For your Musical Information – Music Is A Business
Submitted by Riccola “The Phat Cat”

Music is a business and you should approach it as just that, a business. If this is what you plan on doing to make a living, then 110% is required to make it successful – just think of it as being in business for yourself.  You are marketing yourself; plan and simple. You are the product.

Creating an image is important.  Staying focused and keeping your music on track is also very important.  You don’t just want to jump out there to the public without putting your best foot forward. 

As a musician you must find the time to balance your music and business because you are the main origin of the business.  You must find the time to improve your crate: as well learning to be business savvy.  You must understand how the business side of music

Works and applies to you as an artist.

There are three essential elements in the music business that are needed to sell records successfully:

  1. Money – Like they say it takes money to make money; and simply put it takes    money to develop and promote music.
     
  1. Artist Development – Its all about image – finding and developing a lasting image is very important to any artist because this is how people will remember you. You should try to develop a good, honest image instead of one that may cause a negative feedback.
     
  1. Marketing – I know that most artists believe that the only opportunities or the best opportunities to generate sales and to gain exposure; is through commercial means only. Well let me break you into the world of technology. The use of internet and satellite radio; along with ezines have cause an overload of exposure for artists.  Because technology gives your music a wider range and reaches audiences across the country and overseas; greater sales and listenership means a great future for up and coming artists.

Bottom line is when you present yourself to promoters, media, radio stations; as well as; record labels they want to know what you can bring to the table.  They all want to know why they should invest their time and money in you; well when you know your business, then all questions can be easily answered.

The hardest thing about the music business is not performing or crating your skill; but understanding all aspects of the business. So always try to stay ahead of the game by handling your own business.