For Musicians
Tips From the Pros
by Sara Hickman
First, a warning:
Above and beyond anything anyone can tell you, believe in yourself. Have fun. Do this because you love it and stop when you get tired. Whether you are singing alone in your room or in front of thousands of people, you are unique and have every right to create in the way you want to create. Many people will give you free advice, and you may have the choice to believe, utilize, throw out or learn from that advice. You may grow from it, but don't let it hamper, strangle or destroy the gift that is yours. You don't need to make records to be good at what you do. What you are doing is enough in itself; music is a gift you have received. What you believe and do with that gift is up to you.
OK. Now . . . Advice time.
1. Think about what you want and how to get it. What is your objective? Do you want to make an album to give to friends and family or make a record for posterity? You might want to consider this if your objective is just to collect your music together for a small audience. Be honest. Do you want fame and fortune?
If you answered yes, don't worry, you're not the only one! Make cassettes, CDs or DATs to send to people in the industry you have met or can reach through a network. Make just as many as you need. Don't waste your time and money mailing out and making an expensive product—no one is going to listen to unsolicited material. I promise you, it ends up in the trash, on a couch (seen it happen) or being taped over. You'll need to get your music into the hands of someone who can actually help you, so make a limited amount. This is the way to go if you want to have other people perform your songs, if you want to get a publishing deal, or if you want to skip the performance world and maybe (big maybe here) go right to the top of some label, get signed off your homemade CD, and let the label make the kazillions of record you once only dreamed of.
Want to create a buzz? Work hard, play lots live and become great in who you are. Get good press and play where you can get attention (the cooler the venue, the better the night; open for someone you admire with a big name; etc.). Create a demand for your music, then make CDs to sell at your shows and through local distribution. Make press or music-industry folks want to come see you. Let them see you live, let them see what kind of rapport you have with an audience, then slap a CD in their hand.
Be sure to set goals. Don't be afraid to take risks, but make immediate and long-term goals so you won't frustrate yourself.
2. Expect to spend money. If you are going to make a CD, there are a lot of costs involved. How will you pay for it? Save up from gigs, work, inheritance, rob banks, what? Plan ahead. Figure out a budget (engineer, studio, tape costs, musicians, DATs food, etc.) and stick to that budget. You can make a great record with little money, but you need to be smart and find out ahead of time where that money is going to go and how you are going to get that money beforehand. Worst-case scenario: You are making a groovy record and right in the middle of the production, you run out of funds. No fun.
3. Network, network, network. Everyone has the potential to be an ally in this business. Treat people with respect and you will see results. Send thank-you cards. Remember names. Ask questions. Get to know the club owners. Get to know people in the touring bands. Open for touring bands. Smile. Listen to the conversations going on around you at festivals, between other songwriters, etc. You can learn a lot when you shut up and listen.
4. Be persistent. Don't give up. Persistence pays off when talent gets to the end of its rope.
5. Be prepared to give product away, but sell as much as you can (from the stage, online,mail, local book and music stores, through distribution, newsletters). Help each other out; I list other musicians' stuff in my newsletters from time to time. You will end up with CDs in your garage if you make too many. Remember, you can always go back and make more.
