It helps to have experience in other parts of the music business. Before starting JC
Brooks & the Uptown Sound, I worked as a freelance music reviewer for TimeOut
Chicago. That was incredibly helpful for several reasons.
Work to your strengths. If someone is organized and good with numbers, have them
handle the money. If someone is bad at negotiating, don’t have them book the gigs. Don’t
expect the introverts to be good at talking to people and selling stuff.
It helps to have an agreed upon vision for the band, and the musical and stylistic
choices should reinforce that vision, even at the expense of everyone’s contributions hav-
ing equal weight.
Be professional, punctual, polite, and prepared. People will want to work with you
again if you aren’t a pain in the ass to deal with.
Learn the soundguy’s name and tip him $20 at the end of the night if he made your
life easier.
Ben Taylor, JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
http://www.jcbrooksandtheuptownsound.com
“As an artist in business for yourself you have to develop a sense of separation be-
tween the business, and creative stand points. Develop a diligent team that have your best
interest at heart, and believe 100% in what you are trying to obtain. Never act on impulse,
and retrieve all the information before making a knowledgeable decision. Remember, it's
your career, it's your vision. Be clear on what you want, fearless in obtaining it, and al-
ways be fair.”
Jullian James, Solo artist
http://www.jullianjames.com