Info gathered at the 2002 SXSW Convention – Austin, TX

What Successful Bands/Musicians Won't Tell You

• There are no secrets.
• There are only simple promotion and marketing principles that some people never bother to find out - or don't follow when they DO find out.
• What's more, these principles are constantly changing, especially today. There are MANY things that must be done properly or the whole thing doesn't work - and you don't make money.
• The only "secret" is that your band or music business venture is just that - a BUSINESS VENTURE - and needs to be treated like one. In fact, those who succeed with it treated it as a LIFESTYLE from day one.

Success in the music business doesn't come from a magic CD or industry showcase. Success comes from running a business.

• Many people are committed to the lifestyle of being a plumber, accountant, lawyer, dentist, or whatever else, but want to make "extra" money and a little bit of ego stroke by doing music in their spare time. Successful bands don't think like this. They don't have a "Plan B" because a successful music business venture is a lifestyle.
• Trying to make a quick score in the music industry is like trying to become a major league baseball player before next Thursday afternoon or trying to lose 50 pounds by this weekend. Success in this business is available to those who want it bad enough...and nobody else!
• Successful independent bands and musicians work seven days a week, all day - and play seven days a week, all day.

Most people will still buy the quick fix solution, but it's not that easy. To be successful in the music business, you need to REALLY WANT success, you need to exploit something you LOVE doing and you must do ALL of the following things ...

• Establish quality in your writing, live shows, business practices, and support literature
• Really care about your fans...and listen to what they want
• Take the time to establish a repeat customer base
• Keep that customer base happy - this won't always be what you want
• Keep on top of things that aren't working and change your approach often
• Overcome any major issues given to you by society, your parents, or nature and reinforced by your subconscious mind. Yes, you can make a living doing this. No, you don't need to work a 9to5 job the rest of your life
• Create an excellent web site, a great press kit, an incredible demo, and a big mailing list
• Stay active always and never give up. If you give up too soon...or don't compensate for your weaknesses...or don't deliver value to the consumer...or don't present a great image...or create an incomplete package...then you obviously can't make money in the music business