Getting Started in the Music Industry – 8 Top Tips
The music industry is vast nowadays, yet there are only a few major record labels. These are essentially the conglomerates of the music industry, just like with other industries.
Each one has many musicians underneath them. Breaking into such a large industry requires a focused approach and a reasonable degree of determination. It helps to be clear on your passions, where your energies are best placed, and your end goal. This can be a helpful guide when beginning. Here are eight top tips for getting started in the music industry.
Start a Record Label
Before even considering how to start a record label, it is important to have a big enough why. Not knowing why you’re even thinking of doing so means you’re not ready yet. Launching into the music industry by getting a new record label ready is possible. However, there is also something to be said about gaining some broad experience first. This will help you when talking with music producers, artists, distributors, and more. Use resources like the blog section at Pirate, and follow these steps to get started. Pirates are well known, and top music producers are familiar with them. You can also use their professional recording studios, which are reliable and have the latest recording gear. The final sound is everything in music, so don’t cut corners.
Develop a Positive Attitude
The music industry is tough. Whether you want to become a music executive and rise to the top of the pile, dominate as a music producer, or as the next artist to make it big, it’s no picnic. There are over 75,000 new albums that see the light of day annually. Any artist landing on a relevant Billboard chart is no easy feat. It isn’t likely to happen right away. Only a small fraction of new releases generates enough noise to garner sufficient attention. Whatever way you’ll be associated with releases, know that it’s necessary to approach it positively. Otherwise, the industry will eat you alive. Work towards incremental successes rather than looking for single home runs. That’s how careers are developed either as an executive, a music producer or an artist.
Build a Track Record
A track record is important in the music industry. People need to see that you have integrity. As the cliché goes, underpromising and overdelivering is better than promising the earth and falling way short. In whatever areas of the music industry you’re involved in, be the rock people can count on. At times, people aren’t as reliable as they should be. Those who need dependable collaborators on a record will gravitate toward those they trust. When you’re one of those people, as well as being talented, your reputation precedes you. This creates opportunities that others don’t always receive.
Adopt a Long-term Perspective
Overnight success stories are rarely real. In almost all cases, there have been years of study, time spent developing various skill sets, and the building of industry connections to get the chance to be successful. Grinding it out and putting in the long days is necessary. Many people within the music industry work evenings, weekends, and sometimes burn the midnight oil too. Don’t expect an easy ride or a steady 9-5 if you wish to do well; it’s not that kind of industry.
Despite putting in the effort each week, you still need to have a long-term perspective. Don’t just see how things are today or this week. Remove any limiting beliefs. Cast your mind out multiple years ahead. Have a plan for where you wish to get to. How will you get from where you are now to this higher level? Figure it out and get busy moving positively in this direction.
Network Successfully with Peers and Mentors
You can be young and feel that you know everything. Then a few years later, it’s easy to see how wrong you once were. Appreciate this reality before the time has elapsed. Be open to receiving the advice of talented professionals who are doing well in the music industry. Actively seek out people you admire who are where you wish to be and doing what you want to be doing. See what steps they took, determine the ones that are still relevant today, and follow in their footsteps. Where appropriate, see if you can find a mentor. They can be someone to learn from, but also deep friendships may develop over time. Great advice can shortcut the time it takes to achieve great things.
Use Modern Distribution Methods
Embrace streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify to get music out to the masses. While there are still plenty of people who prefer CDs – using CD Baby can help with this format – more listeners are moving to digital distribution every year. Don’t stick to a single platform for distribution. People have their preferred platforms to access music and may have a single subscription to that particular one. If you’re not on there, they will never discover you. Similarly, if you’re promoting artists, then the same is also true.
Manage Social Platforms Properly
Social media can be a highly effective way to promote solo artists or a band. It can also be a total time suck and quickly become unmanageable too. If social media is part of your role, then develop the knowledge and skill to master it. Use software and SaaS platforms as a shortcut by scheduling future posts. When you need help, there are plenty of social media managers, including some more familiar with the needs of the musical artists to call upon. Know your limitations with social media.
Factor In Where Music Will Be Played
Music is played in different environments and venues. Ensure your music is produced to sound the best in these places and situations. For instance, if it’s a dance track, then it needs to be tested in a club setting. Similarly, if a song is mostly for radio play or on the streaming platforms, ensure it is produced to sound great through a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Don’t be daunted about getting started in the music industry. Take it step-by-step and celebrate your progress along the way.
