Make a living through music

People some times ask me what I would do if I were an artist looking to get started. I would say first and foremost, you can live a successful life pursuing your dream of playing music. There are people that definitely do it and it is possible. It takes a lot of concentrated effort over many years but its worth it.

When asked about a strategy, I often suggest the following:

1. Actively develop multiple streams of income. All successful musicians that I know make their living through live events, record sales, mp3 downloads, licensing, recording on other people's records and if possible retreats or multi day events of some kind.

2. Say yes 90% of the time- kind of a no brainer. Take every interview you can, every shoddy non exclusive mp3 download agreement, play the shows even if its below your guarantee, sell to Europe on the cheap, and engage in social media. The music business is a business that functions in the pennies. Lots of small deals add up. There is no "big deal" generally. Its all about lots of small deals.

3. Get a label behind you. Labels have earned terrible reputations through over charging consumers and under paying artists. In the digital age, their karma is catching them. They do however serve many good purposes.

It is extremely difficult to get an album produced for less than $10,000. Funding is key. In addition to cash, labels generally have their own email lists, social media presence, and marketing that can further expand your network. Never trust your marketing to the label alone however. Nobody cares as much about you as you. Their efforts should compliment your own. If you want to go the non label route, expect a minimum of 2 full time employees to manage your contracts, website development, licensing, and world wide distribution.

4. Realize that record sales will not pay the bills alone. You must tour and *own* your live events business. Managing your own live events is something you should do because you are on site. Boots on the ground = success. It may take extra efforts at first to develop the contacts and relationships but realize the network you are building will serve you forever. Managing your own events is something no one wants to help with when you are small and something every one wants to take when you are big. Beware at both stages.

5. Develop a newsletter and be active on facebook. Send an email once or twice per month but engage personally on facebook and maybe 1 or 2 other social media outlets if you have time. Staying relevant is important to building your brand. Developing the links into your site from social media is really important. It is also a great way to get feedback and stay connected.