Overnight = 7-10 Years

Posted by David Hooper on: 2005-09-16 17:15:40

We, the music industry, make things look really easy. That's our job. We want the public to think that somebody was just pluked out of their job at the local fried chicken place when a record executive heard her singing and two weeks later, she's on MTV, getting ready to headline an arena tour, and making millions of dollars with record sales and endorsements.

This isn't true though. Being successful in the music business takes a lot of work.

Had a lady come to me a few months ago who was in really poor financial shape. She was so broke that she was about to lose her house and she needed money badly.

I told her to get a job.

I really believe that anybody who truly wants music business success can have it, but it takes an investment of both time and money on your part. You've got to put in the phone calls, go out and meet the people, and aquire the knowledge necessary to succeed, but you've also got to back that up with the finances required to get in the studio and make a great product, buy equipment so that you can perform live, and take care of whatever other expenses that you'll have in finding new fans and staying in touch with old.

And here is a reality check for you guys... If you're not going to spend your own money, don't expect somebody else to come in and spend any of their money.

You've got to show a commitment to this business.

Which is why there really is no such thing as an overnight sensation.

Look, that 7-10 years that it's going to take for you to make things happen is time that is going to pass regardless of whether you are working or not. So why not get off your ass and make things happen?

I realize that 7-10 years may seem like a long time, but it will pass quickly when you're enjoying the process. And if you're not enjoying where you are now, don't think that you'll enjoy it any more when you "make it" because the process is never ends and nobody ever really gets to their destination like they think they will.

About The Author: David Hooper is the founder of Kathode Ray Music, an artist development organization specializing in promotion and marketing of independent musicians and bands. Visit http://WWW.GET-A-BAR-CODE.COM for more tips and hints for musicians, bands, and songwriters.