As the founder of the number one festival for independent and emerging artists, we now have the experience and know-how to give you the best advice to boost your career!
A few years ago, we too were in your shoes: music was our reason for doing and living but unfortunately, doubts were also part of it. Behind every dream, we found ourselves struggling - especially in the music industry, where places seem limited! And yes, we did say "seem" rather than "are" - because in reality, there are places for everyone, not just those you hear on the radio, especially nowadays when social networks are a springboard for emerging artists!
So here are 4 advices we can give you after more than 10 years working in the music industry :
1. Money shouldn't limit you
Money is often the cause of doubt in a career - in music as in other sectors. It is true that today, when we see all these musicians shooting music videos with huge budgets, we can be impressed and sometimes: discouraged.
Far too often we have been led to believe that without tens of thousands of dollars in our bank accounts, our projects could not come to life. But this is how we have experienced it: climbing is like a climbing ladder! With little money, we still wrote songs, made our own music videos, and launched our music festival! By not letting money get in the way, we've had new and rich opportunities come our way every day since.
So here's what you need to remember : Nowadays, especially with social media, you don’t need a huge amount of money to share your talent with the world. A simple camera, you and your talent are enough.
2. Collaboration is the key
Life made the paths cross of 2 music lovers wishing to add authenticity to this industry. Since then, this has given birth to a duo that lives from their passion and promotes equally talented artists!
Whether you’re a solo artist or in a band, you have to learn to work with other people. By collaborating with others, it will allow you to broaden your scope of inspiration and practice. You don't have to be afraid of new things, but you don't have to sacrifice your unique style either! Together with your collaborators, learn from their best practices and worst mistakes and become the best version of yourself! Collaboration is what has enriched our journey the most: without the encounters we have had in the past, we might not be where we are today?
As a famous African proverb says: "alone we go faster, together we go further".
3. Perform live as much as possible
One of the best things about music is that we can share it with a listening audience. Shyness can sometimes be a barrier... But it is only when you have made peace with it that the courage that comes from it will allow you to shine in the eyes of others.
In one of our previous articles, we mentioned the benefits of street performing. Today, we encourage you to perform live as often as possible! With phones, social media posts, you are already able to make your audience's day, so imagine being able to make them feel like they are in a dream with a real moment shared together in real life?
Also, we know that finding gigs can be a challenge but you should never give up. Don't let yourself be impressed by superstars that perform at huge stadiums everywhere in the world. Nowadays, there's always a place to perform and business' owners that are ready to welcome your art! Restaurants, bars, theaters… there’s always a place to perform. Why not try at your favourite coffee shop?
4. Find and meet your community
Your community is the key to your success: without them, you won't get as far as you want so be grateful and brighten their day as they are willing to help you achieve your dreams!
We recommend that you interact with them as much as possible. On social networks, reply to them, give them news in stories, propose content that they would not expect but above all... go and meet them!
And this why performing live is important! Sharing your talents on social media isn’t enough - you have to meet your community and connect as much as possible with the people who support you.
Finally, last advice : last advice : believe in yourself.
We sincerely hope that these tips were able to give the boost that you career deserve and hope to see you very soon ! If you have any additional advices feel free to share them with us in the comments.