Understanding Things That Matter In the Music Industry

Copyrights

In simple terms: Copyrighting is a process used to protect your works from theft.

It protects intellectual property – it is the CURRENCY of the music business

More-so, it protects rights to: reproduction, copying publication, performance, public broadcast, and communication to the public, adaptation

Copyrights to Consider:

1. The Musical Composition – the composition/lyrics of a song
2. The Sound Recording – the actual sound recording of that song

Learn To Produce Your Own Music

Let’s face it, producers need a guide to start working on your song and so, you have to play, sing and create the skeleton that way you maintain your original sound and executive how you want it to sound without filters.

The days of needing big recording studios is long gone.

I have constantly given this advice from the beginning and the result is always the same. Those who learn how to produce their own music have a much higher chance at success.

Not only does it make you well versed at your craft but it makes you highly authentic with your sound.

Yes, there is a learning curve and for sure, it’s going to take some time and money but if you are serious and passionate about your music, this will be an amazing experience for you.

Gear today is accessible and affordable and you can set up shop in your closet, if needs be. Make it work for you! Your recorded music is your calling card to your artistry, so start producing now.

Have a Clear Focus on Social Media Platforms

This is a topic that rarely needs significant discussion, as everyone today is a social media pro. However, it’s important you separate personal social from business social, even though they may appear to be the same. Make sure your social media platforms are engaging fans and representing your overall brand.

Social media is a lot of work and can consume hours per day for most professional musicians. Try using tools that blast all social platforms at the same time or buffer posts throughout the day.

Having a great team player for your social media will soon become a top priority for you.

Stay the Course

There’s a saying I often use that relates to success in the music business: “If you play golf long enough in a lightning storm you will eventually get struck by lightning.”

This basically means that you must stay the course, not deviate, and have faith that eventually your hard work will pay off.

This is the same for artists that have already received success. Sooner or later, every artist must redefine their path moving forward. As in most business, every five years you should take inventory of where you are in your career and map out the next five years with your team.

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You. Music artists, including myself when I was younger, can have a slightly egotistical view of their music and persona after they receive some success.

We often think that the success we are receiving is the result of “my music,” “my hard work,” “my talent,” etc. and make unusual requests of labels and team players. There is no positive outcome here. Being a diva never results in long term success, it simply results in having a bad reputation.

Give Back and Mentor

The generation behind you needs your support and wisdom. Reach out, donate money to arts and education, teach, mentor! There is nothing more gratifying to the soul than watching a young person flourish from what you have shown them.

If you are experiencing success, donate to a cause that provides opportunity to underprivileged kids so they can experience something larger than themselves the gift of music! Well, there you have it.

I hope you soaked some of this in and can use it on your musical journey. Good luck and keep on rocking!

Israel SEBENZO® is a Singer, Songwriter and Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Executive