Getting Started In The Business

So you’re ready to get serious about the business. You’ve done the local talent shows, you’ve recorded some demos in your cousins bedroom, and you’ve watched all the VH-1’s “Behind The Music” shows. You are ready to tackle the big leagues, right!? Good! Here’s what you need to do to get started.

First, READ! Read A LOT! And I’m not talking about consumer magazines (ie. Blender and Hip-Hop Weekly), but respected industry books (ie. Billboard, Urban Network, and the bible of the music industry, All You Need To Know About The Music Business). These will let you know what’s really happening in the industry, who’s making moves, and most importantly, help you see how things REALLY operate in this unique business.

Second, if you want to be one of the greats, play with the greats. There are a lot of opportunities for you to mix and mingle with industry insiders. You just have to know where to go. There are music conferences held throughout the year, everywhere from New York to California, down to Nashville, Atlanta, and Texas. Conferences like SXSW, Urban Network, Atlantis, and several mixshow summits. Do some research and find one happening somewhere close to you. They don’t cost much (some as low as $50), and on top of learning valuable information from the best in the business, you will get to meet people who may be able to help take your career to the next level.

Lastly (for now), is STUDY YOUR CRAFT!!! Playing small gigs at your family reunion, local talent show/open mic, and in your boys basement are good places to develop, but if you plan on competing with the artist who dominate the airwaves, you have to constantly improve your sound. If you’re a singer for example, learn to play an instrument, consider taking vocal lessons, and/or learn a few dance steps. Watch the artists you’d like to open for, and find what it is that makes them stand out so much. Don’t just copy what they do, find ways to improve and make it your own. Don’t ever get caught feeling like you’ve perfected everything there is to do. Fans will always look for something new, and if you don’t provide it, someone else will.

Doing these few things can give you the foundation required to build a successful career and give you an upper edge against the thousands of other artist fighting for their time in the spotlight.

[Via http://knowthebiz.wordpress.com]

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