Is it hard to make it in the music industry?
It's bloody hard, and you might just end up living off pot noodles in a cardboard box for the next 15 years, so you have to know firstly that it's definitely what you want to do with your life (it sounds like it), secondly that you're prepared to risk poverty and everything else in pursuit of something you love and thirdly that you're talented enough to be even a moderate success - obviously I can't say how good you are but maybe if you put some videos of yourself up on youtube you could get feedback on your style and playing. If all of the above apply I'd say go for it, but maybe start off by doing music at uni or a conservatoire, and try to make sure you have an emergency backup career plan in case being a musician doesn't work out for you.
Why is it so hard to break into the music industry?
Nothing is free and like any other industry, profits need to be made. So many people constantly attack the industry but I must ask, who has money to just waste and give away just for the heck of it and guess on the unknowable odds?If I spend money on people and generate no profit, how long will I sustain my business? It won't last at all. As bad and unfair as it sounds, not everyone is industry material when it comes to certain industries and rightfully so, the music industry is and should be no different.Sure the rare people/things that come along and defy all the stereotypes of the industry exist but that's the case for most industries that operate.Music is the base of it but good music will only get you so far. It's hard to get in because like any product, it has to sell well and that's where the music and the industry begin to differ. Sure people may make a good song but just having a good song won't sustain a business.It'd be crazy of me to increase expenses on a person who's doing nothing outside of just making music. The product which is the artist, has to do things outside of music which is why few truly make it. If people aren't coming to your shows, buying your music, losing interests, ect; how is that a good business move?It's hard to get in because the money holders aren't looking for someone who can make one or two good songs, they're looking for entrepreneurs and people who will turn those expenses to gains.Unless you're a business type of individual, the industry is not suited for what you might think you want to do or be.
Is it hard to get in the music industry?
If you start from scratch and have no relatives of friend already inside, I’d say it’s difficult, but not impossible.As Gekko said, “If you’re not inside, you’re outside.”One one hand, we obviously see many musicians and artists with very few talent, become very popular on a short period of time, because someone somewhere decided to (for some reason). Or because some major found an artist who has a good story to tell or looks good for this specific niche, or has a coherent look with the music it does.The truth is that we never knows the real reasons why this or this artist is where he is now. They’ll probably never say what’s not pleasing to hear…But I’d say that today is the best period of all time to sell your music by starting from scratch.You can start with a YT channel, a Twitter + FB account and a blog or website.Update them every day by using schedule option (on YT) or crowdfire on Twitter, and cross-link every social media between them.On your website, write articles that are relevant and can bring you some traffic.Find a distribution company like Symphonic Distribution, CD Baby, etc. that can sell your music on Spotify, Itunes, Google Music, Amazon and do the promotion yourself.Those company will also protect your music on YT and Soundcloud.In short, there is plenty of things to do !CheersAugustinC_Music | Home
Why is it so hard to get noticed in the music industry?
Ok so ill keep it short and sweet ... basically im in a band been together as a band since 2009 weve had pretty much the same line up all the way through .. we write brilliant songs have been recognised reviewed and mentioned in dozens of music publications.. weve toured the UK around 3 or 4 times both supporting and headlining the tours. Weve supported Major bands (one of which is signed to Geffen records). Weve got a fairly strong press kit which has been sent via email and by normal mail to hundreds if not thousands of labels, agents, bookers... we have recorded 2 EPs which have been reviewed by major magazines and gotten a fantastic reviews for the most part. our websites are professionally designed besides myspace because its a bit dated to use now. weve got a fairly good fanbase too and we usually fill a venue in most places when we play live. and cherry ontop of the cake weve sold in excess approx 2000-2500 copies of our CD (psyical copies) and around the same in downloads ..? we rarely get responses from the companies we contact and when we do get a response and we meet with these people theres always a catch like paying £3000 for demos etc. just wondering what it is were doing wrong and why we havent had any genuine recongition by the industry?
How do I get started in the music industry?
It’s about attitude and mindset.Let’s dispel a myth musicians are told when we’re starting out.You’ve heard it from famous musicians, label execs, friends and family; it’s a long-standing music industry cliche:“Work hard, don’t give up, and you can make it”.Absolute rubbish.You can work hard at music for the rest of your life and the only thing that will change will be the standard of how you measure success.There’s so much more to ‘making it’ than continuously working hard. What if you spend half your life heading down a path in the wrong direction? What if you don’t know anyone in the industry? What if you just don’t have the talent or haven’t gained the skill required to achieve your goals?There are may aspects needed to get your career to a point where you could consider yourself to have made it, but even then I think it’s subjective - You could feel like you’ve made it as a musician when you gain competence on your instrument, or not until you’re selling out stadiums.This is exactly the reason I started my site Musician’s Map.I’m sharing more than 20 years of hard earned experience through articles, videos, podcasts for free; so ‘making it’ can be something clear that every musician can aim to achieve.No more industry secrets.If you want to discuss this further, join my Facebook group or check out my FREE five step challenge to a clear musical pathway.
How hard is it to break into the music industry today even with genuine talent?
It's equally as hard as it's always been.Except that nowadays indie artists can produce their music themselves with the rise of the home studio and get access to the same tools as record labels, especially when it comes to digital distribution, which made it easier to reach their potential audience.At the same time this relative "ease" has generated thousands if not millions of additional wannabes, which has mechanically increased the competition amongst indie artists.It is now extremely challenging to stand above the crowd, marketing and promo are more important than ever. Which leads to the most critical part of the equation: money.So basically you still need talent, luck, but also various music and non-music related skills like producer, marketer, social media, lawyer, entrepreneur, etc. And a very significant marketing / promo budget.
Will I make it big in the "music industry" ?
I am a an up and coming songwriter. But as of lately, we, meaning my brother and cousins, have come up with soundtracks for hip hop, that will raise the dead. We have a very unique sound, and it is getting good reviews in our area. It is a blend of hip hop and ambience, and some jazz, and rock. But think of it as Pink Floyd, but not rock and roll, just straight hard core rap. Psychadelic rap. It is neat, I promise you that. And it is unlike anything you have ever heard before. So, do you think we have a chance in the music industry, and will we make it big ?
Tips on getting into the music industry?
Make a MySpace and get people to add you and post banners all over and tell friends and fans to do the same. Maybe get in a band. Metro Station has a electrica rock/dance sound they're a band and well Paramore is fronted by a girl so why can't you. I don't see why people are being rude. 15 is a good age to start-- any younger I would say wait and maybe 20 at the oldest, that is if you want to be a successful artist.