Whether you have just picked up an instrument after a lifetime of seeing musicians play in concerts and on the television, or you have practiced since childhood to become the music aficionado you have always wanted to be, you should know that making music your career has always been hard. However, is it still possible at all? This guide gives you all the information you need to know before making the leap into the deep end of the musical world.
Are there still up-and-coming acts around?
You might constantly hear about up-and-coming acts that have taken the world by storm (and who some outlets might brand industry plants), such as The Last Dinner Party, who have risen through the UK charts and won awards for their debut album. Although their story is a positive one, this is not the tale of every would-be band, and many performers struggle to make a career in music and make themselves known. Some performers also struggle to maintain their fame, with there being a much greater percentage of one-hit wonders and other acts that fade from glory almost as soon as they have gained it.
Why is it so hard?
There are a number of reasons for this. Fame now relies far more on social media, with many acts relying on their follower numbers to gain traction and for record labels to take them seriously, especially if they are trying to make it big without going down many of the more formal avenues. Not only this, but there are now many more people who are attempting to create their debut album or release an EP. This is especially the case since there are now more music degrees and other arts qualifications than ever before, providing more competition. You need more than a good voice; you also need to have originality and consumer appeal.
What can you do?
However, just because it is difficult, this does not mean that achieving greatness in music is impossible, especially if you want to focus on your own enjoyment and creativity. In fact, the music business has always been hard to break into.
The first action that you should take is becoming as skilled as you can. Instead of speaking to a record company or an agent as soon as you pick up an instrument, you should take the time to hone your skills and learn a variety of different music techniques. For instance, you might decide to hire a music teacher or invest in easy bass tabs that can allow you to expand your knowledge and your experience. You should try to learn a variety of different instruments and techniques for these instruments. For instance, when you are playing the guitar, you should try good right-hand positioning, which changes your thumb placement and leaves your fingers curved on the strings.
The biggest step that you can take toward success is to simply stay passionate and keep going. If you let disillusionment grab hold of you, it is unlikely that you will carry on [producing engaging and exciting music that challenges the norm of what is already out there. Instead, you should carry on making relevant music that you adore and that you would want to listen to yourself. You should also carry on trying to find performance opportunities as this will give you the chance to make connections, whether this is at a county fair or at a grassroots venue. The more you are visible, the more you will get noticed.