It’s hard being a musician and doing the business at the same time. It’s a crazy thing to have to keep up with! I get involved with many different businesses and non-profits as a producer and consultant to keep myself active in the community and also keep me busy during the lulls. But that’s just the way it is in this industry. There’s a small lottery of individuals that have the successful record deals, and the rest of us have to learn how to remind our fans that we need to sell records to pay our bills! Even those guys with the record deals have to remind fans to buy the record.
I met Rick Barker recently and started following him and have been learning a lot going to his workshops. The guy basically launched Taylor Swift’s career. It’s amazing to be around someone who’s been so successful. The validations of the time and efforts we put into what we do as artists, as well as the ever flowing ideas that he’s able to spin up about the “how” to this music business are crazy, honest, and awe inspiring.
The industry of today’s music is one that couldn’t have existed 50 years ago. That’s not to say it’s better or worse, but it’s definitely empowering for the entrepreneurial of mind. I guess the old adage “I wish I was alive then” still applies for me, but I’m glad there’s a different way to make money at a career in music today. It’s nice to know.
Thanks Rick. Now to write the new business plan. Goal A: Sell more records.
