Five Hard Lessons of the Music Industry...

Over two decades ago, the music industry had the association of sex, drugs, and rock & roll.  Even now it seems like every time you turn on the news, someone has died of an overdose.  With this reputation in place, it may make people wonder why anyone would want to immerse him or herself in this industry.  I believe it does take a strong personality to avoid the negative aspects of the industry, but even negativity couldn’t detour me from my dream.

In music producer, Butch Walker’s newest book Drinking with Strangers: Music Lessons from a Teenage Bullet Belt; Walker shares five lessons he happened to learn the hard way within the music industry:

1.              Do not believe that the first record deal you get is also the last deal

2.              Do not put the tattoo of anyone on your body (only if the person is

            dead)

3.              Be cautious of publishing deals

4.              Drink one glass of water every time you have some alcoholic beverage

5.              Recognize that on many occasions, it is all about favors and not

really about the song.

I’m sure there are many more lessons to be mindful of within the industry.  Walker takes a comical approach with sharing his hard lessons.  Number two and number four lessons would probably make more sense after reading the book.  However, one, three, and five seem like some pretty sound advice.

I’m so focused on getting that one record deal that it never occurred to me that there is always opportunity for more.  Something better than the previous deal could come along.  However, with this tip, does that mean you shouldn’t take the first deal you encounter?

The last few classes I have taken while working towards my Master’s Degree with Full Sail University had been very adamant of contracts and making sure you’re aware of all them terms and deals.  Publishing terms/contracts, are no different.

The last lesson reminds me that it is about you know in order to get ahead in this industry.  The talent may get you noticed but if you’re not associated with the right people, that dream can be halted.

http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/11/5-music-industry-lessons-musician-producer-butch-walker-learned-the-hard-way.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2FDqMf+%28hypebot%29