So, you want to be a rock and roll star, or country or hip hop, jazz, pop, or any genre of music star. Well, dreaming is fine, but no matter what they said in the secret, it isn't going to make you any money, and it sure isn't going to make you a star. You have to get off your bed and get started.
The older ways of making it big in the music business have changed more dramatically and faster in the last few years than any previous time in history. With those changes, come plenty of great opportunities. In fact, according to the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there's no 'next big thing' happening, and there's never been a better time to get your start. If you have something new and exciting, the sky's the limit. If your music fits an established genre, then there are already people who are anxious to hear it.
Before you do anything else, find your niche. For this article, we are going to discuss performing live. We will talk about getting you music out there in the virtual world at another time.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
You can even make money directly from your list. Make a t-shirt and offer it in an email at a profit. People love to wear a shirt from their favorite band, especially a new band that people don't know about. They feel like they know something special that others don't know, and they are happy to tell anyone how great you are when they ask about the shirt. It will keep those coins coming in in a number of different ways.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
Have you checked out your local colleges and small clubs? They love to 'catch a rising star,' and that could be you. Especially if your music is a little different than most, the people booking these places do so because they are music fans, and they'd love to be able to say that they had you play there back when no one knew who you were.
Be sure to scour the newspapers for audition and open microphone nights. Why not? It's another chance to play and practice your live skills. Tons of famous bands and musicians started out playing on these free nights, even if only one or two songs. Don't ignore the opportunity just because you may think it sounds cheesy.
All in all, you need to just get out there at every opportunity and play your music live. For the fans, there's nothing like hearing a band do their thing right in front of you as part of a crowd. And for you, it's great to get the immediate feedback and admiration from a live audience. Although there are ways to get your music to more people at once, there is no other way to generate the kind of impact that a live show of your music creates.
The older ways of making it big in the music business have changed more dramatically and faster in the last few years than any previous time in history. With those changes, come plenty of great opportunities. In fact, according to the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there's no 'next big thing' happening, and there's never been a better time to get your start. If you have something new and exciting, the sky's the limit. If your music fits an established genre, then there are already people who are anxious to hear it.
Before you do anything else, find your niche. For this article, we are going to discuss performing live. We will talk about getting you music out there in the virtual world at another time.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
You can even make money directly from your list. Make a t-shirt and offer it in an email at a profit. People love to wear a shirt from their favorite band, especially a new band that people don't know about. They feel like they know something special that others don't know, and they are happy to tell anyone how great you are when they ask about the shirt. It will keep those coins coming in in a number of different ways.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
Have you checked out your local colleges and small clubs? They love to 'catch a rising star,' and that could be you. Especially if your music is a little different than most, the people booking these places do so because they are music fans, and they'd love to be able to say that they had you play there back when no one knew who you were.
Be sure to scour the newspapers for audition and open microphone nights. Why not? It's another chance to play and practice your live skills. Tons of famous bands and musicians started out playing on these free nights, even if only one or two songs. Don't ignore the opportunity just because you may think it sounds cheesy.
All in all, you need to just get out there at every opportunity and play your music live. For the fans, there's nothing like hearing a band do their thing right in front of you as part of a crowd. And for you, it's great to get the immediate feedback and admiration from a live audience. Although there are ways to get your music to more people at once, there is no other way to generate the kind of impact that a live show of your music creates.
About the Author:
Make money with music! Music Marketing Center is the best resource for musicians who want to make their living with music. Promote your music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at the Music Marketing Center dot com.
