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Are You REALLY in the Music Business?

Just got off the phone with a friend of mine.  He's been self-employed for a number of years.  He's also a guitar player.

He said something I thought was interesting...

"There is a big difference between playing guitar and playing Guitar Hero."

Duh, right?

You know that, because you're a musician, but I've seen a few kids get the two mixed up.  But, believe it or not, I've seen even more musicians and "business owners" get their situations mixed up...  I'm talking about adults who should know better!

To build on a quote from my friend...  "There is a big difference between being in the music business and pretending to be in the music business."

Those who are really in the music business treat things a different way than those who just pretend to be in it.  They show up for gigs on time, because they know it's important and has a big impact on whether or not they'll get paid.  They promote their gigs, are nice to club owners, sell from the stage, and take advantage of merchandising for the same reason.

This isn't about record deals, fancy clothes, a new van to tour in, brand new equipment, or similar things, which so many musicians get lost in...unless you're actually making money with those things.  Being in the music business is about looking at how you're handling your career, treating your music like the job it is, and asking yourself, "Am I building something by doing this or just doing what I think 'being in the music business' means?"

Just some random, late-night thoughts on differences in the people I come in contact with via email, phone, or in person...  I hope that, if there are some things which need to be tweaked to help you with your long-term music business goals, you'll take an opportunity to do that.

What can you do to bring in more people to shows?

What can you do to maximize music and merch sales?

What can you do to bring in more traffic to your web site?

What can you do to make sure more people hear your music?

These are a few questions you should ask yourself.  Have others?  Post them below.

Want to talk more?  I do a live podcast every Wednesday at 9pm Eastern.  (347) 637-2654 is the number to call me.  Or, if you can't wait, follow me on Twitter and ask your questions there.

What Would YOU Do? - Part 2

Let's say you're doing an interview on a syndicated radio show that goes out to millions of people...

And the host asks you something about a situation his audience is interested in...

You're not really feeling up to talking about it...and you tell him.

But his audience is interested, so he asks again...and again.  Like during this interview, for example.

How would you handle it?  Hang up and move on to the next station, answer the question, or something else?  As a celebrity, do you have an obligation to answer questions?

Post what you'd do below...

The Appeal of Authenticity

Obama thinks Kanye is a "jackass."

Isn't it nice when somebody, especially a politician, gives an honest opinion? Whether or not you agree with the opinion itself, it certainly builds trust.

This is a new world we're living in. People are craving authenticity more than ever.

So what does that mean for you and your music?

For one, if you're not a "gangsta" or whatever else you're trying to be, drop it. And whatever you are, show it that much more.

You're in the music business, not the convincing business.  There is no need to waste tons of time explaining your stance on things or trying to prove who you say you are.  Spend that time making really honest music and living an honest life instead and all of that will take care of itself.

People aren't idiots, even though we sometimes act that way.  We can spot a fake...especially with all the social media and "instant" communication tools we have these days, which have killed the multiple levels of filters we used to be able to rely on to protect us from ourselves and get out only the "best" message possible.

So be real. It's easier, it's a lot more fun, and it's a lot more powerful when it comes to building relationships and selling anything.  Even though it may not be something you'd normally hear from the President, nobody is faulting Obama for calling Kanye a jackass, because it was authentic and we were all thinking it.  Same goes for your authenticity as well...

Career Lessons from Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has been on my mind (more than usual) over the last couple of days... Obviously, her VMA appearance was memorable.  But she was here in Nashville the night before, doing some great things in terms of marketing herself and her music. 

Here are a couple of music business lessons you can learn from Taylor...

1. Keep your mouth shut...sometimes.

If a douchebag is saying nasty things about you, let him go.  He'll eventually run out of steam or put his foot in his mouth.  People can spot BS without any help from you, so don't feel you need to respond to everything negative that comes your way.

2. Let your fans do the talking...

Unlike Kanye West, Taylor Swift knows it's not all about her...it's about her fans.  Show them you care, give them the opportunity to express themselves, and they'll reward you.  They'll attend your shows, buy your stuff, and defend you when a douchebag tries to upstage you.

Obviously, not every musician reading this blog is going to have an opportunity like the one above, where you can post text messages from fans for 10,000+ other fans while they're waiting for you to hit the stage...  However, I guarantee you there is something you can do which will let your fans be heard.  Have an idea?  Post it below!

By the way, if you like Taylor Swift and want to know the story of her latest album, Fearless, check out this interview I did with her producer...

I do interviews like this all the time... Get the free podcast via iTunes to make sure you don't miss any of them!

What Would YOU Do?

If there was ever any doubt, after last night, it seems that Kanye West really is an asshole.  I get that it takes a certain level of ego to be a great artist and I'm fine with that, but to steal the spotlight from another person in a moment like goes away over the line, in my opinion.

And if you haven't seen the video...

So what do you think? What would you do if you were in Taylor Swift's position?

Post thoughts below...

The Value of a Story

This isn't a political blog and this isn't a political entry, so bear with me on this one...

There is nobody in this country that has taken more heat over the last couple of months than President Obama. He's lost a lot of his early momentum, all the talking heads are after him, and he can't seem to catch a break right now. Yet still he pushes on...

The video below is the power of a story.  Notice how the crowd reacts.

People remember stories. They relate to them. They also change their perceptions because of them... The power of the story is one reason songs are so powerful.

Think about this next time you write one, perform one, or introduce one from stage...