just that . . . business! You need to put your creative hat on a hook for a while and figure out how to turn music making into profit taking.

Decide what type of gigs you need to setup to get started. What merchandise do you need to create and most importantly, how do I make a CD of my music, first for promotion and most importantly for resale. Create a plan and stick to it. Sure it will morph and change as you go forward, but you'll have created a clear vision for what you want to accomplish with your music career.

Remember, play, play, play . . . everywhere and anytime you can at first. You need to be seen and heard, start a following and start a buzz about your music.

Next time . . . How to turn demos into profits!

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.

Initial Thoughts

I decided to create a blog where Independent musicians can discuss issues regarding their careers. A place to seek guidance on industry issues, discuss how to create a product and market it, and most of all, to provide a resource where musicians, producers and managers can share their specific talents and knowledge.

Have fun and remember . . . it's all about the music!