The Business Of Being A Musician …

Over the years, a lot of local music stations have held conferences for musicians wanting to know more about being in the music industry and the business of music.

A Wealth Of Knowledge …
These sessions have included people from various aspects of the music industry; entertainment lawyers, producers, promotion reps from major and indie record labels, digital music service reps, branding advisors, professional artists, networking gurus, label A&R execs, sync licensing experts, and sound engineers. Sessions have also covered street promotions, creating a demo, publishing, writing, producing, social media, distribution, and a variety of other areas pertaining to the music industry.

Temporarily …
Currently due to the pandemic, some are still planning on holding virtual events to inform musicians of the best practices to try and make it in this business. I've also seen sessions held on the social media app Clubhouse with people of expertise sharing details on the ins and outs of breaking into the music business.

As Individuals …
This is where we as individuals in radio come in. Air personalities and programming staff get asked all the time by musicians how to get their music on the radio or get signed to a record deal. They think we have a direct link to the music industry because we play music on the radio and emcee concerts. It's true that we do make inroads into that world, some more than others, but the only real link most of us have is the link to information.

Scammer Alert …
In the music industry there are so many scam artists. Some of them have just enough information and know enough people to impress you. These are the folks that figure there’s a new "fish on the hook" every day hoping to reach their dreams of fame and fortune in the music industry.

What They Do …
These types of vultures feed on the vulnerabilities of aspiring singers, song writers and producers. It’s what they do. Many newbies that are duped into spending money on empty promises, become bitter and never trust anyone in the industry again. On the other hand, there are others who chalk it up to experience, move on, and try to learn going forward about how the industry works.

Good News & Bad News …
Nowadays musicians can go directly do the listening public using social media and streaming audio with music services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Pandora. Another viable tool in the process is TiK Tok. It all sounds great, but the per stream payout rate formula for individual artists or even if an artist on a label is low. For example, it takes 250 streams on Spotify to make one dollar. You do the math.

To Make My Point…
Based on recent information concerning Spotify, according to Digital Music News, only 13,400 Spotify Artists (out of 7 Million) make more than $50,000 a year. I don't want to cast any false illusions, this business has never been easy, but being able to get a fair share starts with knowing what and what not to do.

Point In The Direction …
Mark Twain said, "The secret of getting ahead is to get started." The launching pad is information. I think we owe it to that portion of our audience to have as much information as possible to put them on their path towards a career in the music field.

For All The Right Reasons …
I believe in karma and anytime we can help someone it’s never a bad day. Besides, as music radio professionals, we should help up and coming musicians reach their goals like those who helped us get into radio. All we have to do is provide some advice, information, and direction --that’s it. If you don't know much about the process of how artists can make the leap forward into the industry, you can direct them to people who do.

You Just Never Know …
What you share could have positive repercussions on many levels. That artist or manager could go on to a successful career, could be a great source of information among local musicians, could be selected for a PPM panel, or get a diary. Even more important, why wouldn't you help someone? Over the years you have gained more knowledge than you are aware of.

Your List Of Experts …
Radio personalities and programmers meet authorities in just about every aspect of the music world. Take the time to start a list of those in the various segments of the entertainment industry and double check their legitimacy. If the people on your list prove to be worthy, make them part of your music industry information base. Use your circle of knowledge and pass it forward for the potential professional musicians of tomorrow.