Do you want to make a living as a musician? Stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there is the best thing you can do for your creative career. If you’re looking to increase your chances of being discovered, you need to take action! Not sure where to start? The music industry can be complex and overwhelming, for new and experienced musicians alike. We’re here to help you get your bearings and start earning money as a professional musician! Read our other free artist resources or schedule a free consultation.
Connect with an Expert
Don’t overlook the value of working with an agency. Full-service entertainment agencies like DCR L.L.C. provide all the services you need to navigate the music industry, from marketing and management to audio engineering and video editing. Your agent will also help you develop your brand strategy, book shows, and network with industry stakeholders. A great agency will even help get your music placed on Spotify playlists and radio shows!
Learn a Few Business Basics
If you want to make a living off your music career, you must treat it like a business. After all, it is a business! Learn how to manage and grow a business so you can take your music career to the next level. Find a niche, network, build a following, and promote yourself. Implement a few business best practices to streamline your daily business management tasks and avoid legal issues down the line. For example, an accounting system will make it easy to manage your business’s money, track expenses, and store receipts so you can maximize your deductions and remain compliant with tax regulations.
Build a Community Around Your Music
Community is incredibly important to musicians and their followers. Flypaper suggests many great ways to build a community around your music and your professional goals. For example, attend meetups for musicians and industry professionals or start your own. Use social media to connect with people online, join groups, and introduce yourself to people. Look to share what you know with other people, offer advice, and support those who need it. This will help foster a real sense of community and establish strong bonds with your connections. At the same time, putting yourself out there and helping others will lend credibility and authenticity to your personal brand!
Play Live as Often as Possible
Every time you play a live performance, there’s a chance someone in the industry might discover you. Look for opportunities to play live as often as possible. Keep up-to-date on events going on around you, identify suitable venues in your area, and pitch yourself to the music programmers in charge of booking events. Try to form a rapport with these individuals so you can book gigs with them more often.
Don’t overlook the value of online gigs! Livestream music performances went mainstream during the pandemic, and the momentum continues today. You can even live-stream your own music concert as long as you have engaged followers who are willing to tune in and watch you play.
Don’t Fear Failure
Countless musicians are held back due to a fear of failure. Overcoming this fear is critical to making it in the music industry. Acknowledge and accept that you’re going to face setbacks, but don’t let this realization stop you from trying. Keep pushing forward, hustling for the gigs you want, and networking with people who can help you get closer to your goals. Once you realize it’s normal for some things you do to be less than perfect, you’ll develop greater trust in yourself and your abilities.
If you want to get discovered as a musician, it’s important to take your music career seriously. Treat it like the business it is, get out there and network, and try to book as many gigs as you can. Get comfortable with the grind!
Are you ready to take your music career to the next level? DCR L.L.C. provides all the services you need to get your music out there and in front of people. Check out our services or schedule a free consultation to learn more!