Make it for Love!

 

I spotted this great meme recently and thought "well how true is this?!"   I really feel for young muso's trying to carve out a career since covid changed the live music industry forever.  

But as I thought more about that, I realised that I had similar challenges when I started in the industry after ditching a corporate career - only mine was in reverse!!  Try breaking into the music business as a mature-age muso and let me tell you the 'breaks' were nowhere to be found!  It was a case of "do-it-yourself-or-die!"

Very early,  I learned to avoid agents like the plague after crossing paths - with rather a few - unscrupulous agents.  But I did have the advantage of a unique set of business skills which helped a lot.

I've now come full circle and have decided to exit the commercial gig scene.  Instead, focusing on composing, writing, recording, and videos.  {Not that I'm averse to the odd intimate concert/house concerts or fundraisers}  But for anyone trying to break into the industry and build a lasting and enjoyable career, I'd like to share a couple of tips that might be of use;

• carve your own niche  trying to emulate other performers, or attempting to follow a so-called 'industry' formula is not going to satisfy you in the long run.  When you distinguish yourself from the 'pack', you'll begin to develop your own following - those fans who love what you do and how you do it because you are uniquely you. Look after them, and they'll continue to support you in many different ways
• make your music for love not money if you genuinely love what you're doing the money will follow.  Sure, you may not become a global star with a billion bucks!  But you can make a living, support yourself, family, have a nice lifestyle ...lots of muso's do.  You may not have heard of them - they're not global superstars!!  - but they're around, doing what they love, without selling their soul and carrying a heavy stress burden.

Whatever you do, however you do it, as in anything in life, be true to yourself, maintain your integrity, don't give up, be open to new opportunities, and ask for help when you need it.