It’s hard to predict the future, but we can make some educated guesses. In this blog post, we will discuss what musicians need to do in order to be successful in 2023. There are many changes happening in the music industry, and if you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to be prepared for them. Keep reading for our list of 7 requirements for music success in 2023!
1. It’s Not All About You
We musicians are typically seen as an egotistical bunch. It doesn’t help that there is always going to be someone who goes full “diva mode” and expects everyone to bend over backward for them. Heck, I’ve encountered those people who put off their problems to the venue and booking manager. What do you think that did for the musician?
We all have issues that come up. Maybe your vehicle breaks down on the way to a gig. Maybe you need some work done on your guitar because the input jack is failing. Whatever the problem is, it is YOUR problem. The moment you pass the problem off to someone else such as a booking manager, you throw extra stress on them. I’m not saying you can’t avoid certain problems such as a broken down vehicle, but you can avoid throwing your problem onto someone else unnecessarily. A booking manager at a venue has more artists they are dealing with on top of anything else they are required to handle for the job. You acting like a whining diva expecting them to handle the problem doesn’t go well unless you’re somebody big like Van Halen.
If you haven’t heard the story, well the rock band Van Halen had a very oddly specific request on their concert rider: a bowl of M&M candies but with all the brown ones taken out. The rider went as far as to say there could be no brown M&Ms in the entire backstage area, or the concert promoter would forfeit the entire show at full price. This may seem like a crazy request, but it was meant to ensure that the promoters paid proper attention to the other requests of the rider. If they were willing to go far enough to handle the M&Ms, then they should easily take care of the other requests.
But that is regarding the rider that would be sent to the venue early. That’s not a case where the band showed up and said they wanted a bowl of only brown M&Ms or they won’t go on. Now I doubt anyone reading this will go that route, but it’s really no different than calling a venue the day of a gig and demanding they upgrade their lights or PA system.
Remember that it is your problem first and unless absolutely necessary do not make it the other person’s problem as well.
2. You Can’t Do This Alone
Making it as a musician takes more than just talent; it takes hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. But even the most gifted artist will find it difficult to succeed without the support of others. A good team of collaborators can help to expand your creative horizons, push you to reach your potential, and promote your work to a wider audience. By working with other musicians, you can develop a sound that is unique to you and create something truly special. By recruiting a dedicated manager you can take a load off your shoulders so you can spend more time on writing and performing. Instead of trying to record and produce your music, hire a studio. If you’re serious about making it as a musician, don’t go it alone; enlist the help of others, and let them help you take your music to the next level.
3. Keep Learning & Growing
As a musician, you should always be learning and growing. You can never know everything, and there is always room for improvement. One of the best ways to succeed as a musician is to learn new skills. This could mean taking lessons, learning new instruments, or studying different genres of music. By expanding your skillset, you will become a more well-rounded musician and be able to better meet the needs of your audience. Additionally, growing as a musician will help you to stay motivated and excited about your craft.
Now I know Tip #2 said you can’t do this all alone and to hire other people. But that may not be an option for you due to budget or other factors. This is why it is also important to learn non-music skills as well. Even if you can hire someone to handle something, you don’t know if you will be able to always rely on them. So take time to learn about business finance, studio production, graphic design, and more so that you expand your skills beyond just the music itself.
4. Be Fair and Honor Your Commitments
You will inevitably be asked to play for various events and occasions. It is important to be professional and courteous when accepting or declining these invitations. If you commit to playing a gig, make sure you honor that commitment. This means showing up on time, being prepared, and giving your best performance. Remember, your reputation as a musician is on the line every time you play.
Similarly, if you are selling merchandise or CDs, be fair in your pricing and honest about the condition of the items. Remember that your customers are trusting you to give them a good product for a fair price, so don’t take advantage of their trust.
Similarly, if you are involved in any of the business aspects (e.g., booking shows, selling merch, etc.), it is important to be fair and honest in all your dealings. This includes being transparent about prices, maintaining good communication with clients, and honoring all contracts and agreements. For example, maybe you booked a gig for $2000 on a specific date, and a week before the gig, you get a better offer for the same date. While it might sound better to go with the higher-paying gig, you are ultimately hurting your relationship with the venue that booked you first. Again, your reputation is at stake, so it is essential to conduct yourself professionally. By honoring your commitments and being fair in business, you will foster goodwill among those you work with and establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy musician.
5. Keep Your Equipment Up To Industry Standards
Professional musicians need to have high-quality equipment that meets industry standards in order to be successful. This means having instruments that are in good condition and sound great. That doesn’t mean the guitar has to cost several thousand dollars, but also means it shouldn’t be a thrift-store special. You will also need other equipment such as having the right amplifiers, speakers, and other support equipment. Your equipment should be well-maintained and regularly serviced. This will help to ensure that it sounds its best and lasts for years to come. While it can be tempting to cut corners and save money by using cheaper gear, this will ultimately hurt your career. First of all, subpar equipment will make it harder for you to produce great music. Secondly, other people in the industry will take notice if you’re using lower-end gear and it could damage your reputation. In order to be taken seriously as a professional musician, it’s important to have quality equipment that meets industry standards. With the right gear, you’ll be able to create great music and build a solid reputation in the industry.
6. It’s Not Them, It’s You
When it comes to playing music professionally, there are a lot of factors that are out of your control. Venues can close down, audiences can be unresponsive, and promoters can lose interest. However, if you find yourself repeatedly not being booked by a certain venue or getting negative feedback from audiences, it’s important to take a step back and examine your own behavior. Are you showing up on time for your gig? Are you respectful of the venue staff and other musicians? Are you engaging with the audience and making an effort to connect with them? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it’s likely that your actions are at least partially to blame for the lack of bookings or poor reception. Of course, you can’t please everyone all the time, but by taking responsibility for your own actions, you increase the chances of having a successful music career.
7. Your Professional Appearance Matters
As a musician, your professional appearance matters. First impressions are everything, and you want to make sure you look your best when meeting potential new fans, promoters, and venue owners. A neat and clean appearance conveys competence and professionalism, two essential qualities for any musician. Additionally, dressing the part can help you get into the right mindset for performing. Whether you are playing in a symphony or jazz band, or performing as a solo artist, you need to look the part. Finally, be sure to practice good hygiene and grooming habits. Nothing will throw off a venue manager, promoter, or even members of an audience if you smell like a toilet. By taking care of your appearance, you’ll project an image of professionalism that will help you attract new fans and further your career as a musician.