Getting started out in the music industry is really tough, especially when you have little idea on what you’re doing and you don’t have a lot of connections.
Getting in the industry as a singer, pianist, or anything in the music industry is tough, but it is all about making the right choices.
It’s very easy to miss out on some great opportunities if you aren’t doing the right things and making good choices while you’re at it. In this article, I’ll be highlighting the things I wish I had known before I had gotten serious in the music industry.
Number 10. Never Miss Out On A Chance To Perform For Others On Stage
As a musician, I found that parties, small events, and any party would always be perfect for developing your gift of performing. The problem with me was that I always never took the time to perform at small parties if people asked me because I thought they were insignificant.
I have missed out on a lot of opportunities to gain more contacts in the music business simply because I thought a small event for me to perform wouldn’t be significant in any way.
Don’t ever skip out on any performance. In the end, you never know exactly who you are performing or singing for. When you’re on that stage, just know that a producer, record label owner, or a person with great contacts in the music business could be there watching you.
Number 9. Become A Versatile Artist
As a musician, I always thought that my singing and playing of the piano was all I needed. However, in this business, you need to have and be able to do everything, or at least a lot of things to gain more attention.
If you’re primarily just a singer, don’t be afraid to learn the piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, and the saxophone. Don’t be afraid to add in something new to your list of music skills, because it always helps when you’re versatile.
Number 8. Get Trained Well Beforehand
I once performed in a very big stage but wasn’t exactly properly prepared because I had never taken proper classes beforehand. You don’t ever want to perform unless you are properly ready.
If you don’t have the right music contacts at the moment, and if you could do just one thing to get yourself on the right path, you do need to properly train yourself.
Get voice lessons if you’re a singer; get piano lessons; get trained from a professional; and don’t be afraid to really get experienced musicians to help you out.
Number 7. Utilize Social Media Like YouTube and Soundcloud
When you’re slowly building your following and growing, you really need to get yourself a good YouTube account and a nice Sound Cloud to get yourself started.
The truth about musicians today is that so many people have gotten their songs to really grow and themselves a lot of attention solely because of the fact that they used the Internet to gain some notoriety. In it a quick fix to fame? Do you become a famous singer just because you upload songs to Soundcloud.
It still does take time to build a following and grow as a singer online, but getting started today can make a huge difference for you. In my time, I never got to make use of these online social media outlets, so you’re very lucky to be in this timeline.
Number 6. Singing Contests Are Perfect For Gaining Exposure
Singing contests are the perfect way to help you out and get some quick exposure. There are so many people who are out there who have gained exposure simply because they made it to a national television singing contest.
If you can join a contest, even if you don’t win, you’ll come to find that it is all about getting that chance to have your name out there.
Number 5. Creating A Demo
I wish I had created a good demo early on in my music career. After the training and really getting started, you want to spend money on a good demo.
These demos can be distributed to the right record labels and music producers, and having just one person think of your music as amazing can make a huge difference in your music career. You want to make an effective demo, so don’t be afraid to put all of your money into it to get a good demo. It is what will define your success in this industry to get your first song out there.
Number 4. Don’t Fall For Anything Too Easily
It is easy to believe in the “we can make you a star” phrase. Sometimes, however, that could involve a huge investment like paying for a way too expensive demo, or buying expensive things that just aren’t needed.
There are even agents who expect you to pay thousands upon thousands of dollars to succeed in this business. Musicians and actors are constantly being targeted by those who want to make some big cash, so don’t fall for anything too quickly.
Number 3. Working With The Right Record Label
Look carefully for a good record label. Do not worry too much about going the top ones. If you feel like you’re ready, go to a record label and maybe try reaching out to a local music producer.
Not too many producers are worth going to, and I can say from experience how your producer and record label makes a huge difference on how much success you get.
Number 2. Go To A Record Label Right Away
I made the mistake of never going to the record labels until I have done a ton of things, but in reality, you could approach a few right now.
Show them your songs, let them hear your sound, and they can help get you off the ground, so don’t be afraid to work with them as soon as possible.
Number 1. Never Pay To Perform
I was very close to paying big cash to play at a local venue. If I knew this before, I would have saved myself from the several shows that I did pay for, and while they were small fees, you should never pay to perform.
They should be paying you, or at least, giving you something like food or a nice set of gift baskets as a gift for you performing; not the other way around.