The Music Business Today

I have the privilege of working with a group that runs a monthly discussion forum called Innovation Nashville. This past Tuesday evening, we had Larry Pareigis and Kevin Mason from Nine North Music as guests. Among the many informative and relevant items brought up through the interview and Q&A, these are the ones that stood out to me:

Individuality

On today’s music business model: “This particular model favors those who know who they are.” – Kevin

We live in an increasingly fragmented and confusing world, yet we are relational to the core of our beings. This means that those people who are (a) fully aware and confident in who they are, what they want (and WHY!) and (b) can clearly communicate that at all times will be the winners.

Your Story

“The new rule: a song + an artist + a story.” – Larry

In the beginning of the modern era of music, it was all about songs. For most of the era however, it was about a song and a great artist. Because of what I wrote above, a great story is now a necessity as well. This doesn’t mean you have to make one up, it means you have to know and communicate yours at all times.

Likeability

“…and likeability.” – Larry

From 1991 through 1993, The Gibson/Miller Band toured like crazy to building our career through concerts and radio station visits. We never had a Top 10 hit and never had a Gold or Platinum record. Yet in 1993 we won the Academy of Country Music Award for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year. Why? People LOVED us.

Music is a Utility

“This is a precious business to us, it’s a utility to consumers.” – Larry

This was certainly the most painful quote of the evening, but it is 100% accurate.

You

Regardless of whether you want to be an artist, songwriter, touring musician, studio player or club musician, the common thread of everything above is being you which is also the common thread of this blog and my book.

The best career and life advice I have to give is that you will get exactly what you are communicating and you are never NOT communicating so you better make sure you:

• Know EXACTLY who you are, what you want and why.
• Communicate what you want in EVERYTHING you do and say. Boldly.

In other words, be you.