HOW TO FIND YOUR SPECIFIC ROUTE TO SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

It’s always been said that breaking into the music industry is a tough nut to crack. I don’t think that’s necessarily true. I believe it depends on your approach, what you envision for yourself and whether or not your approach is actually conducive to that vision. For all of the musical entities you see, there are thousands of others you don’t see. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to emulate step for step those entities you see because their path may not work for you. Listen, I’m allergic to mosquitoes. So the path through the forest isn’t the first choice for me. And certain things may not be relevant to where you are in life. Beyonce started training and prepping herself as a child. But guess what, you’re thirty seven and you got bills to pay. That path is not an option for you. You’re daddy’s not whipping you into shape …he’s not getting out of his lazy boy. It’s all on you. You’re own your own (for now). So you have to determine a more feasible and realistic plan tailored specifically for you, who you are and how you desire your life to be. This can be done by simply finding out where you fit and figuring out how to move and build upon it. Here is a guideline to help you to determine the best route most conducive to your goals and personal vision for your life and career in the long run.

Step 1: SELF ASSESSMENT

Determine what your true passion is. What brings you the most joy? What’s that one thing that comes easily or naturally to you? What can you do with your eyes closed? What are you the most confident in? What’s your gift? Having solid answers to these questions are the key to finding and knowing your passion. Determine what type of career you can have using that specific gift. You can always build on and diversify what you want to do later on. But this is where you start. Determine your end goal. When you close your eyes and picture yourself settled and peacefully contempt in your career, what are you doing? How are you living? And equally as important, what do you want to accomplish or contribute? These are the questions you need to answer in order to determine what it is you really want and what you should be focused on. Hold on to that vision like a Post It note at the very top of the virtual vision board in your head.

Step 2: ASSESS WHAT IS NEEDED

Assess and determine what is immediately needed to obtain that vision. It could be expert knowledge in a particular area of the industry. It could be mastering a particular skill i.e. singing, playing an instrument, working a mixing board or contracts and negotiations. Maybe gear and equipment is needed. Maybe internet access or rehearsal space is needed. Determine approximately how much money may be needed for specific items and areas of development. And most importantly, determine approximately how much time you will need to put into it on a regular basis. Once you have completed this list, you will not only have determined your needs, but your level of motivation as well.

Step 3: DETERMINE IF IT IS WORTH IT

Now, that you have assessed what’s needed to fulfill that particular vision, determine if it’s worth it to you. Are you willing to contribute all the time, money and effort required to obtain that vision

If not, you can stop here and return to step one to re-evaluate, because at this point you are just wasting your time. If you are unwilling to do ALL that is required to accomplish what you say you want, you will forever be striving but never thriving. But don’t give up, just re-evaluate. It happens, sometimes often. There’s nothing wrong with that. As long as you’re still moving, you’re not sinking.

Step 4: MAP IT OUT

Now that you have determined that it is indeed worth it to continue, map it out. THIS is your route. Start by mapping it out backwards if it helps. If you’re trying to get from A to Z, determine what Y needs to be. Then X and so on and so forth. Then write it out in whatever format works for you in its chronological order. For me, it’s a huge whiteboard stuck to my wall. I have to stand back and look at it. For you, it may be a notebook or a typed document. You know how you work best. Utilize that. Remember, this whole process is about doing what works for YOU.

Outline. Outline. Outline. Outlines are verbal road maps. Give yourself detailed directions. Every single motion needs to be pointed out to stay on route. It’s also important to keep a note of alternative routes for detours that may be needed. Things happen. If there are any possibilities due to circumstances (or people) out of your control, prepare for them if possible.

Network. Your plan will mostly require the expertise, connections and quite possibly recommendations of other individuals. Find out who they are and make yourself present and available. Of course you want to use social media. But don’t underestimate the gravity of good ole face time, and I’m not talking about using a device. I mean sit with someone. Drink with someone (at a minimum). Offer a hand shake. Affiliate. Join NARAS, AES, and local music organizations that will allow you direct interaction with others in the industry in various components. People remember those who are real to them. And if it’s someone they have already developed a decent rapport with, even better. That particular producer, promoter or label exec may be on your map. But guaranteed they’re on somebody else’s map as well. Make yourself stand out as someone real, focused, motivated and most of all, professional.

