How To Turn Your Rock Band Into a Success - Free 12 Day Mini Course
Lesson 2 - Part 1

Making Giant Steps In Your Music Career

“One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power.”
~Tony Robbins

Many bands believe that being signed by a major record label is the ultimate picture of success. This is a common misconception. Their strategy is to hire a manager and build up to label recognition, then they will have success, thinking “that’s just how it’s done.” But, the record industry has not worked this way for a long time.

“The good old days”

At one time, being signed by a label almost guaranteed success. Record labels were completely ready to put their money and resources into ensuring a band’s success based purely off of talent. Music artists needed a record label in order to be widely known, heard on media outlets such as radio and television, and to get their albums into stores. During that time, the labels controlled distribution. And therefore, the first goal of any new band was to get signed to a contract as soon as possible.

In the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, many artists were so desperate to sign a contract with a record company that they usually ended up signing a bad contract, sometimes completely giving away the rights to their music in the process. In the 1970s and ‘80s, there was a phase of consolidation in the record industry that led to all major labels being owned by only a very few multinational companies. That’s when everything in the industry began to change.

The rules have changed

Slowly but surely, as the years went by, record labels began to become more concerned about money than creative content. This turned their attention from amazing talent to good business investments. Labels were looking to sign bands they could immediately start making money off of.

As labels were becoming more focused on profits rather than talent, many highly successful artists began to leave their large labels. These artists either went on to do things on their own or joined smaller labels that gave them much more control of their music, business, and finances. Artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and Prince, among others, have gone this route. Some never returned to the industry politics of major labels, some started their own labels, and others waited for a decent offer from a major label that gave them a lot of control because of their proven success.

Unsigned artists also began to realize that the game had changed. Independent digital distribution and the rise of social websites such as MySpace and YouTube evened the playing field between unsigned artists and artists backed by major labels in many ways. Success no longer means being signed by a record label. “Making it” has become a matter of studying what the labels offer and using that knowledge of the music industry to catapult your own career. Getting signed to a record label has become an educated career choice rather than a necessity.

So, let’s take some time now to clearly define where you ultimately want to go. Defining your band’s goals is a critical piece to your success in the music industry that is overlooked by the majority of people who try to make it.

Many bands have dreams and plans, but few ever take the time figure out the reasons they have those dreams or where their plans will lead them.

For instance, outside of the band you may want to buy a new car. The reasons for that plan almost seem obvious, but what do you really want out of having that car? Do you want to not have to walk or borrow rides from your friends? Do you want the freedom it gives you? Do you want it to make a statement about your social or economic status? Or do you need it as a place to live?

And what about the type of car? Is your goal comfort? Feeling better about yourself? Feeling cool? Accomplished?

Have you asked these types of questions about your music career? Why would you want a record deal? Is it the dream of money? Fame? An easy ride? You might be surprised to find that a record deal can be one of the most difficult ways to achieve those things. We’ll talk more about that later. But for now, we’re beginning to see the importance of knowing the reasons behind your goals and plans. You are beginning to see how it opens up many more possibilities for achieving your goals and dreams.

When you set your mind to a true goal, regardless of the storms that come, your plans will constantly change and adapt to ensure that you reach your destination.

What is it that you want?

Make a list of all the desires you have as a band. Dream big. Don’t hold back. Keep it in positive terms. Remember, it’s what you want, not what you don’t want. Be ridiculous. Reach high. And after talking about out of all of those dreams, which would be your top 3?

List your top 3:

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2.
3.

Let’s take those 3 and really examine them. For each, discuss what it will do for you. Will it bring you happiness? Freedom of time and money? You decide what each will bring to you as a band. And keep asking, “What will that do for me?” until you can’t answer it anymore. Now, list your final answer for each:

1.
2.
3.

Please REALLY write these things down BEFORE going to the next page. Once you have done so please click here.