It’s the Music BUSINESS

Posted by Steve Grossman on Jun 2, 2011 in Why I Failed

Failure!

Eleven years ago, my music career collapsed. After a moderately successful 20 year run, and for reasons I did not understand at the time, I had to face the reality that my time as a musician was over and it was time to move on.

It was time to get a job in the…REAL WORLD!

I’m happy to report that I survived that trauma, found a great job with a successful company, and steadily worked my way up the corporate ladder while I was there. And I actually enjoyed every moment. But something else happened too. I discovered why I failed in the music business.

I discovered why I didn’t reach my ultimate goals and dreams. Why I was passed up for certain gigs and why I got the ones I did. Why I never had much money and why my phone didn’t ring even after I was told I was “the best drummer they had ever heard.”

I discovered why most musicians will fail, too.

The Arts vs. the Real World

“Real World” is a term people in “The Arts” use to mean anything outside of the entertainment industry. They use it in phrases such as “this sure beats making a living in the real world” or, “it didn’t work out, so I guess I’ll get a job in the real world.” When people in the real world tell people in the arts to “quit dreaming and get a real job,” people in the arts say, “don’t be a sellout.”

These terms imply that these worlds are mutually exclusive and that “The Arts” and the “Real World” are divided by a wall. A wall that should not be climbed or looked over because the rules and rewards of each world are different and separated by clearly defined lines that cannot and should not be crossed.

And that is why most people in the arts will fail.

How Not to Follow in my Footsteps

Once I made the painful decision to leave music, I climbed over that wall and learned everything I could about the success and business principles of the real world. And after countless “I wish I’d have known THAT!” moments, I realized there is no difference between the real world and the arts. I also realized that even though none of these principles are taught to musicians, everyone I’ve seen succeed in music has used them. And I realized that without this critical information, most musicians will follow in my footsteps and fail too!

What Information?

First, you are pursuing a career in an industry that is as much of a business as what Henry Ford started over a century ago. There’s a reason it’s called the music BUSINESS. I realize this is hard to comprehend when all musicians use the term “playing” to describe their work, but the quicker you grasp this point and understand its ramifications the more success you’ll find. It is not called the music try, or the music game, it’s the music business, which means it’s about the money. But that’s okay because I know you want to make money playing music.

Second, every person who has achieved any measure of success in their chosen career has used the same business skills and principles. Period! In fact most successful people have been tireless students of them and I recommend you do the same thing. It’s important to note that these principles are not tricks or manipulative tactics. Just like the principles of playing music, these are based on established facts about how things work.

Third, and most importantly, this is your life we’re talking about! You matter and the hopes and dreams you have are worth pursuing. And since they are worth pursuing, they are worth achieving. Devote yourself to your career as if your life depends on it. It does.

Fortunately, there is no wall between the arts and real world. Information about business and success principles are everywhere if you’re open to seeing them. Look for information about how business ticks and I know you’ll have many “ah ha!” moments of your own.

Then you’ll be one step closer to the career of your dreams.