Five traits you need to make a living in the music business
by GREG SAVAGE on APRIL 22, 2014 · 1 COMMENT
in BUSINESS FORUM,FAST FORWARD
1. A willingness to please the client.
The moment you decide to operate as a business, you’re telling the world, “I’m here to cater to your needs,” “I can deliver the goods,” and “I am the right person for this project.” If all you can do is complain about the “wants” of the client and how they don’t fit you, then you’re targeting the wrong audience — or maybe being in business is not something you’re ready for.
2. An ability and desire to self-educate.
Even with schooling and degrees, there’s a lot of self education that takes place because this business is constantly changing. When a new application or trend surfaces, I can’t afford to for a college or tech school to come out with a course. I have to get it under my fingers yesterday and turn into income stream. Even if you find a school that’s on the ball (i.e. always updating), you still have to educate yourself (sometimes through trial and error) to make the trend/technique or piece of technology work for you.
3. Positioning oneself in front of opportunities
Successful people are go-getters. They put themselves in front of as many opportunities as possible. Ever wonder why the artist with less talent and skill gets more exposure than you and is able to make a living in the music business? It’s because they are putting themselves out there, connecting with people who need their services as well as people who can put them in front of people who need their services.
Lazy people, on the other hand, believe the clouds will part and opportunities will fall from the sky. In the event that anyone finds a herd of parting clouds, please let me know, I’d like to trade five magic beans for them.
4. Successful musicians are persistent.
Persistent means rarely ever take “no” for an answer. “No” means “not right now, come back and try again.” Some believe that persistence can turn into annoyance, and that’s true, but it’s all in how you do it.
When a company tells me “No thanks,” I improve my idea’s worth or I bring something brand new to the table. There’s always something I can change or some way to enhance the value. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the target audience.
I was able to do this successfully with companies that wanted nothing to with my music.
5. Successful musicians take action
I know, the phrase “Take action” is getting worn out, but it’s true. Successful people are always in motion, they act on their ideas and newly found education. If they learn something today, it’s going into action tomorrow, or even as they’re still in the process of learning. Others wait until they see everyone else’s results then contemplate. They take forever to decide what they want to do while opportunities pass them by. Then, the next wave or big thing comes along and they repeat the process!
There’s nothing wrong with analyzing the situation or possible outcomes, but after your analysis you have to make a decision, you gotta do something!
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Emergent Recording & Production House / Blog
5 Traits of Industry Success
Five traits you need to make a living in the music business by GREG SAVAGE on APRIL 22, 2014 · 1 COMMENT in BUSINESS FORUM,FAST FORWARD
1. A willingness to please the client. The moment you decide to operate as a business, you’re telling the world, “I’m here to cater to your needs,” “I can deliver the goods,” and “I am the right person for this project.” If all you can do is complain about the “wants” of the client and how they don’t fit you, then you’re targeting the wrong audience — or maybe being in business is not something you’re ready for.
2. An ability and desire to self-educate. Even with schooling and degrees, there’s a lot of self education that takes place because this business is constantly changing. When a new application or trend surfaces, I can’t afford to for a college or tech school to come out with a course. I have to get it under my fingers yesterday and turn into income stream. Even if you find a school that’s on the ball (i.e. always updating), you still have to educate yourself (sometimes through trial and error) to make the trend/technique or piece of technology work for you.
3. Positioning oneself in front of opportunities Successful people are go-getters. They put themselves in front of as many opportunities as possible. Ever wonder why the artist with less talent and skill gets more exposure than you and is able to make a living in the music business? It’s because they are putting themselves out there, connecting with people who need their services as well as people who can put them in front of people who need their services.
Lazy people, on the other hand, believe the clouds will part and opportunities will fall from the sky. In the event that anyone finds a herd of parting clouds, please let me know, I’d like to trade five magic beans for them.
4. Successful musicians are persistent. Persistent means rarely ever take “no” for an answer. “No” means “not right now, come back and try again.” Some believe that persistence can turn into annoyance, and that’s true, but it’s all in how you do it.
When a company tells me “No thanks,” I improve my idea’s worth or I bring something brand new to the table. There’s always something I can change or some way to enhance the value. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the target audience.
I was able to do this successfully with companies that wanted nothing to with my music.
5. Successful musicians take action I know, the phrase “Take action” is getting worn out, but it’s true. Successful people are always in motion, they act on their ideas and newly found education. If they learn something today, it’s going into action tomorrow, or even as they’re still in the process of learning. Others wait until they see everyone else’s results then contemplate. They take forever to decide what they want to do while opportunities pass them by. Then, the next wave or big thing comes along and they repeat the process!
There’s nothing wrong with analyzing the situation or possible outcomes, but after your analysis you have to make a decision, you gotta do something!
Reply
Death, a reason to live your dreams.
"Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." - Steve Jobs
My pop always told me there are two guarantees in life: death and taxes. In the light of our inevitable fate, we have to hold true to our dreams and chase them. My brother made me realize that maybe chasing a dream is less realistic than grabbing it by the throat and forcing it into being. Today is all we have. We all have the same time in a day. What excuses are you making today? Are you sick? Are you tired? Maybe just sick and tired of everything.
Grab something and take a step forward. Today is your day to shine. You cannot get this day back nor the moment it took you to read this.
The clock is ticking. Leave your mark.
Arise. Dream. Emerge.
Ben Savage Owner/Media Producer Emergent Recording & Production House 237 Chicago Ave., Valparaiso, FL 32580 www.emergentrecording.com 850.729.1002 | info@emergentrecording.com www.facebook.com/emergentrecording www.twitter.com/emergentrecords www.youtube.com/emergentrecording http://soundcloud.com/emergentrecording
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Confessions of a mix engineer.
