* Practical Advice for Pursuing a Career in the Music Industry: 50 Insights
Dreaming of a career in music? Let's make it happen!
Yeah, sure, crafting amazing tunes and rocking shows worldwide can seem like an impossible feat. But with these badass strategies, we're gonna crush it!
Here are my top tips to get you started:
- Stop treating music production and marketing as separate entities. Your tracks are your product, so promote them like a boss!
- Embrace marketing and promotion, make it enjoyable instead of viewing it as a chore.
- You don't have to run a million projects simultaneously. Focus on the channels that align with your goals and crush 'em!
- Set goals and focus on achieving them, disregard the fluff. But remember, there's always room for flexibility and growth.
- Define your sound or genre and cater to a specific niche. Don't fall into the trap of trying to fit into too many categories, it'll backfire.
- Invest some cash into your project. Those who spend money on promotion, legitimate advertising, and other project expenses will outshine those who don't.
- Decide whether you want money or exposure, both have their pros and cons, but choose wisely!
- Monetize not only your music but also around it. Sell merch, offer private lessons, earn through Patreon, or explore unconventional methods. Pick one and give it your best shot!
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#10: Diversify your income streams. Traditional artists typically have just two: music sales and shows. Find alternative ways to add to this using creative ideas like merchandise, private lessons, and more.
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#11: Don't ditch your day job (yet). Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to quit your day gig and "go all in" right away. This advice can lead to unnecessary stress and creativity constraints.
#12: Make smart sacrifices, not detrimental ones. While it's important to dedicate time to your music career, don't neglect friends, family, or your health. When priorities are balanced, you'll find a way to success without sacrificing your happiness.
#13: The "hustle" mindset can be destructive. Instead, focus your attention on the right things: making music and releasing it.
#14: Try self-releasing and label-releasing for balance. Self-releasing offers more flexibility and financial viability relative to the number of streams. Label-releasing offers wider reach and can boost overall income (but with lower per-stream revenue). Find a balance that works for you.
#15: Seek feedback from listeners and fans. Producers can point out technical issues, but fans provide valuable insights into overall enjoyment.
#16: Release regularly to stay top of mind, but never compromise on quality. Consistency is crucial, but never sacrifice your creativity for quantity.
#17: Shows are still the primary income source for artists, so decide if you're comfortable with that or explore alternative arrangements.
#18: A successful music career doesn't mean quitting your job. It's okay to make a decent living from your music without ditching your day job. Find a job that accommodates your music career and provides necessary income.
#19: Choose your show format according to your preferences. Some prefer traditional DJ sets, while others opt for more interactive performances. Experiment and find what clicks for you.
#20: Establish a strong visual brand with a logo or press photos to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Don't underestimate the power of showing your face!
#21: Ensure your publicity and promos are sent to the right people before releasing. Sending your EP to 300 trap producers instead of synthwave DJs is a waste of money.
#22: Achieve virality if it aligns with your goals, but make sure it's genuine and not just a "shiny object."
#23: Get creative with your marketing and promotion efforts. Plant QR codes, make viral videos, or do silly dance routines to draw attention to your music. Use your ingenuity!
#24: Be willing to experiment with your sound while staying true to your style. Don't feel pressure to modify your music significantly to appeal to a broader audience.
#25: Accept the fact that not all music will have commercial success. Set realistic expectations, but don't shy away from niche markets. Strive for superfans who will support you no matter what.
#26: Native content is key on social media platforms. Remember, people prefer to stay on the platform, so make sure your music is easily accessible on each one.
#27: Short-term tactics often aren't worth it. Keep your focus on long-term goals and growth.
#28: Facebook Pages might seem attractive, but they're not suitable for everything except advertising. Personal profiles are more effective for connecting and sharing content.
#29: Instagram rules the social media game for artists in 2021. Make it a priority if you're using social media.
#30: Trying new genres/styles is perfectly acceptable. You can start fresh with a new project or rebrand yourself under the same name. Choose the approach that suits your goals.
#31: If you have companion skills, consider incorporating them into your brand. Use your graphic design talents, mix talents, or instrument skills to enhance your music career.
#32: Streamline your marketing and promotion efforts by sending your music to the right people, writing concise emails, and using checklists to keep track of tasks.
#33: Manage your time wisely. Having a flexible part-time job might be more beneficial than a highly creative, demanding music-related job that leaves no room for your own projects.
#34: Pursue management when you're ready. A manager is only beneficial when you either don't know what you're doing or are short on time. Start by managing yourself and impress potential managers with your self-sufficiency.
#35: Start promoting and marketing your music once you believe it's ready. Building a strong foundation of good music is the best marketing decision you can make in the long run.
#36: If you're just starting out, consider using a throwaway project to gain comfort and experience before moving on to your main project.
#37: TikTok can be useful, but use it strategically. If it doesn't align with your goals, feel free to ignore it. Just be cautious to avoid ethical issues.
#38: Black hat marketing tactics (Instagram bots, fake plays, mass spamming) can work, but the negatives far outweigh the positives. Avoid these at all costs.
#39: The music industry is small, so keep your reputation in check. Being an arrogant prick will only hurt your career in the long run.
#40: Self-promotion is essential, but be genuine. Don't just kiss ass for attention, focus on sharing valuable content instead.
#41: Utilize online tools to streamline your creative process. Use Canva for basic graphic design, Distrokid for self-releasing music, and Notion or Google Docs for organization. Outsource specific tasks when you're short on time or expertise.
#42: Music videos can be expensive and may not offer a significant marketing boost unless you're already established. If you're just starting out, focus on other areas of marketing.
#43: Quitting completely will guarantee failure, so keep pushing through. Be prepared for major pivots and long waits for results.
#44: Learn from your mistakes. If one approach didn't work, analyze why and adjust your tactics accordingly.
#45: Building genuine relationships is crucial to long-term success. Networking is an invaluable skill for boosting your music career.
#46: Let some people discover you organically. Focus on building traction in your scene, and let word-of-mouth marketing work its magic.
#47: If you hear negative feedback from multiple people about someone, it's best to steer clear.
#48: In-person meetings are powerful. When possible, connect with people face-to-face for a lasting and meaningful impact.
#49: Collaborating with vocalists early on can open up new opportunities down the line, helping you create more successful tracks.
#50: Above all else, be ridiculously talented at making music. Small improvements can make a big difference, so strive for excellence at every turn.
Get more insight into music promotion and marketing with these resources:
- Music Promotion and Marketing: 15 Solid Tips for Success
- How To Promote Your Music on a Budget: 5 Essential Tips
- The Producer's Ladder of Success: 9 Levels You Might Fit On
- How To Make It In The Music Industry
- Cultivate your electronic music production skills while focusing on education-and-self-development and career-development. Continually work on improving your sound and genre niche, ensuring your music is of high quality.
- Embrace marketing and promotion as a crucial, enjoyable part of your entertainment lifestyle. Leverage this aspect to boost your presence in the music industry, both online and offline.
- To create a sustainable income stream, diversify your income sources in the music industry by exploring options such as music sales, shows, merchandise, private lessons, and alternative monetization methods like Patreon.
