Being creative is easy. Being a creative in the music industry however…not so much. Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, producer, or instrumentalist, getting your music into the world requires work. The good thing is that VivaBeat is here to help take the guesswork out. So how DO you get started in an industry that is constantly evolving?
In this article, I’ll help guide you through the steps you can take to get started on your journey. Before we jump into the nitty gritty however, here are key considerations to keep in mind as you go through your creative journey.
BE OPEN TO LEARNING
Being open to learning is the only way to grow as creatives. The fact that you are reading this article tells me you are already open to this but hey..maybe you need the extra reminder. Knowledge is the best tool in this industry so don’t be timid when it comes to allowing yourself time to exercise your mind. Attend workshops, collaborate with other musicians, refine your singing, or songwriting abilities. Consider this an investment. Your future self will thank you for it.
BE OPEN TO FAILING
"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” —Dale Carnegie
The biggest truth to where self-doubt comes from is the fact that we’re simply afraid to fail. Being open to failing is a fundamental mindset that can lead to personal growth, tougher skin, and success. Just as important as being open to failing is the ability to handle rejection. You also can’t find out what works and what doesn’t if you don’t test the waters. Waiting for the “perfect” opportunity only creates less opportunity in the end.
DON’T WAIT
Oftentimes, it’s easy to get lost in the hundreds of questions that race through our brains because of uncertainty or maybe even doubt, but the answer is simply to just start. Start where you’re at. Don’t wait until you have everything you think you need such as all the best equipment, the perfect chops, or the perfect workspace. All those things will come in time but the more we pre-occupy ourselves with over-analyzing our every move or ruminating in self-doubt, the less time you have to focus on the right things. Most importantly, precious time would be wasted on being the creatives that you were meant to be. So make your art! It deserves to be heard.
Now that we’ve gone over what to keep in mind as creatives - let’s get started on the actual steps you can take to be successful.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamental concepts of your craft. Whether it be audio engineering, producing, playing an instrument, songwriting, or singing, any and all of these skills are beneficial as a creative. Online courses and tutorials can be valuable resources for building a strong foundation.
Step 2: Invest in Quality Gear
While you don't need the most expensive equipment to begin, investing in decent audio or musical equipment is essential. For example, a good pair of headphones, a reliable microphone, and digital audio workstation (DAW) software are must-haves for producing your own music. If you'd like a free step-by-step guide with personalized gear recommendations on any budget, check out the Free Resources section of the blog.
Step 3: Learn Your DAW Inside Out
Choose a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that suits your preferences and workflow. Whether it's Pro Tools, Ableton Live, or another software, mastering its features will significantly enhance your efficiency as a creative. Being able to record yourself will give you a leg up in the music industry. Just in case you are curious, Logic Pro X is the DAW of choice here in the VivaBeat studio.
Step 4: Practice Regularly
Like any skill, audio engineering, producing, recording, singing or songwriting all improve with practice. Set aside time each day or week to practice your craft. Keep in mind that it is perfectly normal and okay to make lackluster recordings, struggle to reach a note while singing, or write bad songs. It’s all part of the process, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you struggle at first. We all take time to grow!
Step 5: Learn, Learn, Learn
The music industry is dynamic, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. Stay updated by reading industry blogs, attending workshops, and participating in online forums. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant.
Step 6: Build a Portfolio
Document your work by creating a portfolio showcasing your best projects. For example, if you're trying to grow as a producer, include a variety of genres and styles to demonstrate your versatility. If you're a singer/songwriter, keep some recorded demos on hand. A strong portfolio is your calling card when seeking opportunities in the industry.
Step 7: Protect Your Work
As a creative, it's essential to understand copyright laws. Ensure your music is protected by registering it with relevant authorities. Consider consulting with legal professionals to safeguard your intellectual property. If you need a breakdown on how to copyright your work, feel free to check out this blog post laying out the steps you can take.
Step 8: Collaborate and Learn
Collaborating with other musicians can broaden your musical horizons. Be open to working with vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers. Learning from others can provide fresh perspectives and help you grow as an artist.
Step 9: Embrace Feedback
Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and even your audience. Use it to refine your work and evolve as an artist.
Step 10: Stay Persistent and Patient
The music industry can be tough, and success doesn't happen overnight. The good news though, is that this is the best time to be in the music business. It is easier than ever to release music and get your art in front of people. Stay persistent, be patient, and keep creating. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
CONCLUSION
Being a creative in the music industry can be challenging, especially when it is constantly evolving. Your art, however, is timeless. Don’t wait. This is where VivaBeat comes in. We are here to help you through your journey. For more information and tools that you need to make the art you want to make, look no further than the VivaBeat blog. I already have a couple of free resources to help take the guesswork out of making music from wherever you happen to be on your journey.
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time - have fun creating!
