start. Don’t forget you’ll need to get there, which normally involves plane fare. You’ll
need to book a hotel, eat and probably buy some stuff. But, if you can afford it, go for it!
“Never forget it is called playing music and not forcing music. So enjoy what youdo!”
Florian Opahle, Ian Anderson Touring Band
http://www.Florian-Opahle.com
http://www.j-tull.com
“It’s a tough business with a huge competition. Make yourself stand out, be original,
push the boundaries of expectations, surprise and above all–think of how you can give in-
stead of what you will get.
Also–don’t expect everybody to like your music, and you won’t be hurt when people
don’t. Bad criticism every now and then is unavoidable–try to not let it get a hold of you,
brush it off and focus on the people who do like your music.”
Natalia “Saw Lady” Paruz, Solo artist
http://www.SawLady.com
“It’s a lot of work. I spend far more time emailing, social networking, accounting,
driving than actually playing music. It requires luck, especially regarding whom you meet
and what opportunities come your way. You have to be ready to work hard in order to
take proper advantage of good opportunities.
Try to maintain as much financial independence and control as possible. We worked
day jobs in order to finance our band, so that we could record and produce, and ultimately
control and exploit, our first album.