Just say NO!

In the music industry, it doesn’t matter who your audience is, old, single, married, young, broke, etc. There are moments in your career where you need to say no. Can you sing on this track? NO. Can you play at my club? NO. Can you…? NO.

However, this is not to just be a jerk and act like you’re bigger than you really are. I’m speaking to people who have done their time singing at the birthdays, the dive bars, the talent shows and have good practice on stage presence and performance. This is for the musician who is building a brand. For the newly seasoned musician, it’s time to start building your image in the public eye. Cause remember, once you start accepting the scraps that you’re giving, then that’s what people will believe you’re worth. So, when you’re trying to develop who you are as an artist, ask yourself two simple starter questions.

What does my music sound like?

I mean, this may seem like too simple of a question, but it’s seriously one of the best to ask. I remember a friend of mine, who’s very successful in the industry now as an A&R, tells me all the time, “It starts with the music”. So, close your eyes, listen to one of your finished songs, and develop an image of the creator in your mind. How does that person talk? What does that person personify? What is he/she wearing? …No, not like that. This is not supposed to turn you on. I tell you, some of you vain people. You look in the mirror and start getting all hot…. Anyway…

The image is very important, but it needs to be in line with what you sound like, even if you create a variety of music. Wear that music in your walk, your talk, your words, your clothes, your everything. That music is supposed to be you. Think about every time you hear a voice before you see a person. Then how jarring it is when that person doesn’t match that voice. Then think about how relieved when the person does match the voice. It all starts with music, the marketing, the look, the presentation, etc.

Does this fit my standard?

Ok, as musicians, yea, we all get those opportunities to play. And if you haven’t learned by now, all venues are not created equal. I have literally played at places where there are man-sized holes in the floor. If someone fell through, I’m not sure who would’ve gotten sued. Also, the sound is an issue too. I’ve played at places where the PA system would die, with only three microphones running through it. Talk about a set-killer.

After you’ve listened to your music, develop your standards with your audience in mind. Realize that you, as an artist, need to perpetuate a standard. Have something in your production or presentation that is steady. Make that something about the quality, the quirkiness, the whatever, but make sure your standard is set. However, also ensure that your standard is realistic and fair to venue owners. You need their support as much as you need the fans. And if you have to compromise that fair standard, then… JUST SAY NO!