FANDOM
Have direct artist-to-fan communication, staying on the level of the fan and becoming a peer. Engage them in the process of making music and a musician’s lifestyle so they really feel they’re part of it and not just watching it or buying it. Be on the same level as the fan and don’t try to be idolized. –Adam Alpert, Disruptor Management and Records/Selector Songs, Jan.
Be sure to tell everyone you’ll be at the merch table after the set. Mention that you’ll sign autographs and pose for photos. Fans will let their friends know not only how great the show was, but also how nice you were to them after the show. –Jennifer Yeko, President, True Talent Management, Feb.
[Fans are] the most important thing in the world these days. It’s almost on level with the music. If you don’t interact with your fans, you don’t have anything. –Ashton Irwin, 5 Seconds of Summer, Nov.
STAYING INSPIRED
Going through challenges and low points helps prepare you for success. People who hit it big early aren’t prepared to take the work that comes after. They haven’t had enough experience and fizzle out. –Frequency, producer, June
Stop trying to be the best business man. If you [focus on your creativity] and just become the best band that you can possibly be, every single door will start opening for you; you won’t have to pry them open anymore. –Josh Katz, Badflower, May
You’ve got to stay focused on that trueness inside of you; why you’re the creative person that got involved in the first place. Keeping that passion from day one is difficult, but that’s where you need to stay. –Tony Valenziano, President, Smile Media Group, April
You have to believe in yourself, that you’re getting better with age. Be open to developing your own opinions and tastes, regardless of what critics think or what the new flavor of the month is. It’s what’s true to your heart and everything will fall into place. –Aaron Bruno (a.k.a. AWOLNATION), June
And, finally, be sure to ask yourself this question…
What is successful? What do you want to achieve? Do you want to tour your project and make a few bucks? Do you want to debut at No. 1 on Billboard? What do you hope to achieve, realistically? –Kevin Day, President, Skyrocket Entertainment, Feb.
