I usually blog when I am inspired by an event in my life. Today I came across a "rapper" in Los Angeles and I really hope he finds this blog. The moment he found out that I'm a film producer he said, "Yo dawg, wassup wit a free video tho?" (SILENCE FOLLOWS)
I smiled and told him that he should consider learning the business of music first. His response, "See! Ya'll Mafuggas all the same!" (SILENCE FOLLOWS)
This time I smiled, thanked him for his time, and then I walked away.
Most of the people that I personally know that are into music have not even done a few critical steps to ensure their success. Knowing how to make music is something that an eight year old can do these days. There is much more to the business of music than just making the music. If I were a band member, a rapper, a musician, etc., and I came across this little list that you see below I would use it as a check-list to see if I was on the right track. We all have room for improvement; some of us have much more room than others.
1. Do you have a music teacher, coach, or mentor? Or, are you just that good that you don't need one? (Beyonce takes voice lessons...FYI)
a. Take the critiques of people that know what they're talking about very seriously and try to make the adjustments that they suggest. Who cares how you FEEL, just do it. You might actually learn a lot about yourself and your technique.
2. Do people in your local area LOVE your music? Are you selling out local venues? Are people buying your merchandise? How many shows per month do you book?
a. A record label will not take a chance to DEVELOP, PROMOTE, and MARKET someone if they don't see that music lovers are not already supporting them. You wanna be indie? Ok, cool. See step #3.
3. Do you know what these terms actually mean when it comes to the music industry: Marketing, Development, Promotions, Distribution, Publishing, Licensing, and Copyright Protection? (Look them up and do some research on how the big companies or successful indie artists do it.)
a. Do you own BOOKS that cover those subjects? Do you read about those subjects daily? Are you obsessed with learning about the music business?
4. Have you ever talked to an entertainment law attorney? Do have an entertainment law attorney? Do you know any music managers that are currently working in the industry? If so, what degree of success have they achieved?
a. You are not a lawyer (most likely). You do not think the way an entertainment law attorney would think (most likely). You are not a music manger (most likely). You do not think like a music manger (most likely). Get help from those people.
5. Do you have phenomenal talent? Are your fans left in awe every time you perform? If the CEO of Capital Records heard you right now, would that person be impressed?
a. You can't be good. You can't be great. You MUST be PHENOMENAL! Your music must be remarkable; REMARK-ABLE. Do people remark about your music positively? Don't give people a reason to deny you. There are a lot of people on "American Idol" that have been lied to by their family and friends.
6. Do you have an EPK? Does your EPK sound and look like the professionals? Do you know what a good EPK looks like? (Look it up) Does your social media look like some of your favorite artist's sites? Are your social media marketing sites updated regularly, and with the correct information? Is the content interesting and professional?
a. Don't use your professional artist site as a personal space. Run your social media like a business would run their sites. You are here to make money; are your posts generating income? If not; why not? Do you have a marketing and branding campaign that you stick with?
7. Are you highly motivated, dedicated, and willing to work harder than the next person?
a. There is no cavalry coming to save you! Do you wake up before your competition? Do you sleep after your competition? Do you work harder than your competition? I'm not trying to say burn yourself out. I'm only making the point that you really have to WANT this. Are you using your time effectively? Be the honest broker and ask yourself at the end of each day, "If I was the CEO of my company, based on my performance today, would I hire myself again tomorrow?"
8. Do you follow-up after meeting new people? Are you networking with the proper people? Are you networking correctly?
DISCLAIMER: I have NOT made it in the music industry, but I've never tried either. I am giving general business advice that I hope can help you succeed in your journey to stardom.
Very Respectfully,
George Ohan
@georgeohan on Instagram
