So you
want to make it in the music business? Well, your
going to have to be smart because you're entering an
industry where every chancer in the country is
hanging around the business trying to make a million
and usually failing. Yes, the music business is
probably the most competitive environment outside of
professional sport and acting and are all heavily
over-subscribed. Traditionally, musicians have had to
live the "starving artist" lifestyle either
on the dole or doing low paid menial work whilst
waiting for their big break.
The
'Popstars' band Hear'say may all be talented singers
and performers but, not to take anything away from
them, I'm sure they'd agree there are hundreds if not
thousands of equally able artists slapping up and
down the country playing clubs every night of the
week who'll never get a shot at stardom. Trouble is,
for most people the "big break" never
comes, as it's a case of being in the right place at
the right time. "Lady Luck" has to be
shining down on you. When you hit 30 you may have
invested ten years or more of your life into a
project that just never went anywhere. The music
business can be vicious like that.
Anyone
who has a flair for the guitar and decides to embark
on a career of playing naturally aspires to be
someone who sells millions of records and tours the
world, like Mark Knopfler or Eric Clapton. We'd all
like to be household names. The reality, of course,
is that very few achieve that level of success. Apart
from being an outstanding player, many factors come
into the equation, not least of which is luck and
being in the right place at the right time is often
the bottom line.
For
most of us, earning a living from our instruments is
a hard road to ride. The main factor is to keep all
options open, don't be precious about your music and
always keep a professional attitude. There are
several ways to generate money as a guitarist which
you could consider.
The
most straight forward way is performing, getting paid
to play your music to an audience. It's often the
most satisfying way too, especially if you're doing
your own thing, either solo, or in your own band.
When all else is falling apart around you, there's
usually some place to play, even if it means busking,
which around here means playing in a public place
where players come and stand in the street with their
guitar cases open for people to throw money in.
The
other form of performing involves hiring yourself out
as a freelance or session guitarist for other bands,
although juggling dates can be difficult. Times have
changed and technology has done a lot of musicians
out of this kind of work, but guitars (especially
acoustic) still can't be synthesized, yet.
There
are a couple sub-categories here, namely commercials
(TV or radio) and album tracks and both require a
certain kind of player. You must be able to cover a
few different styles to do well, especially in the
jingle world. Reading helps, but isn't essential, but
you must be very professional and able to follow
directions. Often the producer will ask you to play
something you think stinks or doesn't fit. A polite
suggestion of an alternative is OK, but don't insist.
You may not be aware of what's going to be overdubbed
later on, or what the singer's part is. Punctuality
and good equipment is a must. Guitars with poor
intonation or amps that buzz are not appreciated when
the clock's ticking.
Finally,
if you get to the point where you know more about
playing than most, you can become a teacher. Not the
most lucrative way of earning a living, but one that
will allow you to lead a more normal life, you know,
get to bed earlier, that sort of thing. If you're
practically minded, you could do quite well as a
repairer.
The
most important element in all the above is to
maintain a professional attitude. Musicians are often
seen as vague, lazy, stoned, unreliable, and probably
alcoholic. You'll often be treated like someone who
doesn't really care about money, who just wants to
get out there and play music. To counter this
perception, you almost have to be overly
accommodating. I don't mean grovel, but be straight,
punctual, civil, reliable. Make sure the money is
talked about and settled early in the piece. Get it
on paper.
Get
qualified on your instrument or voice. Learn to read
music and join a function band to make money. It's
not cool, but it's hipper than working in McDonalds!!
The work's out there but you've got to make it
happen, it won't come to you.
Don't
rest on your laurels. While your band's in the pub
talking about becoming famous, other musicians are
going to be working on their writing, their chops,
earning money gigging and making contacts. Many
musicians practise eight to ten hours a day. Take
advice and if you want to have a career, spend some
time with people who do it for real. Make a plan and,
with their help, it should have realistic attainable
goals. Then, just keep your fingers crossed because
being a starving musician isn't romantic, it's just
downright unpleasant.
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