I don’t claim to know everything there is to know about the music industry or how it works. I’ve been a part of it for many years and have learned quite a bit along the way, but I’m always learning more. The purpose of this blog is to share my knowledge with other people who want to know the same things I did; people who are trying to break into this crazy business and either don’t know how or are having trouble getting started.
Trying to get a record deal can be frustrating, especially when you feel like everyone else has all the information they need, while you’re left in the dark. There are countless articles giving you tips on how to write great songs, find a good manager, etc., etc., but very little on what really makes the industry tick and how you can use that information to your advantage.
This blog will try to explain some of those “behind the scenes” things that no one tells you about; things that, once you know them, will make all the difference in your success within this industry. Whether it’s knowing which A&R reps are looking for what kind of artists, or which producers are looking for what kind of songs, or being able to tell when an opportunity is just too good to be
I don’t know if there’s a magic bullet to becoming a superstar, but we’ve certainly become “professional” in our blogs. We’ve learned the language of the music industry and how to be heard. We’ve become part of their world.
We’re not trying to tell you that you need to be a professional, because you’re going to be your own person anyway. But if you have any desire at all to have success as an artist or producer, I’d argue that being professional is a good place to start. Getting into the frame of mind where you’re hearing what other people are saying and doing will help keep your eyes open, and give you some things to try when it comes time to put your own music out there.
This isn’t a step-by-step guide, but it’s an introduction to some of the mentalities and strategies that can help you be heard, understood, and have success within the music industry.
I am a music industry professional and I have over 20 years experience in the business. I have worked with many talented artists, producers, and managers on a daily basis and know what it takes to make it in the business. I have made mistakes, learned from them, and want to pass my knowledge on to young people entering into music.
The world is changing quickly and the music industry is no exception. To make it you need to stay informed about new trends and how to take advantage of them. My blog will give you tips for how to do that.”
Gumbo file is a music blog. It has been featured in many different blogs and online newspapers to give the best advice for musicians to be successful within the music industry. Gumbo file also helps artists find their place in the industry as well as give them information they never knew they needed.
The blog was created by Kenny Kurry, a man who has been apart of the music industry since he was a kid. As an artist, he has performed all over the world with many different types of bands, including jazz, hip-hop, rock, and blues. He has also learned what works on stage and what doesn’t.
To share his knowledge with other artists Kenny started this blog to help people find their niche in the music industry while still keeping who they are and staying true to themselves.
Gumbo file gives advice on how to be successful in today’s music business and how to stay up-to-date with technology as well as giving information about upcoming venues where artists can perform. The blog also gives advice for business minded artists along with career advice for those who are just starting out in the business. It helps both novice and experienced artists make it in the music industry.**
Determine the music you want to write and figure out how to get it out there.
1. Do what you enjoy
It seems simple and obvious, but a lot of people who decide to pursue music professionally overlook this step. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, why bother? It doesn’t matter if you’re the next Mozart because if it’s not fun, you’ll never stay motivated enough to be successful at it.
2. Figure out what your skill level is
Perhaps you’re great at writing music, but can’t play an instrument to save your life. Or perhaps you’re a fantastic singer, but have no creative ability when it comes to songwriting. Either way, if you try and force yourself into a situation where your weaknesses hold back your strengths, then you’ll have a harder time finding success in the industry.
3. Learn all that you can about the industry and about how to improve as a musician
The more experience that you have under your belt, the more opportunities will open themselves up for you. Keep trying new things and challenging yourself so that your career can grow. It may take longer than someone else who is more talented than you, but with patience and hard work anyone can find success in this business.”
The one thing that makes music so special is that it’s an art form that lives. It’s not just a book or a movie, but it has the ability to change people, to make them feel different things, to bring them together, and to make them forget about their troubles for a few minutes. Music is a gift to be shared.
Gumbo file is a small software application used for personal accounting. The term “gumbo” comes from the dish Jambalaya, a rice and meat recipe popular in New Orleans. It was particularly enjoyed by dock workers, who transported goods to and from New Orleans.
The purpose of gumbo file is to keep track of income and expenses for individual projects. For example, one might keep separate gumbo files for recording projects, live performance projects and songwriting projects. The gumbo file can be used with either a paper or computer spreadsheet.
Tasks are listed under two headings: Income and Expense. Income will list all sources of income- royalties, session work, songwriting advances or other earnings. Expenses should be listed under subheadings such as studio time, services rendered (such as mixing or mastering) and other expenses (such as travel expenses). Each task is then given a total amount in dollars and cents- either manually written or calculated automatically by the spreadsheet program.
With this information at hand one can easily determine how profitable each project is by comparing the income to the expense. If the project is producing a loss, it may be advisable to abandon it altogether; if it is producing a profit one can continue with more confidence.”
