Most of us are musicians because we love to play our instrument(s) but we don't take the time to think about the business of music. Being in a band is hard work. You need to have a bandleader, others have to be willing to play a role, and there are contracts to sign and a level of musicianship that must be reached.
How does any "Artist" get any art done in a business atmosphere? Or conversely how does an artist get any business done in this artistic atmosphere…
There must be a balance. The most successful bands are those that are consistent, hard working, aggressive and creative. Most importantly there are the bands that stay together.
Being an artist does not mean you are not astute at real live or business decisions. Creativity is not an excuse to check out of society. Really it is a step up on the others. You get to do what you love to do as long as you can learn to balance business with pleasure.
Care About Your Career
It s important that you take your career in music seriously because it might not be as long as you expect it to be and it needs your complete attention. Taking care of business will insure that you get the most out of your talent.
Learn the business side while you are young. You can't count on a manager or a record label to take care of you. Most of the time they are having enough trouble taking care of themselves. Watch them carefully and take the time to be involved the decisions that will shape your music career.
Momentum
One of the most difficult issues for a band is momentum. It is so important to keep yourself and your band busy, writing songs, booking gigs, talking to other folks in the industry, recording a demo, dealing with critics and more. It is a full schedule for anyone but many of us still have to keep a job until you reach a certain level in the industry. I still have not mentioned having a social life out side of music or a family.
Organization of your time is essential. Be sure to work with people that do what they say they are going to do. Integrity is an essential trait to any successful musician or businessman. It is also a key to good art. If you don't follow through and complete your music the way you set out to do it than you will struggle to get where you want to go.
Vision
Be sure to have a complete vision of what you want, how you are going to get it done and set the proper goals to get it done. Every successful person in any business or art form has had a complete vision before they started. Take the time to think about what you want done before you start it. If your vision has to change along the way than so be it, but make sure you rethink your direction before you change.
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