How to Become a Successful Musician | See These 8 Important Tips!

How to become a successful musician

To become a successful musician, there is a lot of work to be done. Being a musician is serious business and should be taken as such. There are lots of upcoming artists everywhere within the various genres of music.

If we created a playlist with every track on the planet, the world population would never listen to a track twice throughout their lifetime. In essence, there would be billions of records available. This gives you an insight into why you have to stand out.

However, there is no doubt that every upcoming artist will definitely hit the top of the food chain with respect to music. Nigeria’s legendary MI. Abaga spits, “Not every royal family member will get to the throne” in his track “Not Just Ok.”. However, there’s no harm in trying.

Not everyone will be attracted to your music, hence the reason why you need to make a way for yourself.

To become a successful musician in Nigeria and beyond, go through the tips below to have a better chance of achieving your goal in the music industry.

How to Become a Successful Musician

Among the tips for being successful in the music industry are the following:.

1 – Choose a Genre

Artists may choose to be versatile, but it is safe to stick to one music genre. A lot of times, they get tempted to be vast in various music categories. This is not healthy, as different genres require different delivery methods.

As an upcoming artist, you need to find what works best for you. Being comfortable in your zone is a no-brainer and brings out the best in you. Picking a music genre is the perfect way to start. After perfecting your craft and standing out in that genre, you can proceed to try new things.

Having a role model at this stage tends to inform your decisions and make your music journey smoother. The several genres in the music industry include hip-hop, R&B, reggae, afro-pop, and a lot more. Pick one and master the requirements for delivery in that chosen genre.

For my Nigerian folks, adding a slogan to your delivery makes it easier for your fans to recognise you on a track without the mention of your name. It also adds a Nigerian feel to the track.

2 – Practice They Say Makes Perfect!

As far as becoming successful in any chosen field is concerned, practice is key. This is the same in the music industry. The fact that you can sing in front of friends and family is not enough.

You need constant practice to become a successful musician in any music industry. Honing your skills cannot be underemphasized. You need to be at the top of your game when it comes to things like music, especially.

This doesn’t just involve singing alone. It also includes stage presence, delivery, and a whole lot more. No one knows when the next opportunity might come up. It could be in a car, in the elevator, at a function—it could be anywhere.

Only constant practice can give you the confidence you need in this business. Practice, practice, practice, and more practice will do the trick! This is one sure way to become a successful musician across the globe.

3 – Have a Source of Funding!

This is very necessary and does not seem irrelevant. The music business as a whole is a multi-million dollar venture and, as such, requires heavy funding. You, as an unknown star, cannot afford to be caught sleeping.

The essence of having a side hustle is more of a funding link, but it can also be a backup plan should you decide to quit. Not everyone will make it in the industry (this is a fact). Studio sessions, producer fees, music promotion companies, OAPs, social media managers, radio stations, top DJs, e.t.c. are not free.

These professionals render relevant services, and with no hustle on the side, you might not be able to afford them. If you have the financial muscle to pull this off, then you should disregard this tip.

4 – Be Original!

Being original seems to be the best of the tips stated here. Having your own sound is the best thing that can happen to you as an artist. Be original, keep it 100! It makes you unique and creative.

If you can do this, we will surely be the first to tell you when someone else bites your style. This is a major tip that can help you become a successful musician in the music industry.

5 – Hit The Studio!

After perfecting the tips above, the next step is to hit the studio and record, record, record, record, and do some more recording. What I’m trying to say is, to be resilient. Writing a track doesn’t hit us (fans) as an amazing feat until you perfect the output of the studio session.

To get the perfect output (mixed and mastered product), you need to visit a good studio. Before that, you need to learn the fundamentals of a recording session.

You can try your hands at DIY applications like Fruity Loops, Audacity, GarageBand, e.t.c. This is to enable you to notice when something sounds off during your recording session. The producer is the king of the studio, while you are the king of your track. Own it.

6 – Make a Video!

It is essential that you shoot a video if you intend to hit the minds of your fans? There are billions of people on the planet, and not all of them are audio-inclined. I have been in several situations where I downloaded an audio track after getting captivated by the video. The essence of shooting a music video is to promote the song.

There are a lot of video directors who can do a great job for you on a budget. All you need to do is approach them. You just might meet that record label executive anywhere, and then, guess what, You have something you can show him/her.

7 – Promote Your Music!

This is a major step people tend to ignore. There is no use having a dope track people haven’t heard of. The essence of recording is to satisfy your fans, right? Get that music out. Promote it. Pay the right people and move fast, or take the pain and promote your music yourself.

8 – Network!

No man is an island of knowledge, and as such, you cannot do it all yourself. You need to network to get the needed boost in your career. By networking, it involves music collaborations, backup for artists, free shows, and so much more.

All these may seem overboard, but they count as support that would be given to you in return. The sky is big enough for everyone to fly, so long as you grow the right kind of wings.

In order to get collaborations with great artists, do a great cover. Participate in a challenge. A great cover of a hit song puts you out there on the map and gives you recognition. This only happens if your cover is very, very good and unique.

Last Words

To become a successful musician is no small feat, and these tips do not guarantee success. They have to be fine-tuned with hard work and persistence. Dedication, humility, and drive are also characteristics you need, to succeed in the music business.

Abide by them, and you just might become the next big STAR! Kindly share this article if you are inspired by it.

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