The 2013 Takeover

Not So Good Things I Noticed About The Music Industry

I would consider myself a part of the music industry...loosely. I make beats but it's not the way I make a living. For those of you who are trying and haven't quite made it yet, I want to share some things I've experienced and some things to be prepared for. First, you must develop thick skin. You are going to have bad days when people say your music sucks. You are going to have days when you want to quit. If you put your heart and soul into your product and you stand behind it 100%, keep pushing. The music industry is saturated with artists, producers, and managers so you have to do whatever it takes to stand out. Don't be afraid to stick out like a sore thumb. The whole landscape of music has changed and most of the shot callers are in it for themselves. They want to make as much money off you as they possibly can so you should develop the same mentality. They don't put alot of money behind your music. Don't expect follow-up conversations. If you get a meeting with a label, company, etc, don't leave that meeting without signing some type of deal, agreement, contract, or something that guarantees some type of business transaction will happen. If you have a bonafide hot record, work it in the streets yourself. Take it to the strip clubs. Take it to the regular clubs. Most radio stations now play unsigned artists on a regular basis. Do your homework. Pass it out at music conferences. Get the point? Make the record execs seek you out. You will have more barganing power that way. Reverend Run said your network determines your net worth. That is so true in the music industry. If you are not a part of the right circle of people, you will not be presented with the same opportunities as someone one who is. Friends give work to friends. So don't expect alot from people. But be ready when opportunities arise and be prepared to create your own.

Music Conference 101

I have attended my fair share of music conferences and they can be a gold mine or a waste of time; it’s up to you. The music conference that I have attended most often in the Atlanta area is the Atlantis Music Conference. I also attended the Radio One Music Conference last year. For the most part, these conferences allow individuals who are looking to make it in the music industry an opportunity to meet and interact with those already established inthe music industry. Music conferences are based upon panels. Loosely, a panel is a group of “experts” on a specificsubject who lend their knowledge and answer questions. Panel guests have included DJ Toomp, Khao, Bangladesh,Brian Cox, Adonis, Young Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Polo Da Don, DJ Unk, and the list goes on. The Atlantis Music Conferencealso gives new artists the opportunity to perform in showcases around the city over a three day period. As an artist looking for exposure, this is the part of the conference you should want to be a part of.

I have compiled a list of things to do to maximize the time you spend attending music conferences. These are just suggestions.

1. Arrive Early, Leave Late - The more time you spend at a music conference, the more time you have to mix and mingle.
2. Network, Network, Network - Take the time to introduce yourself and meet as many people as you can. There are also lawyers,filmmakers, clothing designers, etc. that are just starting out just like yourself. No better way to start your own network.
3. Advertise – Have CDs, t-shirts, flyers, postcards, and business cards made up to represent you, your artist, or your company.
4. Perform – If the music conference offers the opportunity for you to perform, take advantage. You never know who may see you.
5. Ask Questions – The panel sessions allow you to present questions to the panel guests. Ask intelligent questions that will help further your career.These question and answer sessions are not intended for self-promotion or to ask the panelists if you can give them your demo. Be considerate of others.
6. Video – Video tape the panels if you are allowed to do so. You will be surprised how much information you miss.