This one is a list -I stopped at 20!
So, what does it take to be a working musician in 2017?
1. Something to offer (this would generally be your music)
2. The drive to learn how to record awesome sounding demos at home [studio time gets pricey].
3. A drive to learn how to make music videos [for YouTube or Vimeo].
4. A SCHEDULE! Scheduling is crucial in the world of Social Media. Your fans need to know when to expect something -otherwise, they lose interest.
5. A drive to learn how to do marketing. <--- This one sucks.
6. A drive to find the balance of what and how often to post on each form of social media.
7. A knack for sales -figuring out how to land a gig AND get paid! <--- This one also sucks.
8. Money management [for your band and for yourself]
9. A business sense -if your band is "serious" but still hasn't registered itself as a company, is your band actually serious?
11. How to purchase a domain for your website.
10. A drive to learn how to build and maintain a website.
11. Keeping up with various digital music aggregators -when it comes time to release your album and put it on iTunes, which sites are going to take the least amount out of your pocket?
12. How to navigate labels. Seriously, what can a label offer somebody in 2017? Publicity... maybe... but how much do they pay out? Read the fine print.
13. How to read contracts. Again, if you sign something... how much do they pay out? Read the fine print!
14. How to find/hire a music attorney (if necessary)
15. How to copyright your original songs.
16. Getting a basic grasp on copyright law -in general.
17. The basics of graphic design.
18. Having access to a solid photographer -or taking the time to learn how to take passable band photos.
19. How to create a press kit.
20. How to do an interview.
Am I missing anything? Let me know in the comments below -I might even amend the actual post w/ your name next to your contribution!
Until next time,
-T.