By Mitch Rice
The music industry is one that is exciting, mysterious and one that is full of myths and legends. For musicians looking to get into the industry, it can often be like stepping into the unknown, where all we really see is what makes the headlines.
And those headlines can be incredibly varied, from the sex and drugs and rock and roll to the dark periods where you may need to go to alcohol rehab, or you may be arrested, or be going through a high-profile divorce.
But of course, while some musicians’ lives are like that. It isn’t exactly reflective of the entire industry and there are many things you should know about being a musician that don’t make the headlines.
So, here are some tips that you really should know about breaking into the industry…
The best advice you’ll get is from those who have failed
Breaking the music industry is incredibly tough and people will often seek advice from those who have successfully done so. And while that is mightily important and you’ll pick up some great nuggets of information from them, it can often be more important to speak to those who have failed and are painfully aware of their mistakes.
You’ll learn far more from what people did wrong than what people did right and you can take that on board and ensure you don’t do the same.
Listen to the professionals
People working at record labels and in the industry are there because they are good at their jobs and have a wealth of experience. You may feel like you want to do something a certain way and to hell with everybody else, but that could leave you in trouble.
Listen to what the experts have to say, and have a proper conversation and take on board their thoughts as well as putting across your own. It will see a much higher chance of success.
Get a solid support group
Whether it be family, friends or peers, you need a solid support group as it’s an incredibly tiring, stressful and cutthroat industry. More and more you see artists take breaks to look after their mental health, Sam Fender being a more recent example, and it’s important that you look after yourself.
The reality is, many musicians turn to the likes of drink and drugs to cope with the stress and tiredness and it’s a slippery slope, so have that support network in place to avoid that happening.
As well as this, they can provide a great sounding board for your work too, especially with your peers as they can offer constructive feedback on songs as well. It’s a win, win!
