THE UGLY TRUTH OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS/ A SURVIVORS GUIDE

Here is an excerpt from my new book coming out soon.

1.   START WITH A PLAN

There are two things that will destroy your career before you get started.

1.   LACK OF PASSION

2.   NO PLAN

Lack of passion is like setting out on a 100-mile trip with only enough gas to get you 10 miles.  You will choke down, sputter and come to a stop.  Believe me, I have seen many start this trip with half a tank and wind up giving up.  Now is the time to dig deep and do some serious soul searching, and ask yourself, do I have enough gas for this trip?

NO PLAN –

Having no plan, I hate to think about it, and as elementary as it sounds, more people than not take off without one.  Not having a plan is what I like to call the WHACK – O - DOODLE method. Don’t you think it’s whacked out to head somewhere without knowing where you're going; so do I.

Steve Covey says in his book, The Seven Habits Of Highly Successful people, to start with the end in mind.  This is a great approach for many reasons. Visualization is inherent in having a dream.  If you can’t see yourself there, then there is a good chance, neither will anyone else.

FIND YOUR NICHE–

Niche – suitable place, specialized market – synonyms Place -Position – Slot-

There are many specialized fields within the music industry.  Most people are only proficient in only a few.  Find out where your passion lies and it will lead you to your Niche.  Don’t try to be something you’re not gifted for, it just won't work, and remember there’s only one you.  Always be true to yourself.

A hundred years ago when I was working in Nashville, AKA Music City, one of my responsibilities was to interview potential Artists.  I had a couple of questions I would ask that would overpoweringly determine whether we would work with someone or not.  The first question was, whom do you sound like. During that time the guys would commonly say, George Straight, or the fillies would say, Martina McBride.  WRONG! You see there is already a George and a Martina.  You see, we were not looking for twins.  Question 2 I would ask would be, How long are you willing to pursue your dream?  Some would give it a time limit.  There is no time limit on passion, you either have it or not.  This was a deal breaker.  The right answer was as long as it takes.  Just the other day I was at a jazz open mike night.  An older gentleman who appeared to be in his eighties sitting in a wheel chair rolled up to the stage, the host handed him a mike and he began to sing.  Although you could hear the age in his voice, the passion was louder.  Now guys and fillies that old crooner was the picture of success.  So find your NICHE and don’t give up!