“I would tell up and coming artists to be students of the game. Learn all you can and
put 100% into it. Lastly, take advantage of technology; be open to starting and operating
your own label so you can maintain ownership of your music and creativity.”
Sean XLG, Solo artist
http://www.seanxlg.com
“The most important piece of advice I can give to any aspiring artist is to always love
what you are doing. If you are feeling happy about the decisions you are making, then
you are doing the right thing. The next most important thing to do is build your connec-
tions. Reach out to other professional musicians, producers, composers, vocalists, etc.
and ask them about their experiences and point of views. You will learn a lot. This busi-
ness is definitely built on relationships, so create them, nurture and respect them. They
will always give you the advantage.”
Anna Fermin, Singer/Songwriter
http://www.annafermin.com
“Take a cold, hard look at yourself and your services on a regular basis. Constantly
ask yourself how you can improve and be even better.
Decide the one or two areas of your expertise and then pursue them in earnest. You
can still diversify, but I think it’s important to be an expert in at least one area.
Pigeon hole yourself before others do it for you. Others and your colleagues will for-
ever describe you and your talents in a sentence of two. Decide what you’d want that sen-
tence to say, write it down and then use it to describe your services in perpetuity. Here is
mine: “I’m an expert rock drummer that makes every song sound and feel great.” (Wow
—that should be my elevator pitch too!)