The Music Business – Do More Than Make Beats
The secrets of success are known by a select few. There is more to music than just making beats or producing music. If you are serious about creating rap music, you should also learn the music business. Learn the ropes, make connections. Learn the complete business cycle from A&R and duplication to promotion and distribution as you bring your music to market. Target your music, see what the fans are listening to. After all, its the sound on the street that ultimately decides. Producers, Major and Indie Label A&R may be too far from the street to hear whats popping. The trend may be past by the time it gets to their ears. The streets often dictate what is heard in the clubs and what is heard on the radio.You should build a website and ask fans what they like. They will give you truthful answers and speak from their hearts. Getting objective, detailed feedback is priceless. What does this have to do with making beats? Well, most artists want to share their music and be heard but its not easy getting radio airplay. Fortunately, there are numerous places to post your music on the Internet. iTunes and Broadjam to name a few. With iTunes obviously being the largest. Fans are not hesitant or reluctant to buy from these sites. You may also get points for having your songs listed and get known for producing rap music. You can then use your account to direct fans to your website. This is a good way to build a fan list.If you wish to succeed in the music industry as an independent artist, you must become your own Personal Manager. You must represent yourself and oversee all aspects of your career. You must become a Booking Agent to find performance engagements. You must possess good communication skills to sell your talent and develop contacts in the music industry. You must develop contacts at radio stations. You will be speaking to program directors, and DJs in a local market. You must be available to socialize frequently to help improve the chances that a radio station will add your song to its play list. You must also be aware of the legal side of creating and marketing music. You should have a good understanding of copyright laws. Also, don’t forget accounting. You have to know where the money is coming from and where it is going.Anyone considering a career in music should examine alternatives to the traditional means of distributing and marketing music. They should also explore scenarios and uncover opportunities that the new digital reality offers. Whether you’re on the road, or just getting ready to cut your first record, you should be armed with as much ammunition as possible. You definitely need to understand the business and legal elements of the music industry. The music business is often a mystery to most bands and more than making beats.