Hi,
There are a lot of aspects to the music business, but one aspect is more important than all the others combined. This week, we will discuss that aspect of the music business.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the Gorilla Newsletter.
Cheers,
John Michalak
Author of “The 5 Steps to Becoming the Biggest Band in Town”
Vice President of Gorilla Music
________________________________________
What Is the Music Business About?
By John Michalak
What is the Music business about? This might sound like a strange question, but it’s an important one. Over the years, my business partner and I have coordinated several dozen festivals, where we brought in record company’s to hear and see the groups.
Every time I met someone new from a record company or anyone that had any influence over who gets signed and who doesn’t, I always asked them what they look for when seeking new talent. Every person I asked this question to had the same answer. Some would sprinkle their answer with other elements, but for the most part, their answer would be the same.
They would tell me that they were looking for great songs! Frankly, it’s pretty obvious that labels want music that they can sell to consumers. However, if you’ve never heard that directly from someone that works for a label, then it can seem much more complex.
Think about when you go into a record store or to your iTunes account; what are you looking for? Aren’t you looking for songs that move you; songs that you love listening too? No one goes into a record store looking for a cool album cover to buy or buys a CD because the producer has a cool name. We all buy albums for the songs we like or for that one particular song on the album that we like.
This brings me to my point. What are you working on at practice? Are you spending all your time getting ready for your next show, or are you writing new songs and perfecting the ones you already have? Since the music business is really about great songs, shouldn’t most of your effort be in writing great songs?
As a band coach and band manager, I recommend that groups only play one show ever 6-8 weeks so they can continue to build a local following while they spend the rest of their time writing. The more you write, the better your songs will get and the better you’ll become at writing songs. If the music business is about great songs and you want a career in this business, then don’t you need to spend a lot of time getting real good at writing songs?
Share Your Thoughts
Let us know your thoughts on today’s issue.
Post your comments here.
Forward this email to a friend!