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By Mars P
Do you have a Product to Market Yet?
Well... do you? What this means is, do you have any songs yet? How many? You
can't play a show with only a couple songs. Most places you go play at will
give you at least 15-20 minutes. So have at least 5 or 6 songs ready and know
them. Mistakes happen when playing live, but the more you make the less interested
people will be in you. You've got to be able to play them with your eyes closed.
You must have the lyrics memorized perfectly. This should go without saying,
but cover songs won't cut it. Maybe one sprinkled in at every other show, just
to get people's attention. But your music career should be about your music.
Who is your target audience?
What is your demographic? Men, women, older people, younger people, casual
music fans, music lovers? Are your fans going to be fans of Rock music? Folk?
Pop? Ska? If you know who you are trying to attract, it will be easier to think
of how to attract them.
How will you get your music heard?
You're not going to magically get played on the radio. And venues won't call
you to come play for them. You've got to figure out how to get your music from
your brain, to your instrument, to a CD, computer, or venue and ultimately
to potential fans' ears. It's not as easy as it sounds.
How much time can you dedicate to creating new music?
If you've got a full time job already and you're trying to get into the music
business, you've got to find a way to set aside time to make new music on top
of all the other tasks that we'll get into shortly. If you've got a part-time
job, it gets easier. If you don't have a job, well, you've got nothing but
time - right? Sometimes you'll come up with a new song in a flash. Other times
you'll run into a creative wall and won't come up with anything for weeks.
How much time can you dedicate to attracting new fans?
The internet is going to be your best friend. It will give you the chance
to reach literally millions of ears. But you have to put in the time and effort.
You could/should end up spending three, four, or more hours a day social networking
and promoting yourself and your music. Do you have that kind of time?
What will you do with the money you make from playing shows?
This question very likely will end up making or breaking you - especially
if you're in a band where everyone wants to do something different with the
money. Coming up with a plan before the money starts adding up is crucial.
Otherwise, don't be surprised when band members start fighting and end up splitting
up the band.
How will you create an EP or album?
Seems simple enough right? I'll record it! Sure. Do you know how? Do you have
the equipment (instruments, mics, software, computers, mixers, etc.)? Are you
going to pay someone to record you? Who? How much will that cost you? Where
will you get the money to pay for it?
How will you distribute your music?
There are various websites that you can use to get your music into the ears
and minds of listeners. You need to know them, use them, and use them correctly.
Avoid using iTunes and Amazon MP3 when you first begin.
How will you communicate with your fans?
This might not seem like it would be all that complicated,
but if you have thousands of fans and you want to let them know about a contest
you're having or a new single, EP, or album to be released, you're going
to want to find a good way to let them know. Facebook picks and chooses who
sees what based on their special "formula", so don't bank on your
fans being informed with Facebook. And unless you're repeating your Tweets
multiple times a day, Twitter isn't a great option either.
How much money do you have to fund your career?
Something many aspiring musicians never consider is that unlike most careers,
you have to pay this job - sometimes for years - before this job will ever
pay you. If you want to become successful, you will be spending more money
than you bring in for a good while. Earning a living making music isn't something
that happens overnight, over weeks, or months. It can take years before you
even have a decent following. And by that time, you'll have spent way more
money promoting yourself, driving to gigs, buying equipment, buying new instruments,
CDs, and merchandise than you'll have actually made from your music. Don't
believe me? Ask Barley Station, Velcro Mary, or No Island. It's the same as
any conventional, self-employed, start-up business. Don't expect to make a
profit, or even a salary, the first three or so years.
Life Lesson #2, have realistic expectations.
If you've read this far and haven't given up - or simply concluded I have
no idea what I'm talking about and that American Idol is real - go take a potty
break and grab a snack and something to drink.
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