If you’ve been in the music industry for a while, then you’ve come across the “starving artist” stereotype. It is the notion that most artists will not succeed in business, and today’s guide has been dedicated to helping you ensure you do not become one.
As you’ll also see by the end of the post, I’ve ensured that the guide focuses on tips that can help you run your music business without having to compromise your creative and artistic integrity.
I’d also like to take this opportunity and declare that it’s time we put an end to the limiting belief of “starving artists.” Not only has it been disempowering artists trying to promote their work and brand, but it has also been a barrier to lots of talented young adults and teenagers who decided not to pursue music careers for fear of not being in a position to support their families later on in life.
As a result, most of these discouraged individuals have majored in more “socially accepted” programs and are pursuing careers they do not enjoy. It’s no surprise that depression has become commonplace in our society.
With all that in mind, would you love to pursue what ignites your passion in regard to earning a living but would like to end up as a “starving artist”? Here are 5 tips you should start employing right away.
1. Not Nurturing Relationships
If you are one of those reclusive musicians who do not speak a lot and avoid making human contact at all costs, then you might have a rough patch ahead of you. The days when one only had to be a talent while other people handled all of their business have come and passed. Not only will nurturing healthy relationships be something you will have to do to become a successful music producer or songwriter, but it is also what all successful business people are advised to do.
Speaking from experience, the music industry isn’t all about your talent. That is only going to take you so far. It is not even about the people you know. Every musician knows someone in the music scene. There will always be a cousin, grandpa, or uncle that once managed that person or signed to this label.
The truth is that the Music Industry is all about WHO KNOWS YOU!
The more important people know of your talent, your brand, and you, the closer you get to making it big. This implies that any encounter you have in the music industry is a potential opportunity to take you closer to your goals.
After all, read most (if not all) artists’ success stories, and you’ll realize that all it took is JUST ONE conversation with the right person.
In some cases, you might not even do business with the person that’s meant to help you realize your dreams. The same person might come across an opportunity that’d be a perfect fit for you and send it your way.
2. Not Following Up
Lots of missed opportunities in the music industry can be attributed to a lack of follow-up. Whether it’s due to a fear of rejection or otherwise, lots of artists I’ve come across have passed on visibility and sales opportunities by simply not following up with their contacts.
Sometimes it’s as simple as that. So, if that sounds like you, make the required tweaks to your mindset, and you should see a huge difference in revenue by the end of the year. This brings me to the third mistake.
3. Some can’t handle rejection
As an entrepreneur, a musician needs to learn that rejection will always be part of the process and that there’ll always be lots of no’s before coming across a single yes. In addition to that, one ought to note that only those who listen to the feedback and work on it end up making it in the scene.
Do not be one of those who stops and gives up on your dreams simply because you’ve been told No a hundred times.
4. Be able to paint the pictures in your songs
Ever heard the old-age saying that goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” a thousand words in the songwriting realm is a little too much, but the saying stands.
To become a great songwriter, you need to be able to put your listeners in positions to use their imaginations and visualize the story you’re trying to tell, just like an audiobook would. Have you ever read a book, but you felt like the book was way better after watching the movie version? A huge portion of that had to do with your imagination.
Your job as a songwriter is to paint the picture with simple stories that your fans and listeners can relate to. After all, none of the tips I’ve shared above will matter if your music isn’t great.