Success Beyond The Score

I meet musicians who have gone into a recording studio, made music, got it onto CD, mp3, etc. Then they find no one is buying their music. Why does this happen? Well, there are three things they might have missed. I’ll explain what they are in this episode.

What is the benefit of video recording your Gig?

"Noooo!" I hear you say, because you can’t bear to see the way you look or sound. In this episode, I will give you benefits and tips for videoing your gigs.

I love performing music, so does it matter whether I call it a hobby or business? Can I get paid if it is a hobby? Can I grow my music if it is a hobby? What is the benefit of having a music business and how do I set it up? I will be exploring the differences and benefits of both options, also whether you can get paid if it is a hobby, or a business.

A major topic! One that many musicians struggle with. Should musicians perform for free? Is it a contradiction to who what we do and who we are? Are there times when playing for free is ok? Should we be paid for all performances? How do you say 'no'?

As mentioned in Episode 1 of this season, I firmly believe every musician should be paid their worth, however, this is not this not the case for everyone. Some musicians do not charge, some are not sure what to charge and others struggle to get paid for their music. If you are struggling with deciding whether to charge or not for your music then I have 3 reason which I hope will help you to make your mind up.

Perhaps this topic sounds like night and day to you, never the twain shall meet. As a musician, you prefer to focus on your creativity, making music, and not all the other stuff which you are told is important to get anywhere. In this episode I will explain what a business plan is and give you five reasons why having one will help you to achieve your goals.

Should musicians consider learning the basics of sound engineering and have their own PA system? In my experience sound issues get in the way of our playing.   You put in a lot of time practising. You learn the notes, you learn the chords, you learn the rhythm and so on, but when it is time to deliver the PA set up lets you do.  In this episode I explore the pros and cons of musicians taking control of their sound.

Whether you prefer the word ‘fan base’ or ‘followers’ it is important to find the people who love what you do and will come to your shows. There are many benefits for having a fan base. Millicent explains the benefits for your music in this episode.

Episode 3 of Season 3 of Success Beyond The Score podcast.

Freebies:
’25 secrets of the gigging musician’ & ‘how to get paid in advance’

or

'Ten Reasons Why They Will Pay You Before Gig Day'

from

https://www.successbeyondthescore.com/freegifts

The 7 Stages of a gigging musician, according to Millicent Stephenson. I believe that
• Every musician (singer, instrumentalist, rapper, singer-songwriter, etc) should be paid their worth
• Every musician should apply business principles to their music for it to grow to the level they want it to
• Every musician (irrespective of age) can have their own fanbase because the world is big enough.

But it is not the case for everyone, it may not be the case for you. Perhaps you feel stuck; you've tried but can't move forward, maybe you're thinking of giving up. Perhaps you are just getting started but you are unclear about what you need to do next, the stages of your music business.

In this episode I present the 7 stages of the gigging musician, to help you consider where you are and where to go next. These stages are based on my music journey and observations of gigging musicians.

I’m so thrilled to have interviewed 6 exceptional west midlands musicians. They work full time in the industry and are making waves where they are. Today I’m going to share the absolute best takeaways from my Guest list. That’s not to say that everything else in their interview was not important, in fact there was good stuff from beginning to end but these things really stood out for me. Somethings I learnt, somethings were re-enforced.

0:00 Introduction

2:46 About Tony Bean and what caught my attention.

3:40 Lesson: You don’t know where you will end up but you know where you are starting. Networking is key, treat everybody right. Be yourself. Help others when you can.

9:56 About Louise Dengate and what made sense to me.

10:35 Lesson: Dealing with my headspace, my stage nerves, imposter syndrome. Projecting my critical thoughts and dealing with my mental space to be successful on stage.

15:30 About Abigail and what resonated

16:15 Lesson: Backstage and front stage are very different. Balancing life’s challenges and delivering the perceived glamour of our work.

19:10 Memorising music.

22:47 About Anna Brooks and needs must

23:57 Lesson: Multi-tasking and balancing childcare and music. Other ways to work in music. Getting another job outside of music temporarily.

30:30 Anti-sociable working hours and the needs of our family. Planning family time. Time for yourself.

35:09 About Dan Whitehouse and what you have to do

35:41 Lesson – developing my inner artiste helps to clear your mind and get in touch with your music. Why I gave up journaling and how I got back into it. The reasons for journaling and engaging with the page.

39:35 About Ruby Turner and looking after you

41:28 Lesson: Be down to earth. You are still you. ‘Celine Dion reacts calmly to fan storming stage’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoO2LpfcVVI

41:32 Health challenges and how to cope with them at your Gigs and teaching. Handling the menopause or other health challenges. Time to retire from music.

43:31 Disclaimer: At time of this recording, according to the NHS, men do not have the menopause, but experience symptoms related to other concerns https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/ Other research might suggest otherwise).

47:32 conclusion and free gifts www.successbeyondthescore.com/freegifts ’10 reasons why they will pay you before gig day’. ’25 secrets of the successful gigging musician, singer, rapper and spoken word artiste’ 48:45 End