Whether you’re an aspiring musician, talented singer-songwriter, gifted dancer or a brilliant producer, you’ll be looking for ways to break into the music industry. Of course, becoming successful in showbiz is notoriously difficult, so it’s vital to do everything you can to secure stardom. With this in mind, take a look at these five ways you can build a profile and get your break:
1. Never Stop Practicing
No matter how talented you are, it’s vital to practice regularly. Many musicians practice for hours every day to perfect their art, although you don’t always need to commit to this level of intensity. You’ll face competition from many talented professionals, so enhancing the quality of your performances is always a top priority. By honing your skills and crafting your talents, you can ensure that you’re always ready for your big break.
2. Understand the Industry
Many people have an idealized image of how the music industry operates. In reality, most ‘overnight successes’ have worked for years to turn their dreams into reality. If you don’t yet have experience of working in the industry, you can get an idea of what to prepare for by learning more about it. Joining reputable online groups, applying for internships, volunteering your time and even reading biographies can help you to get a glimpse of what it’s really like to work in the industry. Alternatively, you may even want to enroll in a related degree or postgraduate program.
3. Record Your Music
If someone in the industry asks for a demo, you’ll want to have one available straight away. Spending time in recording studios gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the equipment, as well as creating your own demo. At Pirate’s recording studios, for example, you can hire a studio for an hour, a day or longer, and get self-service access to a wide range of professional equipment. This gives you the freedom to create any style of music and ensures you’re able to produce tracks that showcase your talent.
However, recording studios aren’t just a great option for performers. Production studios are also kitted out for writers, so you’ll have access to a MIDI keyboard, audio interface, microphones, condensers, headphones and more as you’re penning the next big hit.
4. Play Live
If you’re a performer, there’s no better experience than singing, acting, dancing or playing an instrument in front of a live audience. To perfect your craft, you’ll want to play live as often as you can, regardless of the size of the audience. Whether it’s an open mic night for up and coming artists or your nephew’s first birthday, don’t miss any opportunity to entertain an audience!
Do beware, however, that some clubs and bars will give new performers the opportunity to play in return for payment. This means you’ll be expected to pay the venue in order to secure your spot on stage. Some performers find this to be worthwhile, whereas others try to avoid this type of agreement. While it’s normal to receive a low fee – or no fee at all – when you’re gaining experience, don’t feel forced to part with your cash.
5. Publicize Your Work
The more interest you can generate in your work, the more successful you’re likely to be. Traditionally, artists were reliant on agents and recording companies to give them a platform. Nowadays, however, you can engage directly with your audience via the internet.
Launching your own website can be a good way to increase your credibility and, with the right SEO implementations, it provides an easy way for people to find you or get in touch. However, releasing audio or videos on popular sites, like YouTube and Soundcloud, can also generate a significant amount of publicity. Many successful artists began their careers in this way, so don’t overlook the potential of this strategy.
In addition to this, launching a professional social media profile can attract publicity and help you to showcase your work. By taking part in industry-related conversations, sharing your content and interacting with others, you can boost your profile and potentially make valuable contacts.
Getting Ready for Your Big Break
Although it may feel like a long time coming, your career could take off at a startling pace once you get your big break. With these handy tips, you can gain the professional experience you need to ensure you’re ready to make the most of it.
However, it’s also important to prioritize your emotional wellbeing if you’re thinking of entering the music industry. Artists and musicians can experience a fair amount of professional rejection along the way, which can be tough to take. By finding healthy ways to handle the highs and lows of a music career, you can ensure that you’re able to enjoy the journey and capitalize on your success.
