Music Stardom is still a great motivator of struggling musicians worldwide. The big names seem to have it all - fame, fortune and the ability to somehow stay in the spotlight.
It’s natural to assume that with all this success, life must be pretty amazing.
Truly successful musicians have diversified income strategies. Their income streams are as diverse as their personalities. They might include record sales, concert tickets, clothing lines, perfumes, product endorsements, book deals and even acting careers.
But how did they get there? Was it luck?
Truth be told, luck is always a factor, but it's not the main ingredient. A successful music career doesn't happen on it's own. Someone has to make it happen. That someone is you.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Much like luck, talent is important, but it's not enough. Hard work and perseverance are equally important.
Sure, start with a dream. But, a dream is like an idea. It's intangible until you take action. Only then can you realize that dream and make it a reality.
Here are a few tips to consider when creating your music success game plan.
Keep it Professional
As a musician, you're lucky enough to love your work. Your success depends on you, not just working, but working smart. Music is a highly competitive business and it requires dedication and commitment. Yes, music is fun. But it's also your business. Treat it as such. Be on time. Keep your appointments. Don't miss deadlines. And by all means, watch your expenses. I know you've all heard horror stories about musicians on top who have lost everything.
There's an old joke that goes like this: Q: How does a rock star get a million dollars? A: He starts with five million.
Stay on top your money from the very beginning.
Be polite
You can't please everyone all the time, but you can try. There are always going to be jerks in the world and you'll probably run into a lot of them. Just be polite. You never know which jerk can catapult your career. You'll be frustrated, ignored and more, so it's time to toughen up.
However, you'll also run into wonderful, genuine sincere people that you'll know for the rest of your life. But until you're set, try not to burn any bridges.
It's a balancing act and you're under a microscope. Be aware of that fact. News of your reputation (good or bad) will travel fast.
You will,l however, also find people who support you every step of the way. Treasure these people. They are your lifeline.
Set Your Goals
Start with a plan. Then follow that plan. You may waver, and take various paths along the way. But make sure you're heading in one direction. Start with small goals (getting a gig, finishing a song, setting up a local tour, etc.) Then move onto to bigger things. Accomplishing the small goal will give you momentum… and a track record. Be realistic and you won't be overwhelmed. Set deadlines and keep them.
Get Out There
You can’t be everywhere at once. Or can you? Well to a degree you can! The key is consistently feeding your audience. The tool is social media. It's all about building a strong community with your fans. Of course, you hope to see them at your gigs, when when you're apart you need to keep the lines of communication open. Create a blog, or at least a Facebook account. Update your tours, send funny photos from the road, share your stories. Whatever it is, you're true fans will eat it up. When your fans feel like they are a part of your life, It will only strengthen your bond.
It also strengthens your brand and builds your network. Because when you give your fans value, they share it with others. When you create a loud enough buzz on your own, the industry will hear it.
Until next time
-Sean
Sean Carbone is Los Angeles based composer and educator.
