Business Tips for Musicians

The word business can conjure up all sorts of uneasy feelings with many musicians but what does this word really mean?  Business is one word given to a set of many actions.  So what are the actions?

Business activities can be anything from keeping your accounts, to filling in tax returns, to writing invoices, but there is even more to it than that.

Knowledge is power, musicians are taking charge of their own lives. We don't have to go into this business blind any longer. In the past, some musicians haven't taken much notice of the business side of things because it "might interfere with their creativity". Don't buy it. We need to be intelligent in all areas of our profession, not just one. When the business side of things doesn't work out it's the biggest heartbreak.

Music Law

The music business has its own laws and codes and it's best to know what the rules are if you want to play the game.

 I have been reading a book called Music Law; how to run your band's business.  It's an American book. The story behind the company that published this book and others like it, is very interesting….

In 1971, when Nolo was founded by two former legal aid lawyers, Americans either paid a lawyer for legal advice or went without it entirely.  Selling legal books directly to the public was scandalous, and when people first began to show up in court armed with nothing but a Nolo self-help law book, many lawyers and judges laughed.  After all, "a person who represents himself has a fool for a client."

But then a funny thing happened.  Although lawyers scolded the public that it was foolish to handle a divorce or bankruptcy or write a will without an attorney, ordinary Americans soon proved them wrong.  Self-help law was slowly becoming respectable.

Over time, Nolo's books and software became essential fixtures in libraries, and soon, even some lawyers began using Nolo's materials and recommending them to their clients.  Today, thanks to Nolo, self-help law has entered the mainstream; what seemed foolish 26 years ago has now become commonplace, and since 1971, over ten million "fools" have used Nolo books and software to handle their own legal actions.  And we'll continue to publish the best, most thorough and clearly written self-help legal products available. It's also worth checking out Nolo's website.

When good jobs go bad....

Here is a situation that happened to me through lack of knowledge.

Three years ago I was phoned up and asked if I would like to sing a commercial. When I asked what the job was I was told it was "a small" job. So, on trust, I went in and sang the commercial. About 6 months latter, it became quite apparent the small job had become a big job. The commercial was being played in all the stores of the company I had sung it for and played flat out on TV and radio. It had become a hit!  I contacted the parties involved to ask what was going on. No one had mentioned in-store exposure, and I wanted to know how much longer it would be used for, because it was being played day and night. Generally the more your ad is played, the more money you are entitled to. The exposure to my voice was huge; it was the most played commercial in the country. Some small job! It was a major Branding Campaign and branding campaigns have different rules connected with them than "small jobs". Feeling really annoyed by it all I started the process of figuring out what to do. The parties involved weren't forth coming with payment, so I'm still in the process of working it all out.

 The best cure is avoiding the problem to start with. Don't work without a signed contract! Get very clear on what the job is at the beginning. You need specifics, which are agreed on by both parties. You need to know what you are doing for the money, what you are being paid for exactly, and when. What does a 'small job' really mean? Have it in writing, including on your invoice. On that topic, I believe that all musicians should be part of a union so we can support each other on what we will accept from employers, or we will forever be told, "Oh we'll just get someone else". Always remember that YOU are the best person for the job you are doing and there are always other jobs. Sell yourself.

Never let yourself feel pressured - if the job is taken away simply because you want to know more, was it really worth doing? Working with honest people is way more fun than being around dishonest people. Learn as much as you can about the business before you get involved. Or get an agent to start you off; some one who knows the ropes.  Ask questions.  Be prepared to walk away from something if it doesn't feel right. Value yourself. Follow your gut on things, never rush in - stand back and work out what you want and where you want to go. You are important! There are people out there worth working with and others that are not. Trust yourself, and let’s stick together as musicians.

If you want to share a similar story, or any advice/questions about the music business; send me an email. Anything that you would like to say on the subject is of interest and valuable.

This page was written by Andrea Cook.