Croydon Music has had the privilege to work with quite a few artists and various entities within the music industry within the borough. Many have done wonderful and inspiring things and we are pleased to be of assistance to many of you , but many seem to have problems getting past level one with their respective projects.
Some people feel it is down to their business knowledge, ambition, money or just the universe conspiring against them, but I believe in most cases none of these things are to blame. When working in the creative industries it is important that the artist or creator is mentally and emotionally settled, knows what they are doing and most importantly, wants to do whatever it is they are doing.
“Wants to do whatever it is they are doing?”
Now to most of you out there will think what on earth are you talking about, but there is a line of thought that states in creative industries especially music many people have been lead along a path guided by images of wealth and prosperity. Many have been shown in some way that this is a short cut to wealth and prosperity and do not actually realise that it is in fact the opposite. I have also met many people who are in the industry who are in it because they believe it is a good idea and thought “well why not?”
If anyone is to be successful in any area of business, it is an important factor that you research and actually enjoy the industry, not just for its rewards but enjoy the business of whatever industry you have chosen. Now because you are a talented musician or singer you may not enjoy the business of music, therefore one of your first priorities in business would be to build a team.
One of the key factors also faced by individuals and businesses trying to break into the music industry is one of identity. I have asked many people who they are, they respond by telling me their name which is not who they are, they then respond by saying something like “I am a singer” which is not who they are but what they do. It is vital to know who you are and what you are offering, which is not music, music is just a carrier, music is the delivery method you use you introduce yourself.
So if there is one piece of advice I would give to someone who is finding it hard to move ahead with their business, it would be to define who you or your business is first and what you are offering.
