Are You Sure A Music Career Is Right For You? Three Questions To Help You Know.
Let’s Be VERY Clear…
This is not a dream killer blog post.
I’m not trying to encourage you to quit your music career and by no means, am I suggesting you can’t cut it.
But, there comes a time in everyone’s journey, when you need to get real for a moment and evaluate where you’re at. What’ s working, what’s not and most importantly, WHY are you doing this?
Is your struggle worth it? Are you willing to put in the work necessary to achieve the results you want?
In my consulting business, I come across a lot of Performing Artists who grapple with their love-hate relationship with music, so I put these questions together in hopes it might help clear the way…
Three Questions To Help You Know Whether A Music Career Is Right For You:
Is anyone picking up what you’re putting down? In other words, how are your fans engaging with your content?
If your music content and brand messaging just ain’t connecting, perhaps it’s not up to snuff. There is soooo much competition out there and frankly, mediocre just doesn’t cut it.
You’re stuff has to be excellent! Are you willing to thoughtfully and skillfully create great work?
No, I am not talking about “perfection.” I don’t believe in perfection. What I am taking about, is asking yourself, “Am I Creating A Hobby or A Career?”
Would you rather be cleaning out closets or deep cleaning your bathroom, over marketing yourself as an Artist?
Here’s the thing, as an Artist, you’re essentially a small business owner and small businesses survive when their marketing is buttoned up! After all, you might have a fantastic product, but if people can’t find you, how are you going to sell it?
If you’re NOT planning on hiring an expert than it’s crucial you educate yourself on effective marketing practices in order to position yourself as an Artist who means business!
Having a clear handle on your brand messaging and diving into the nitty gritty of your fan following, are two marketing essentials that will help you stand out as an Artist.
If creating music is just a hobby, than who cares about the fine details that support your creative business? If music is “just for fun,” you don’t need to worry about things that create growth in your career, such as awareness to analytics, conversions, planning, strategy, or promoting downloads, follows, and likes.
Continue creating music for YOU and buck the haters!
Are you in It for the Glitz, the Glamour, the Fame?
Fame is part luck and can also come through a “byproduct” of hardwork. If you’re not prepared to put in your blood, sweat and tears, all for the love of the game or to achieve excellence, you’re in the wrong business.
Music is highly rewarding, but if you want respect and have a sustainable career, you’ve got to exercise persistence and perseverance, which goes far beyond the high praise you might get from performing a few gigs.
Lastly, if you’re intentions are shallow and only focussed on the accolades you’ll receive from your talent, chances are high you may never find fulfillment in this venture.
“I did stand-up comedy for 18 years. Ten of those years were spent learning, four years were spent refining, and four years were spent in wild success. I was seeking comic originality, and fame fell on me as a byproduct. The course was more plodding than heroic.”
— Steve Martin
Where do you stand? Are you “over” the work it takes to forge your path in the music industry? It might be time to evaluate whether you’re willing to re-commit yourself to the life-long journey or ready to start a new one.
Would LOVE to hear from you. Comment below and let’s start the conversation!
My Best,
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Brianna Ruelas is a Dallas Based Strategy Consultant for Performing Artists, Singer-Songwriter and Author to Performing Artist Pathway: Navigate the Highs and Lows On Your Music Journey. As a singer and performer for thirty years, Brianna has studied internationally and performed all genres, from jazz to rock to pop, received a BA in Theatre Arts from Pepperdine University, and spent years honing her musical theatre chops. After graduating college, Brianna departed from the theatre to pursue music as a solo artist and also worked as a commercial voiceover actor. Brianna has fronted her own rock band and experienced the reality television craze in its early days, as a Top 100 finalist on American Idol, Season 4.
Brianna's expertise and background as a Singer/Songwriter, Vocal & Performance Coach and Small Business Owner, led her to mentor and consult with indie artists and bands, to help them realize successful careers in music. She is passionate about encouraging others on their journey and aligning them with the Big Picture of their Music Business! Seeking solutions is part of Brianna's DNA. Brianna is a proud Wife and Mother, Creator of the Female Performing Artist Connection & Every Mom’s Story Blog and works alongside her husband managing the operations and marketing for their Dallas family restaurant, Victor Hugo’s. Follow her on Instagram & Facebook @briannaruelasmusic |
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