“The first in a series of useful tips and advice to help bands with the business end of being successful by the author of “1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music Industry.”
Giving wannabe stars advice on how to crack the scene is a tough job. Mainly because it appears that there really are NO rules when it comes to what makes a song a hit. So we’re just not going to go there. No instead, we are going to talk about another thought… How to get ahead in the music business by taking care of Business!To most artists business is a four letter word, and not one they like to use.
This is a regrettable attitude because, by adopting it, artists empower those who would seek to exploit them by buying into a myth that was created in order to rip them off. Yes, you heard me. It’s rubbish. If you wanted to play for Bafana Bafana you would know the offside rule, what is a foul, how to deal with your captain, your coach and the other players. Because that is what you need to do to be a pro. It’s amazing how in the arts, this attitude is completely absent.
See, the truth is that, in the music business, money is made because people do business. Now business people, they are always looking for a good deal. Remember buying your first second hand car? Exactly! If you are ignorant, you’re going to get ripped off. Period.So, first piece of advice for how to get ahead in the music business is: accept that it is a business. Rule number two, is learn the rules! The industry is governed by laws, rules and contracts which dictate the flow of money and the parties involved in it. You need to know who these players are, where they stand in the food chain, what is a good deal and what is not. Flinging up your arms and declaring you are an artist and someone else must take care of it will result in one thing and one thing only: you throwing your arms up in the air later and wailing that you have been ripped off and stolen from.
Objecting to the fact that the music industry is a business environment is a bit like complaining that the sun came up. It is how it is. Deal with it. And if you refuse, then stop your whining! Firstly it won’t change anything and secondly, you made your choice not to play by the existing rules! Get acquainted with the existing structures. There is not enough space here to go into detail, but use them and they WILL help youThe best advice is for you to get reading. There is a great international book called “All You Need To Know About The Music Industry” by a guy called Donald Passman. It’s big and red, and very useful. But it’s also very international. Also available for SA conditions are “The South African Music Business” by Jonathan Shaw – a university-level text book on everything about the music biz. Check out Nick Matzukis’ very helpful book on SA entertainment and contract law as well as of course my book, “1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music Industry.” Once you have read all of these books, you will have a far greater understanding on how this jigsaw puzzle fits together.
Then you need to take the 3rd important step: Put a plan of action together. Ja, I know, also not very rock and roll. Truth is though I have always seen the hardworking, focused and business-like band succeed over the very talented, clueless and unfocused band. Discuss your ambitions and break them down into concrete steps that you can start taking the very next day and you’ll be amazed at what happens. I know it’s not cool to admit that you are a hugely ambitious and hard working dude that is moving heaven and earth to become successful. But you must be, even as you develop a look that says the opposite!
Author Blurb
David Chislett
Step By Step Guide To The SA Music Industry
David Chislett has been in the SA music industry for 25 years. Bassist, journalist, manager, publicist, film maker, author and consultant, he has gotten his hands dirty. His book 1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music Industry is an easy to understand, no holds barred self-help book for anyone wanting to do better in the business. It is available from Exclusive Books, Look & Listen stores and all good independent shops.
He also hosts workshops and private consultations to help artists get ahead.
Photo: Jacqui Van Staden
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