What Does It Take To Succeed As An Artist In The Music Business? -The 4T's of Success
/Based on my experience as an Entertainment Lawyer in Toronto servicing clients in Canada, the United States and throughout the world, I have often been asked by my clients, my students and artists in general, what does it take to be successful in the music business as an artist?
Based on my experience, the most successful artists all have the 4Ts outlined below.
Bear in mind, the formula is simple, but applying it is not easy.
In fact, it’s often 10x harder than you think it is to succeed in the highly competitive environment of the music business.
Also, even though these principles apply generally to artists (and to other successful individuals engaged in other pursuits) no two artist’s paths to success are identical.
Talent- the first T
It seems obvious that talent is a prequisite for success. Certainly having some talent is a requirement to be an artist in the music business.
Although, in this age of AI and other digitally enhanced technology, what constitutes talent and creativity is a more flexible concept than it was in the recent past.
Certainly it doesn’t hurt if you can really sing, dance, play an instrument, write great songs and put on a compelling live performance.
You do not have to be “the best” at something and certainly not at everything. What you can’t do well, you can find help in and through you team.
As B.B. King said “You have to be good”. However, talent by itself does not guarantee success.
In fact, many of the most talented, even genius level artists, may not achieve substantial recognition or success.
Your Team
Successful artists have a great team assisting them with their creative efforts.
The team can include a personal manager, road manager, business manager, booking agent, record label, accountants, music producers, band members, backing musicians, co-writers, music publishers, choreographer, lawyer, publicist, merchandisers and more.
"A chain is only as strong as its’ weakest link”.
Timing
You can have the greatest vocal talent, songs and recordings in the world, but if your timing is off- either too early for the public to embrace your artistic endeavours, or it is too late, success will elude you.
“If you see a chance- take it”.
The opportunity window can close quickly and not return. The window of opportunity may be only 2-3 years and then it’s gone.
“You’re only young once.”
Many artist’s best work is done while they are young. When in their early 20s and even before then.
Note, there are exceptions to the statement immediately set out above, but that’s what I have witnessed.
The music business historically “eats it young”. That is, it moves on to the next artist trying to succeed, if the first artist does not reach a certain desired level of success.
Tenacity
This is the most important of all the 4 Ts. If you give up, you can't and won’t succeed.
Many artists seem to come from nowhere, but it’s often a fifteen plus year journey to achieve break through success, the so-called “overnight success story”.
Typically it takes many years of hard work to achieve success and there’s a price to pay for success. The question is whether or not you are willing to and can pay it.
If nothing else will do, then you’re in the right business and on the right career path.
Do it because you truly love and are compelled to do it.
Conclusion:
I wanted to leave you with one further question and set of thoughts:
What is the biggest mistake that artists make?
Based on my experience, not checking their assumptions and not seeking advice when they require it.
You might be surprised how many in the music business would like to share their knowledge and pass it on so that you can also succeed.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. So ask.
Disclaimer: The above article does not constitute legal advice. In any legal situation, skilled legal advice should be sought.