| In this two-part series, we will briefly discuss eight | | | | at gigs with your contact information, uploading |
| ways you can further your professional goals and | | | | your songs to free music download sites and |
| make a solid living as a musician. Although there | | | | offering up your favorite songs to local radio |
| are thousands of different ways to break into the | | | | stations to create a buzz and get instant |
| music business, what we've compiled here are | | | | feedback from the people you need it from the |
| some of the habits most successful professional | | | | most: your fans.Gig Often and EverywhereHave |
| musicians share when pursuing their goal of | | | | you ever attended a show where you were |
| making a living from their music.Realize Your Fans | | | | mesmerized by the performers because they |
| Are Your BusinessWhenever someone expresses | | | | played with heart? You knew that it didn't matter |
| interest in your music, instead of just talking to | | | | if anyone got paid for the gig (although surely |
| them like a friend, ask them the same questions | | | | they did!) because they were playing for the right |
| you'd ask an A&R Rep if you had them right in | | | | reasons - and those aren't money. Accept as |
| front of you. Why? Because news travels fast in | | | | many gigs as your band is able to play, and play |
| the indie music scene, and it's usually by word of | | | | often. Don't worry too much about money at |
| mouth. Most localities who attend your shows are | | | | first: focus on the show, the fans, your set-up |
| (a) more interested than you think, (b) may have | | | | and how to play the crowd. And don't just |
| a connection to someone you want to get in | | | | contact the paying venues for gigs: play |
| touch with, and (c) may have advice on how to | | | | EVERYWHERE! At non-profit events, school fairs, |
| get more POW for your musical punch. Do this | | | | charities, church groups, organizations or jam |
| both online and in-person by handing out free CD's | | | | spots. |