SECTION DEFINITIONS/TERMS

• Music Industry - consists of the companies and individuals that make money by creating and selling live music performances, sound recordings and music videos of songs and instrumental pieces.

• Singer/Vocalist – is a person who utilizes their vocal abilities to sing a song. This title is typically used in a professional capacity.

• Rapper/Hip Hop Artist – is a person who expresses himself/herself through the urban street poetry form called “rap”.

• Artist Development – is a professional process which performing artists, songwriters, and producers undertake in order to cultivate their musical attributes into an attractive commercial proposition for labels and publishers.

• Artist Management – is the professional process of managing the business side of an artist’s or band’s career, so that the talent is free to focus on creating the music.  Note:  There are several types of managers

DEVELOPING YOUR CRAFT/SKILLS

This is a very important part of your career.  Without true talent, there will be no music career.  You have to be honest with yourself about your abilities and skills.  Do not let your friends and family pump you up to think you can sing like Aretha Franklin, when you actually sound like Milli Vanilli (for those who have no idea who these people are - just Google them).  Record yourself singing your favorite song and listen with your own ears.  BE HONEST!  Documented here are some tips to develop your skills.

Vocal Training

It doesn’t matter if you sing like an angel.  You still need to continue to train your voice as a singer.  As a rapper, working with a vocal coach can help you with breath control and delivery.  When an artist gets signed to a deal, this does not mean that they stop training their instrument.  Not working with a vocal coach is like a basketball player not practicing for the big game.  Keep training. 

Action Item:  Research vocal coaches in your local area.

Learn an Instrument

Even if you know how to play an instrument, it will not hurt to learn something new.  As a singer, learning an instrument like the guitar or keyboard will be very beneficial for you.  If you are also a songwriter, knowing an instrument can be helpful with your songwriting process (especially when you are working on a melody).  As a rapper, learning an instrument can also be helpful.  It can expand your overall musical knowledge and can lead you down a new path in the music industry like music production.  We are sure you have heard the saying “knowledge is power”.

Action Item: Identify the instrument that interests you and a teacher to teach you that instrument.

Listen to Different Genres of Music

Do not be so closedminded.  There is so much great music in the world, take a listen.  Listening to different types of music can help you develop your own sound as an artist.  We are not saying that you should copy everything you hear.  We are saying that this new music, this new genre, this new sound can awaken something within you.  We do not want to hear “but I don’t like Rock music”.  How do you know?  Maybe you just have not found the right artist’s music to peak your interest.  You have to expand your point of reference.  Just because you only know your genre does not mean you spend your entire career only knowing that one genre. 

Action Item:  Listen to new genres and/or artist on a weekly basis.  Keep a log to track your likes and dislikes (with explanation – the why).

Like in any career, you have to keep advancing your skills.  Continue to practice and grow.  No matter how big your career gets, never forget the basics.  The basics are: 

• Keep training

• Keep learning new things

• Explore the world of music 

The world of music is huge and it is yours for the taking.  It is a big place; do not be afraid so dive in with both feet. These are a few things the help you as you start out on your music industry journey. Check back frequently or sign up for our newsletter to get more information, tips, and tricks that will be of value to you - synch up!