Do You Want to Make it as an artist? Avoid Making These Mistakes.
What are the biggest mistakes to avoid if trying to make it in the music industry?
For Starters...
The music industry can be brutal. The road to success can feel more like Fury Road, and hard work and dedication do not always amount to a fulfilling career. Composers can make the trip a bit smoother by avoiding these mistakes.
#3 Location, Location, Location
Not too long ago, I was searching my living room for my favorite pen. It was a souvenir I bought during a trip to Florida. It didn't hold any sentimental value or anything like that, but it was a really nice looking pen and I liked writing with it.
Anyway, I looked everywhere in my living room. I looked under the sofa, behind the coffee table, beneath the rug... everywhere! After a couple of hours and a good bit of frustration, I finally gave up and got some rest.
The next day, when I got into my car, I looked on the passenger seat. Believe it or not, that pen I spent so much time searching my home for was in my car the entire time!
If you're not in the right location, you'll never be discovered.
It's very possible you've never heard of some of the most gifted musicians in the world. Why? Because they live in areas where they are unlikely to be discovered and promoted. Perhaps they're creating great content that nobody hears due to lack of exposure.
Interesting fact... Before Harrison Ford became a movie star, he worked as a carpenter. He didn't work in just any city, however. He worked in L.A. He worked for musicians and for film directors like Francis Ford Coppola. Now, I don't know if this was a deliberate plan on his part, but I know that he was in the right location so when opportunity came knocking, he was able to open the door.
#2 It's Not What You Know...
...it's who you know. The old adage is true. And if you're an artist trying to make it in the music industry, connections are even more important.
So, while you're hanging out in the all the right places (you know, the places where all of the really, really important people are), you can meet and dazzle those important people with your incredible talent and make it impossible for them to get along without you.
Simple, right? Maybe not, but it's still the best way to establish your career. According to author and networking expert Susan RoAne, when referring to entertainers, "Networking is not a work style; it's a lifestyle."
#1 Fear of Failure
Who was it that said, "Fear is a powerful motivator"? I'm not sure, but while it may be true most of the time, in this case I would argue against it. In this situation, fear of failure can be paralyzing, and it's understandable.
The average musician looking for a break faces the probability of multiple rejections before seeing any payoff. This can happen after years, possibly decades, of hard work and dedication; and those are the fortunate ones.
Keep in mind, however, that you will never succeed without trying and there are many success stories out there that can encourage and inspire you.
Belief in yourself can overcome the most intense fear of failure, so be persistent and hang in there.
So... have you been trying to establish a career in the music industry? Have you been able to avoid these pitfalls? What kind of obstacles have you run into? Let me know...