417 - The truth about the music industry - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
August 3, 2018

417 – The truth about the music industry

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I just had an extremely long meeting with Steve Rennie, a 35-year music industry veteran who was the VP of Epic Records, founded ArtistDirect and managed Incubus for over 15 years. There was one common theme to the conversation:

The music business is hard.

There are so many variables that go into “making it” (I hate that phrase) because music, as Steve says, “is dependent on the human element.” When people’s tastes and trends change, the hottest artist can be here today and gone tomorrow.

That said, there are plenty of things you can do to put yourself in the best position to succeed.

Put in the work.

Master your craft.

Learn the business.

Network your ass off.

Say yes.

While some aspects of your success may be out of your hands, you’re 100% in charge of your work ethic and preparation.

If this is your dream, you have to go out there and give it everything you’ve got.

What’s the alternative?

Not try at all?

Never take a shot?

“We miss 100% of the shots we don’t take.” — Wayne Gretsky

Sure, you may fall flat on your face. Or you may be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

By trying you’re at least entering the arena and not standing on the sidelines.

Remember, anything you don’t have to work for isn’t worth having in the first place.

Take a shot…