We happen to live in an age and time where many people see music as an easy way out, as a hustle free path to making it in life. Like any business, however, music is an art of its caliber that needs plenty attention, hard work and input among various other factors, to come out the top. The most important part, however, is to start. The beginning forms the cornerstone and shapes the path a person's music career will take. Here are some great ideas that will work in ensuring your music gets the reception you anticipate.
1. Self-discovery To be highly competitive in whatever field one chooses to venture into, it is important to start with a journey of self-discovery. What self-discovery does is, it enables you to cite your strength and weaknesses and whether the field you choose, in this case, music, works for you. are you great as a performer or do you enjoy being behind the scenes? Just how much does the entertainment world thrill you? Why exactly do you want to get into music and all that ascertains it? Do you have what it takes? If not, are you ready to learn? Answering some of these fundamental questions make it easier for you to find your ground. For example, the kind of music you enjoy may help you choose a genre to be particular. Not everyone can do hip-hop or spoken word, so if pop does it for you, then it's the way to go. Maybe your strength lies in playing instruments or just directing.
2. Exposure All the great professionals in the music and entertainment world have attached their faces to their art. Great achievers always choose not to stay in the shadows. This great saying applies to any new entrant in the music world. Talent can only take you so far, but hiding it behind a keyboard can only stretch you a while. Expose and exhibit yourself to the smallest of crowds and show them what you are made of instead of lurking in the shadows. If you are used to backing up singing, then it's time you put yourself in the front row, grab that microphone and get yourself the lead role. Find a way to participate in gigs and concerts even in the smallest of ways. Record your music and push it into media houses to get airtime. The point is to try any avenue whatsoever.
3. Online presence Social media and the community of inter-webs as a whole has worked wonders for our lifetime. The various avenues online have done great in promoting skill and talent. It has worked for everyone else then why not you. Create a huge fan base by exposing your best materials on social media especially. Make use of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. From the critics and the fans, you will have your fan base grow tremendously. Nicholas Wright, widely known as NOSAM is one such example of artists who have used social media to their advantage. NOSAM started with a simple Vine account where he put his art, and as they say, from there the rest is history. Magic happened. He, NOSAM, is now a well popularized DJ and Producer with an online fan base that is fathomable. His accounts are linked, from the vine to YouTube channels, name any online account and you will find NOSAM and his art there. As he illustrates, online presence is essential. It is the easiest, cheapest, quickest and most convenient advertising point, so make use of it.
4. Teamwork It is quite difficult, impossible even for a man to exist as an island. It is important that you surround yourself with a supportive team. Like-minded individuals will do if your career is to launch out successfully. Collaborate as much as possible with people in the industry such as event organizers, promoters, media houses and fellow musicians. It is quite difficult to do everything on your own, so working with people in the field will be a great breakthrough for you. It will save you a lot of stress and frustrations in the long run.
5. Discipline Last but not least is the element of discipline. Talent and skill and good can only take you high enough, but it takes an enormous amount of discipline to help keep you there. Stick to basic mannerisms such as getting to your meetings on time, meeting your deadlines and honoring contracts. Respect your teammates and be a great team player. As a newbie, do not be afraid to ask for help and clarification where contracts are involved. In matters to do with expenses, work with your teammates to get the best deal there is. These pointers are just but the basics, there is much more to be learned if your name is to be a headliner and stay one.