Making it in Music – What is your definition of successful?

What is your definition of successful? What do you need to make in your mind to be making it in music? When you state the words “I want to be a musician”, what does that entail creatively, financially, and even time wise?

When you ask the question to your self about how to make it in entertainment, you need to ask yourself what is your definition of making it? Are you also asking the question, how can I get signed? Or are you asking yourself how can I succeed as an independent musician?

Then, if you are in a band, all the more questions arise, because the expectations and definitions need to be clear with each of the members. Is this a part time thing? Are you looking for a level of success that allots you a good yearly income for a long time or are you trying to become stupid rich and die trying?

Setting standards and working backwards to getting there is a great way to plan. With a best case scenario on a solid level, what would you like to be making as well as the other bands members to be living your dreams, taking care of your responsibilities, being able to afford a good life with out the excess dreams of millions and millions? When you are able to put together the numbers that define your success, it will be easier for a music consultant, a real label, a real manager or real agent to come up with a plan that takes that in to account and the beginning steps on how to get there.

Remember, once you have tallied up the totals, taken out taxes, you still have to add all the considerations and costs for touring, recording and other budgetary aspects. Then if you are thinking of a label or some one to do a great deal of the work for you, don’t forget to add their percentage. Not going to go too deep in to it, but as a very simple overview especially when labels and many other people are involved, if you want to make 250K in a year for a band, you are going to have to bring in a million to cover all the costs, pay out the investors and take care of business.

Now as you have more control, that percentage and gross will drop and the magic number of sorts will reduce to get to the number you want.

This does not take away from the chances of major stardom, fame or fortune, but planning responsibly and having a nice overview of reality and a picture of success on a stable and realistic foundation can help you plan the right way as well as make the best choices while avoiding some gambling that can destroy any chances at all.

Reality sucks sometimes huh? But it is good for you, like vegetables!

L

Loren Weisman is an accomplished music producer, author and music consultant. He is the author of “The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business”, a book to help independent artists, musicians, bands, labels and managers achieve self sufficient and sustainable success. For more info on Loren and music consulting services, visit: http://www.lorenweisman.com/musicconsulting