I would like to give some free advice to anyone who is considering working in the music industry.

Whether you’re an artist, manager, producer, promoter, DJ, or whatever title you may want to carry…. you will NOT, I repeat, NOT be successful if you are unprofessional. Point blank. You might be able to swindle your way through several dealings with your behavior, but eventually people will catch on, and realize that you are not worth their time.

Here are a couple tips:
If you are an artist, and you want to work with others, whether it is a collaboration, or an event, be diligent and make it happen. Too much talk becomes tiresome, and your credibility will be questioned. Work with them and complete the project in a decent time-frame, otherwise it looks like you’re sleeping on the job. If something hinders you from completing your portion of the project, let them know what time-frame they can expect it in. This shows that you are still interested, and serious about the project.

If you’re a promoter, make sure you do a good job of promoting the artists and event you are promoting! This means create an impressive promotional campaign, starting with some attractive flyers – (no bootleg, “I have Photoshop, but I’m not a graphic designer” type stuff)… make sure it looks professional, otherwise no one will take it seriously, and you may attract the wrong crowd. This also means, do more than just send out some facebook invites. Anyone can do that. Even if you have 5000 friends, who cares? Do some real work and get some radio ads out, send out press releases to the media, and post flyers/posters in predominate target areas etc.

REALLY IMPORTANT: If you say you will pay an artist for a show, PAY THEM! This is why I make people sign contracts BEFORE committing to a show. A verbal agreement or email exchange isn’t enough anymore. Do not work with anyone who refuses to sign a contract. A contract should be beneficial to all parties. It ensures that the performers receives compensation for their services, and ensures the promoter that they have an act for their event.

These are just a couple of tips to take into account. Of course there are the obvious tips: be diplomatic, be respectful and polite with everyone you meet. You never know who they are, and what connections they may have, and you don’t want to burn bridges before you even know who they are. At the end of the day, treat each other with respect. Music is an art, but there is also the business aspect to it, and if you don’t take care of that portion in a professional manner, then you might as well consider what you are doing a hobby.