We love following our friends over at The Recording Revolution. Here is an article on "Confessions of a Mix Engineer" series we thought you might like.
http://therecordingrevolution.com/2014/04/25/confession-only-mixed-at-loud-volumes/#more-6484
Bottom-line. Don't mix at loud volumes!
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What genre do we specialize in?
Here at Emergent, our goal is to be a studio for the local artist. Art comes in many forms. Some people like it and others don't. Finding your fan base is the key to being successful. Just like a business has to find it's target market, your target fans make your efforts prosperous or conflicting.
I overheard a conversation in the studio this week between local hip hop talent Micky Mouth and Singer/Songwriter Season Ammons discussing the reasons why they are collaborating on so many songs together this year. It came down to the cross-genre attempt to help new fans see a different side of the artist, introducing them to another side of their art.
What genre do we specialize in? Yes. All of them. We take the organic nature that is the core of an artist and promote their strengths while minimizing weaknesses.
We have handled rock, metal, jazz, choirs, industrial, world flute, hip-hop, voice-over actors, audiobooks, christian and secular...all are made special by the one thing that sets it apart. You.
Arise. Dream. Emerge.
Ben Savage Owner/Media Producer Emergent Recording & Production House 237 Chicago Ave., Valparaiso, FL 32580 www.emergentrecording.com 850.729.1002 | info@emergentrecording.com www.facebook.com/emergentrecording www.twitter.com/emergentrecords www.youtube.com/emergentrecording http://soundcloud.com/emergentrecording
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Great Weekly Resource For Aspiring Mix Engineers.
Top mixing engineer Dave Pensado talks all things audio in his weekly show, Pensado's Place. Dave gives you insights into his career, and teaches you how to improve your own recordings to get that "platinum record" sound. The show includes interviews with top music industry artists,engineers, producers, mixers, and record executives, as well as in depth tutorials in engineering and mixing. If you are into music production, you can't miss this show!
https://www.youtube.com/user/PensadosPlace
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How are you treating your fans?
"There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else." - Sam Walton
There is simple truth in statements for business that run right into the business of being a musician. Your fans really make or break who you are. How are you treating them? We all do music for the love and fulfillment it brings, but what is your return of investment for your time?
Take a moment today to reach out to your fans. Follow-up on them and let them know they are appreciated. Part of any good sales funnel is leads, quoted, and closed accounts. You should be massaging these daily with social media, personal emails, and phone calls. This even works with your gigs and venues. Relationship is the key and it takes work to develop your most appreciable asset; people.
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Did you know?
Did you know that our production facility is a central hub for all your artist or business needs?
Live Audio & Video Event Productions Graphic Design, Printing & Banners Promotional Products & Media Buyer Website Hosting, Development, and Design Social Media Marketing Manufacturing of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Rehearsal Space Rental ISDN Remote Capability Remote Analog Recording Facility in Muscle Shoals Weekly Development & Mentoring Sessions SEO & SEM Optimization (including Google AdWords) Voice-overs & Radio Spots Beat Productions and Leasing Resident Studio Musicians & Producers On-Call One-on-One & Class Recording Arts Training Classes Tracking, Mix-down, & Mastering Services Music Videos, Commercials, & Post-Production for Film Event Promotion & Product Distribution Photography
Next time you do something toward your dream, give us a call for a FREE estimate! We are a supplemental studio for the DIY artist & local small business. It is our goal to find the best quality for the most affordable prices.
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We gave, now it's time to bid for a good cause!
We have donated a 5 song live demo session to Covenant Hospice in their partnership with the 2014 Cox Charity Auction. Bid for a good cause! Link is below:
http://www.eventsatcovenant.org/coxauction/
Covenant gives the gift of care and compassion to the communities we serve. At Covenant Hospice, we believe that everyone deserves quality end-of-life care regardless of their ability to pay. We also believe there are certain programs that are essential to providing excellent care not only for the patients but also their loved ones. These services represent a promise – a covenant – to our communities that we are here when they need us the most.
We offer hospice care that is provided by physicians, nurses, social workers and hospice aides. We also offer Children’s Services, Bereavement Counseling, Chaplain and Volunteer Services to our families and to other families in crisis throughout the communities we serve. Our care is also provided for the medically indigent. Last year Covenant provided care to 771 uninsured or under-insured patients care totaling $1.5 million. We were there when they needed us the most. You, too, can share the gifts of care and compassion.
You can help by becoming a corporate sponsor or auction item donor, attending one of our special events, or making a secure donation to Covenant Hospice. Your donation makes a difference. Thank you for your support.
To learn more, visit covenanthospice.org or call us toll free at 1(800) 541-3072.
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Music Video Sale April 2014
2014 is the year of video for Emergent Recording & Production House. We are pushing hard into production areas that are video centric and we want your band! $295 for a full production music video. Includes pre-production, shooting, editing, and export for social. Contact us for further details (850) 729-1002.
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Cool music video shot with GoPros.
We were browsing for some accessories for our GoPro lineup here at Studio-E this week and the homepage, as of today, has a great music video for The Family Crest incorporating drone mounts and standard GoPro mounts for a band. This is a pre-launch to GoPro's newest line of editing suites for music and video software we've been reading.
Check it out: http://gopro.com/
This is a the age of the DIY artist. Make your dreams come true and start making money on it today. Call (850) 729-1002 or email us at info@emergentrecording.com to ask how. Artist development is our passion!
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