At first glance, the idea of becoming a hit record producer or artist seems like a dream. All play no work and nothing but making music. The reality of that is far from the dream we all thought about when we were young. Take it from me. At 24 I watched my ex band mate and best friend push for over 7 years since he first began writing and recording to finally reach the top of the mountain. The crazy part about it, he was the shit. Not just now, he was always one of the best songwriters, and singers I had ever met. It took not only hours of production work honing his craft, but just as many working the business side as well. That is what makes the difference between a producer or artist that makes it and one that just falls by the wayside.
So you are wondering how he did it. He climbed the ladder. Not the type you hand christmas lights with. Real world success ladder are a bit more windy than the straight up and downs that we are used to. Need proof? Go out and read 10 biography books about successful people. How many of them say they never had a problem on their way to the top? Not very many! It really isn't about how hard you fall down, or how many times. It's about getting back up and perservering. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team. He didnt give up. He practiced twice as hard as anyone else.
The truth is there is not one sure fire way to the top. If there was, I would write a book about it and become a millionaire many times over. What I can tell you is that there are some thing that are synonmous with success, and they hold true in the music business as well.
Make sure you have short term and long term goals that are attainable, time measurable, and specific. write them down and put them up where you can see them every single day.
Work harder than everyone else you know. While they are partying, you are working. That does not mean you should not be out networking and making connections, that just means that you need to get you shit done.
Try to build relationships that are long term. If you talk to an A&R and are trying to push you stuff within the first 10 seconds, what do you think his reaction is going to be? What would yours be? Take some time to make people like you, and they will go out of their way to help you.
Be original. If you hear a song on the radio, it was produced at least a year ago. The guys at the top of the game are already on to the next new wave of music persuasion. Be almost to original. It is what A&R's look for in long term projects.
Meet as many successful people as you can. Be where they are, do what they do. Sometimes that is harder than it sounds. Just do your best and hold you head high.
