Dreaming of a career in the music industry? Feel like it might just be out of your reach? Confused by what you need to do to start seeing some success?. Read on for your guide to getting into the music industry and making a success in your chosen career, whether you want to be the next pop superstar, a great sound engineer or even just the person who books tour buses for the bands.
Know Your Passion and Play to Your Strengths
First things first: figure out what part of the music world truly lights a fire under you. You might be a wizard with Pro Tools, a lyricist who crafts poetic heartbreak anthems, or that friend who knows every venue booking agent in town. A career in music isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you think you can serenade crowds in sold-out arenas, go for it. If you prefer pulling levers behind the mixing console, that’s valid too. Whatever your talent, double down on it, hone it relentlessly, and don’t spread yourself so thin that you end up trying to be everything to everyone.
Build Genuine Relationships, Not Just Contacts
Networking is often misinterpreted as handing out business cards at every opportunity. Instead, aim for meaningful connections. Attend local shows, strike up conversations with fellow musicians, swap stories with sound engineers, and buy coffee for that friendly venue manager. Remember, music executive Clive Davis didn’t rise to the top by cold-calling strangers; he built relationships by genuinely caring about artists and their craft. Treat people with respect, be helpful, and follow up—authenticity goes a long way.
Learn Business Basics (Royalties, Contracts, and All That Jazz)
Even if you’re the next musical prodigy, you need to understand how the industry pays out. Learn about mechanical royalties, performance rights, publishing splits, and licensing deals. It might sound as thrilling as watching paint dry, but knowing what you’re signing ensures you don’t accidentally hand over all your rights for a pittance. Consider joining a performing rights organisation like ASCAP or BMI, so you get paid whenever your music is played on the radio, streamed online, or performed live.
Create a Brand That Sticks
In a sea of emerging artists, having a memorable brand helps you stand out. Your brand isn’t just a logo or a colour scheme; it’s your story, your image, and the vibe you want to project. If you bank on indie-folk vibes, dress the part on social media, play cosy acoustic sets, and share behind-the-scenes footage of your songwriting process. Consistency is key. If your online persona promises gritty punk energy, don’t post twee cat videos every other week, your audience will wonder if you’re having an identity crisis.
Embrace Multiple Revenue Streams
Streaming royalties alone won’t bankroll your dreams anytime soon. Diversify your income: sell merchandise, pitch songs for film or TV placements, teach music lessons, or launch a Patreon for devoted fans. Playing local gigs is fun, but relying solely on ticket sales can leave you scrambling when venues cancel shows. Think of your music career like a start-up: having multiple revenue streams cushions you when one line of income dips.
Keep Learning and Stay Adaptable
Trends in the music industry change faster than fashion. One day it’s all about moody bedroom pop, the next day autotune-heavy anthems rule the charts. Stay curious: take online courses in production, learn new instruments, and immerse yourself in genres you’ve never explored. Adaptability demonstrates your commitment to growth, making you an invaluable collaborator whether you’re pitching to labels or jamming with established artists.
Getting into the music industry is not easy, and it might be a marathon, rather than a sprint, but if you have the talent and determination, you can do it!
May contain affiliate links
Recent Comments