How to Succeed in the Music Industry Part 1

Israel Sebenzo, 21/12/2020

In the previous articles, we have paid a great deal of attention and detail on how to actually get into the music game.

We also touched on understanding aspects that matter as well as aiming for the top and actually sustaining yourself at the top.

Now, it is equally important to look at the qualities that are necessary to guarantee success in the business.

Possessing these skills is not by far enough to ensure success, but it is important to constantly work towards enhancing these qualities in order to meet the needs of the different markets.

I’ve been reiterating how talent alone is never enough since most musicians who try to succeed will fail.

As such, it is important to note that what brings success is your ability to utilize a set of skills, thought processes and values that I will be continually breaking down and clarifying on this platform.

Work Smart

Working hard is important, but the importance of working smart cannot be overemphasized. You can work a lot yes, but you must concentrate on the right things that will actually move your craft and brand forward.

Work hard on the things that will help you meet your set-out objectives and goals as a creative – This speaks to working in the most effective and productive manner as possible.

This work ethic also calls for patience and commitment in understanding that a lot of hard work goes in before returns can be realized.

To develop the right work ethic mindset, work to clearly understand your long-term music career goals and as I have indicated before, find a mentor who will help you determine the steps you must take moving forward.

Don’t Burn Your Bridges

Teamwork goes a long way in ensuring success since no artist has ever reached high levels of success alone.

Music companies, musicians, promoters, managers and other music industry personnel will all act as your business partners at one point or another in your career.

Relations will be built as you work with these different experts and as a result, loyalty will be expected from both parties, they will be expected to be loyal to you and likewise, it will be expected of you.

Loyalty in this music business context refers to not pursuing opportunities that are selectively beneficial, everyone you are working with should benefit. It is however important to be wary of being taken advantage of.

There is a balance here that you must learn as you work in the music industry. Without this balance, you will struggle to sustain your success.

Inevitably, as relations are built, there will be some fall outs. As this happens, never burn your bridges, instead look for amicable ways to come up with solutions that will maintain relations and this will take you far as you may never know who you will need tomorrow.

Create Value Outside Your Talent

Become a multi-dimensional musician by learning new skills.

There is a great deal to be benefited from learning skills such as knowing how to negotiate, book shows, building a fan base, organizing a tour, communicating effectively, strategic thinking in profit generation and many others.

As you work with different experts in different fields, make it a habit to always learn from them.

Of course, learning these skills will pay off. When you can do these things for yourself, you become capable of adding a lot of value to any situation and this will help in reducing the money spent hiring others.

As tempting as it sounds to do everything on your own, I do not advise that you tackle everything on your own as this will result in averagely done work whereas you could have enlisted expert help and achieved great things instead.

In essence, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and seek the services of others to complement where you may be lacking.\

A Positive “Everyone Wins” Mindset

Again, here the importance of teamwork is highlighted. Musicians who become the most successful are those that also find ways to create a great outcome for everyone involved.

The gratification that comes with the realization that everyone in the team is unmatched. Don’t be a selfish creative and remember, no one truly wins until we all win.

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