Keep Your Friends Close…

Posted on by Emily K Johnson
We’ve all heard the saying, “keep your friends but your enemies closer.” I’m here to tell you this is an awful perspective to have if you want a successful time in the music industry. The best thing you can for yourself is keep those who respect, like, and support you close to you. The industry is a cut throat place and the more people you have on your team, the easier it will be for you to expand your web of connections.Collaborating in the music business gives you many opportunities to gain experiences which will be mutually rewarding for both you and your collaborator. It will be so much easier for you to be referred to others if you are not only surrounded by positive people, but if you are surrounded by MANY positive people.
Tips –
1. Make a great first impression! Smile and make eye contact when you are talking with someone new so they know you are interested in what they have to say!
2. Create a contact sheet with the last time you talked to someone. This idea came from The Savvy Musician (The Savvy Musician) where the author mentions contacting people in your sheet at least once a year to keep the relationship alive!
3. Be the ‘Yes Man’ to everything that makes sense. Don’t necessarily always offer up your services for free, but if you’re just starting out in the industry it can’t hurt to gain some experience. People will likely remember you and be willing to return your favor if you are ambitious and complete your task with a good attitude.
So while the saying may advise you to keep your enemies closer, it’s so much more beneficial for everyone to just keep yourself surrounded by people who have your best interest in mind.
Until next week,
Emily

Questions That Will Save the Day

Posted on by Emily K Johnson
Last week, I mentioned the importance of having a set of questions to refer to as you are in the process of booking gigs for both artists and venues. Having these will ensure you are on track with a time line as well as with materials required for you event to be a success! Below are some of the more broad categories I would consider with a few basic questions, and then break the questions down even further to make sure you have the best understanding of the event possible.
INSTRUMENTS
What instruments does the venue already have on hand? 
What instruments does the artist need?
SOUND
Is the show going to be acoustic?
Is any sound equipment needed?
(A lot of this relates to the size of the venue. Smaller venues like restaurants won’t have a need for amplification where as a noisy bar or concert venue would.)
LIGHTING
Is there any need for extra lighting?
    for music stands or effects?
    (Again, this will likely relate to the size of the venue.)
HOSPITALITY
Will the acts have their own vehicle?
Will they need to be picked up at the airport?
FINANCE
Is the gig a paid event?
    Will the artist be paid before or after the show?
I have attached a blank document with the questions my Music Business class is working on answering for a show we are putting on in late April!
I know this is just a vague first step. But once you start brainstorming, you will continue to add questions!
Just remember – the sooner you start the planning process for a show, the better!
Until next week,
Emily

Just Say Yes

Posted on by Emily K Johnson
This last week has been absolutely insane, but in the best way possible. I have a tendency to say yes before I even know what I am getting in to. However, this past week it has been my most valuable tool. Just before Valentine’s Day I was asked to help book some artists for the holiday weekend at a local restaurant. Not only was this my first opportunity like this before, but it was also extremely short notice. If there is one thing I learned from this experience it’s that I should keep a blank To-Do list or a set of questions that need to be answered before every show. This would ensure I have all of my ideas organized and have completed everything to make sure the show goes as smoothly as possible. (Be on the look out for this in an upcoming blog!) I also realized most shows are booked on a short timeline, similar to the one I worked on, so it’s important to be able to go with the flow and just do the best with you’re given circumstances. While this isn’t really my strong suit, I will be experimenting with ways to accommodate the best of the both worlds for the future.
Also this week, our college put on an music honor festival for the hundreds of high school vocalists and instrumentalists. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to reach out and network a little bit with some visiting high school music directors. (with some help from my Music Business professor!) I highly recommend to anyone interested in the management side of the music industry to just meet and introduce yourself to as many people as possible and let them know what you’re interested in doing. Not only do you get experience, but you both end up with getting contacts. Win win.
During the last three days I was also able to shadow our current sound and video guys to record master classes, faculty performances, and the honor band and choir performance! This leads to another important idea, learn as many music industry trades as you can! The more you can do, and can do well, the more likely you are to get the job. Sound and video wasn’t really what I thought about when I first started looking at artist management, however, I can see how valuable the skills are for the future.
Overall, it was a week filled with wonderful experiences and multiple great learning opportunities!
Until next week,
Emily

Making the Most of the Move to Music Business

Posted on by Emily K Johnson

It’s crazy for me to think that just six short months ago I was packing up my little red car to the brim with everything I would need for college. I remember the range of reactions when I told people I was moving states away to study Music Business. While there was a lot of positive support, I also got a lot of, “you’re moving where? To study what?” Moving to college is probably one of the scariest things you’ve thought about this far in your life and I highly encourage anyone who is considering music business to take the leap. From experience, I can say it’s 100% worth all the fear. There have been some great experiences on my journey so far and as future majors I hope these tips help make your transition to wherever you may be headed a little easier.

1. Make contact with your future professors before you leave. They love hearing from you and knowing you are excited about heading into the program!
2. Don’t forget to bring music essentials! Chances are your program will still require you to either play or sing even as a Music Business major! Metronomes, tuners, stands, and music are a must! Depending on how far away from home you are, you will likely be spending a holiday or two in your dorm and nothing is worse than being unequipped.
3. Start networking yourself as soon as you get there. Make a point to meet all of the professors in the music department and make sure they know you are willing to work for them doing projects should they ever need it! (And you should be very willing! These are the people who will help make sure your next four years are successful. If you help them, they will undoubtedly return the favor in the long run!)
As you start your quest to join the music industry, remember that everything you do from here on out will impact your jobs in the future! Be on time, be nice, and most importantly, have fun!

Introduction

Posted on by Emily K Johnson

Hello and welcome to my page! Currently, I am a freshman in college double majoring in Music Business and Flute Performance. As an aspiring artist manager, I am hoping the blogging process will allow me to network with other people in the industry as well as research and explore the pressing issues and new topics within the music business career field. I plan on sharing my findings while also giving advice from lessons I have learned from my experiences thus far. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or ideas for future topics! Thanks for stopping by!