Learn EVERYTHING. Everything that has “to be done” goes on your map; even learning. If you need to learn ProTools put it on your map. If you need vocal coaching or need to learn how to play keys put it on your map. If you need to learn the ins and outs of music business contracts or how to properly mic instruments for live sound put it on your map. These are all other required steps that needed in order to reach your vision; to get to “Z”. There are various ways to learn outside of just spending money and taking classes. Yes, you may have to take classes for some things such as instrumental lessons, and workshops are also very helpful, especially if you take good notes. But there are many other ways as well. I’m all about resourcefulness. If you want to improve your vocals but you are just not in a financial position to take lessons. Join a really good choir. Honestly, I highly recommend this. If it’s a serious choir, the director is serious about making sure they get the proper sound out of their vocalists. They will also be willing to assist you individually if needed, or recruit the assistance of another. Shadow. Find someone with expertise in the area you need to learn and develop and ask to shadow, assist or intern for them (for free). This has two benefits. Of course the obvious, gaining knowledge and information in an area you need to grow in, but also to gain connections. People often look down at internships as belittling in the context of working for free, especially older people. But if it’s something you don’t know and are not currently proficient in, how much occupational “work” are you really doing. You’re mostly learning. So be willing. Take advantage of the experts and opportunities that are accessible to you and don’t wait. Don’t wait for a call for interns or an ad. Go directly up to someone, preferably someone who you have previously engaged with, and ask them directly. Say something like “I have been following your work and I am really impressed by your skills and expertise. I would love the opportunity to intern for you and assist you in order to hone my own skills.” I’ve done it. It works. What I have learned is that people who are not widely known or considered “big wigs” are flattered by the idea that you find them admirable in their particular field and that you are actually interested in them. Take advantage of that. Take advantage of EVERYTHING. (Side note: also be willing and available to work early mornings and late nights whenever possible. I know as “creatives”, we are generally not morning people. But it’s the price of success. I have worked with people who were not getting consistent work, but passed up on an opportunity because they were not willing to get up early. Don’t let this be you). And let’s forget good old fashion reading and note taking. Not to mention you can learn nearly everything on YouTube. (Raise your hand if you are currently working on a degree from the Y.U., YouTube University). Fortunately, we live in the information age and learning materials are accessible at the push of a button.

Step 5: CLAIM IT.

Claim your title. It is as simple as that. Just do it. Say who you are. When someone asks what you do, state that thing, whatever it is, definitively. Don’t ponder. Be confident. Don’t state what your “9-5” is. No one cares that you pay your bills by working for the telephone company. It’s completely irrelevant. When in an environment surrounded by your musical peers and asked that questions, what they are really asking is “what can you do for me”. If you respond with “well I work for the telephone company, BUT…” the “but” is secondary. Working at the telephone company doesn’t benefit them and whatever your “but” is, you are clearly not confident about. So you’re now irrelevant to them and at this point they’re not paying you much attention to you. So tell them what you want them to know. I once consulted for a really talented keyboard player who wanted to sing. He said he has a very hard time getting gigs as a vocalist because everyone just wants to use him as a keyboard player. I said “well what do you tell them you are?” See, YOU write that definition, no one else. Remember that. As it turns out, the reason he was still introducing himself as a keyboard player (though sometimes with the “but”) is because he has been playing since he was eight years old and had just, now in his senior year in college, embarked upon taking vocals. So he wasn’t as confident in that area. This is why learning and development appears on the map before claiming it. He got focused, began to work hard on it and honed his skills to perfection; so much so that I boo-hoo’ed through his entire senior recital because I was so proud of him. At that moment I had seen in him what we both envisioned when I agreed to consultation with him. Now he confidently claims it. He is a vocalist.

Social Media. So you have a Facebook page. Awesome! Even if it’s just your personal page, in the section that states what you do for a living, claim it. Put it out there and mention anything that you have done or are currently working on, but in a non-braggadocios way. Pictures help too. People remember pictures if nothing else. Post as many of you doing your thing as you can. Eventually, you will get to a place where you have enough information, photos and contacts to start a separate page on this and other social media sites for a business page. This is a great way to extend your network. You may be surprised at who you know or who they know. One particular producer that I have worked with via Facebook friendship is the producer of award Grammy winning artist. Don’t sleep on social media networking.

Also, now that you have begun to network and claim your title, you need Business Cards. Business cards are a way to definitively state who you are and what you do. There’s your name and directly under it is your title. This is what you’re claiming. This is who you are and what you do. This is your title.

Step 6: WORK IT

Now that you have assessed and determined what it is you want to do, mapped out a plan, developed and enhanced your skills and have confidently claimed it, you are ready to work it. This doesn’t mean that you can now walk your way into the musical equivalent of “the corner office”. It means you are at the beginning of the final stage where you should be actively moving forwards toward what you envision. Start doing that thing and do it as often as possible. Jump in. Build your brand, whatever that looks like. Record those songs. Book those gigs. Write those contracts. Do the work itself. You are at the cusp of that vision. You already know what to do. Do it. Work it. Start that website now. Handle your business. This is where you become actively engaged in making it an everyday part of your routine. Though I believe that you should always be looking to improve your skills and knowledge, this is not the “learning” stage. You’ve passed that. You can now actively begin to do the work.

Remember, this is not an inflexible map and there is no need to set a particular timeline especially within the various stages. Learn at you own pace. Move at your own pace. But MOVE. Jump when you’re confident enough to do so. Again, this map is about YOU. Also remember that in some instances, there are roadblocks and you may have to redirect. It’s fine. No big deal. Let out a few obscenities should you feel the need to do so, take a deep breath and redirect. As long as you’re focused and motivated you got this. Good luck!