How do I make it in the music industry?

Question

okay, first off, i'm not some idiot wanting to be a popstar, i'm a music major in college and have been composing since middle school. anyways, i have 2 questions.
1) i want to move to new york this summer for four months but the only way i can think of my parents helping me with rent is if i go do an internships. are there any other options?
2) my music is kind of like pop with a bit of classical, and it doesn't sound like stuff on the radio at all...do you think that anyone will even want to hear me?

any other comments on anything is appreciated as well!

Answer 1

I think one of the best ways to make it is to have something about you that is different. Make sure your musical style is strictly your own. That will help!

Why New York? There are many other places with great music scenes that don't cost so much. Have you considered Athens, Georgia? I know that sounds random, but they have a thriving local music scene. If I were you, I'd spend some time in different areas of the music that have good local music scenes to help get your name out there before going to New York.

If you've not done so already, create a myspace for your music.

Above all, believe in yourself and DON'T EVER give up! EVER!

As far as people wanting to hear you....YES oh YES. I hate the crap on the top 40 stations. I listen to many different types of music. If you develop a small following of loyal friends, then those friends will tell more people and eventually you will have a pretty decent following. Does this make sense? The artists I listen to have good followings and make a living at it, but the general U.S. population doesn't know who they are.

I think your music being different is what will help you stand out. Be who you are, and you will have fans! I think the reason some of my favorite artists are my favorites (especially Charlotte Martin and Bjork) is because they are making music no one else is and they are truly unique.

Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Good question, Jess!

Other answers have given you good advice. Remember, there are a LOT of very talented musicians who are not "making it". It does involve a lot of luck, but when the chance, or accidental discovery moment arrives, you have to be prepared!

Be true to your dream of a marriage of pop with classical. It sounds interesting to me. Stay true to your style. It is hard to be noticed when you are like everyone else! So don't try to emulate some "star". Everyone else trying to "make it" does that! This does not mean you can ignore history. You should investigate other styles to understand different viewpoints and expand your knowledge base.

While it is true that a lot of "big names" in the industry hang out in, or pass through, New York. Going to New York city, whether it involves an internship or not, is not a bad idea. But what about Boston? The school of Music at Berklee attracts a lot of attention. Right now there is a lot of focus on New Orleans, with the city rebuilding after Katrina.

I remember some years ago an Associated Press writer was working on another story and happened to be staying at the hotel where our family played. My dad's story was presented to the writer by my brother and it appeared all over the country. Of course since Dad was a New Orleans jazz star, the story had appeal. It was even picked up by Paul Harvey to give us further acclaim.

What I am saying is: You can be discovered ANYWHERE. Just be ready for fame and be true to yourself.

Answer 3

if you love music, and i think you do. then you have to keep pushing it. almost every entertainer, no matter what type, say the same thing, i didnt give up. not everyone will want to hear your music, but it only takes one person to like it and you are on your way. personally i am not a pop fan, but i think with some classical thrown in the right way, it would not sound bad.

Answer 4

My stuff isn't like normal music at all...and I have had some really good feedback even though I just put my myspace up. I have done a bunch of songwriting contests...that is a really good way to get your material out there. Visit me at myspace.com/mandasdream and send me a message and I can give you some more info.

Answer 5

I'd like to tell you it's about talent and so on, but fundamentally its about luck. You need to get noticed by the right people. That means getting your music out to as many people as possible - play any gig going (paid or not), send out demos, have an online presence with free downloadable tracks and hope that you get lucky.