This business of music is wacky, infuriating, sordid, and fantastic. There are no rules, so it makes for a real roller coaster ride, when you are involved in it.
Dear Nadine,
I am signed to a production deal with a big name, platinum selling producer. Members of Ben Harper, Pearl Jam, Smashmouth and Cake are fans of my music. KCRW (Santa Monica) has taken an interest. Nevertheless, I am miserable.
There is nothing to pay the electric bill or the rent. I have not written a song in months. Read your article in Guitar Player and thought I would vent. I do not understand this business of music.
Fed Up in L.A.
Dear Fed Up,
This business of music is wacky, infuriating, sordid, and fantastic. There are no rules, so it makes for a real roller coaster ride, when you are involved in it. It is also, what makes it so attractive, since there is no singular “right” way to get a club show, obtain a record deal, sell records, acquire radio airplay, or tour. Each artist is unique in his or her approach to the industry.
First off, do not let others define success for you. No one will ever be as married to your success as you. If you wait for the business to come to you, you will be waiting a long time. You are the one to make things happen for you, not your production company. Are you selling records, mp3s? Do you have a website? Are you playing live? Is there a vibe of “happening” around you? Are you developing a career story that will cause people to pay attention to you?
Secondly, a production deal is meaningless unless you get a “perceived” hit song(s) out of it. If you have a perceived hit song(s), your production company can negotiate with another artist, a label or a publishing company. Then you may, or may not, receive some money. It depends on the parameters of your production deal. As you are now aware, production deals are not always the dream ticket you might have imagined.
What is not meaningless in all this is your desire to create and make music to the best of your ability. You, as the artist, must to find the most effective way of presenting your talent. Everyone gets a creative block now and again, but greatness comes to those that continue to write, play and perform during those dry spells.
It sounds like you are on a great path, so consider taking a breather to reassess things. Maybe you need to find a new direction, maybe some new players, a new situation, or a new collaborator. Quit beating yourself up about what is not happening and concentrate on what is happening. Maybe you need a part-time job for a while until things break down the line. The music business is infuriatingly slow and I would hate to see that sabotage your promising career.
Stay the course my friend. We have all been there, including everyone you hear on the radio or see on MTV today. No one escapes these frustrations. However, the more you are pro-active with your career, the better you will be able to handle these maddening, but predictable down times.
Nadine Condon
The Godmother of Rock
Do you have a question for Nadine, the Godmother of Rock? Email her directly at bmi@nadinecondon.com and your question may be used in this column!
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