OCTOBER'S LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
posted in: Music News
Your Big Break
Throughout the course of the year I speak on music panels all over the country. I do it mainly for two reasons; the first is to connect with friends in the business”for many of us it’s the only time we ever get to see each other in person. The second is to hear what issues are really on the minds of the artist and managers still working the streets trying to find their big break.
Lately it seems that the issues aren’t about the usual publishing rights, collecting royalties or overseas booking agents. Instead, more and more bands are solely worried about their big break or, more pointedly, why it hasn’t yet arrived. In most cases it feels like the Q&A sessions are mainly artists or their managers simply complaining about the industry and how it’s working against them.
I’m here to help by telling you the truth.
1) The industry doesn’t care about you one way or another, because the industry isn’t a group of 10 people in some skyscraper chomping cigars giving thumbs up or thumbs down to each and every artist that comes across their massive mahogany desk. The industry is so completely fractured it should be obvious; no one is in control except the fans.
2) You are not owed anything. There are only 3 things that make you successful in music- practice, gumption and more practice. Sure, some music is made in an afternoon by some pimply pre-pubescent geek with amazing software but look at anyone who has a true career as a musician. They play relentlessly. It’s called hard work and, as trite as it sounds, it does pay off.
3) There is no secret playbook with all the shortcuts. If there was, you either couldn’t afford it or you’d probably have to sign the same deal as Robert Johnson at the crossroads to get it.
4) The age of the megastar musician is over. Coldplay is bad cheese, Madonna’s usual shock and awe is more schlock and yawn and the King of Pop is well¦ dead. Stop thinking success means playing arenas and being on the Video Music Awards. What percentage of musicians do you think actually makes enough money to sustain a full time career? Recalibrate your definition of fame and fortune to something that allows you to do what you love for people who actually care to listen.
5) Finally, and perhaps most importantly, just because we all love music doesn’t mean we can all be musicians. Not everyone has talent. Know when it’s time to trade in the guitar pick for a different career within the industry. (I proudly speak from first hand experience.)
Clearly, it’s a hard way to make a life, but guess what; these hardships make for good material. These trails and tribulations make you and your music compelling.
I’ve said this numerous times in these letters but the only real success comes from the fans or, better yet, the community that believes in you and your art. You know the ones who will spread the word; treat them like gold. They are truly the only industry that can give you your big break.
-Jay Sweet