5 Essential Music Industry Tips You Need to Know
In this new article from GuitarRec – Online Recording Studio, we share five crucial tips for anyone considering a career in music or already immersed in the music industry. These tips are the result of more than 30 years of experience in the field as a session musician, teacher, music producer, and content creator. These tips on the music industry aim to provide clear guidance and help you navigate this exciting but sometimes complex world.
1- Define Your Own Path in Music
The first tip is about the importance of forging your own path in music. Often, you will encounter many opinions, some well-intentioned and others not so much. It is crucial that, while listening to others’ advice, you ultimately follow your intuition and design your path based on what you consider right. Always keep an eye on the short term (what you feel like doing) and the long term (what you want to be doing in 10 years). Music has many facets, from production and live performances to songwriting and teaching. Only you know which direction is right for you.
Stay Committed to Your Chosen Direction
Not only is it important to choose your path, but also to stay committed to that choice. The environment can sometimes be discouraging and filled with fear, especially due to the economic instability associated with freelance careers like music. However, it is vital to remain steadfast and stick to the path you’ve chosen. Sometimes rewards come later than expected and in ways we didn’t anticipate, but…they do come!
2- Punctuality as a Symbol of Professionalism
The second tip is about punctuality, but it goes deeper than just being on time. From the beginning, you must approach your music career seriously. This includes responding to emails promptly and maintaining professional behavior both on and off stage. This kind of professionalism creates an atmosphere of trust and respect that is invaluable in any industry, especially in music.
Take your work as a musician, music producer, engineer, or even an A&R professional seriously from the very start. This attitude is something everyone around you will notice, and it will undoubtedly send a strong message to seasoned professionals who might lend a helping hand or involve you in pivotal projects for your music career.
3- Save for the Future
The third tip for the music industry is to save. (easier said than done, right?). A music career is extremely volatile, with constant ups and downs. It’s crucial to have savings for tough times. Besides money, it’s also important to conserve energy and prepare for the inevitable lows that follow highs.
Prepare for Difficult Times
Savings provide a cushion that can help you stay calm during periods of lower income, reducing excessive stress and allowing you to use those times to plan and create your next project.
(Personal info): this website, guitarrec.com – online recording studio, and the services for online music production, remote instrument recording, and mixing, is a project born after leaving another project following years of touring. Having the time (and a saved budget) in such moments is essential for creation.
4- Invest in the Future and Your Equipment
The fourth tip is about investment. Investing time in future projects is crucial. You should always have projects on the horizon, planning one, two, or even ten years ahead. Additionally, investing in quality equipment is fundamental, especially if your focus is on music production or you’re a professional musician. From building a studio to produce music, with paid software and plugins, free VSTs, or quality instruments, to investing time in studying, updating skills, and creating projects during slower work phases.
5- Keep the Passion for Music or the Music Industry
Finally, the fifth and last tip is not to lose passion. In a competitive and uncertain world like music, maintaining your enthusiasm for what you do is essential. Always strive to be satisfied and motivated with your work, even if it means occasionally changing projects or directions. However, keep in mind that you’ll always get paid to create something where the client has the final say, but it’s still important to feel that your contribution is appreciated.
Find Graceful Exits When Necessary
When a project no longer excites or benefits you, and more importantly, when there’s personal friction that cannot be resolved, seek a respectful and professional exit. This will allow you to maintain good relationships in an industry where everyone eventually knows each other and avoid mental health or insecurity issues that could lead you to abandon your cherished dream.
I hope these tips not only help you thrive in the music industry but also inspire you to tackle the challenges of this exciting profession in the best way possible. Remember, the most important thing is to follow your passion while maintaining both a personal and professional focus. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channel! Good luck!
