Music Connection’s mission is to deliver timely insights and career advice to all music makers. That’s why in every interview and article we post or publish there is at least one golden nugget of wisdom that can be applied toward making a success of your music endeavors. Below you will find what we believe to be the very best career tips we published in the past year. Each quoted tip cites the month it first appeared on musicconnection.com.
Songwriting
The song is boss. It’ll let you know what it wants to be and how it wants to breathe and flow. Listen to it and don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong.
– Eric Bass
Shinedown
July
Seize the moment. When you meet an amazing artist, don’t be too patient. … Once an artist goes home, they might change their mind.
– Jimmy Duval producer
(Lil Pump, XXXTentacion)
November
I don’t care about perfection; perfection to me is a great, soulful rendition of something.
– Neil Young
September
What I tell most artists is that if they’re going to do a produced-up version, it has to be stellar. I’d rather get something a little more bare-bones so that we can hear where it could go.
– Richard Stumpf
Atlas Music Publishing
November
Hone Your Craft
Take your time. Don’t prematurely go to radio or go to press or get a publicist or manager. Work on your craft. Perfect it.
– Aaron Axelsen
Music Director/Assistant Program Director - Alt 105.3 San Francisco
October
I’d rather make something that’s good than make something that’s popular.
– Dallon Weekes
I Don’t Know How But They Found Me
November
Think of this like a sport. If you don’t get many hours of practice, you’ll fail. I say make a thousand songs and then release your best 20. That helps to hone your craft.
– Jimmy Duval
producer (Lil Pump,
XXXTentacion)
What you do before a show is so important. It can put you in the right spot or put you in the absolute wrong spot to go onstage.
– Sam Kiszka
Greta Van Fleet
November
Pace yourself when you work on a big record. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
– Doug McKean
producer
September
Get Out There and Network
This is a people business. How many plug-ins you have won’t bring you a decades-long career. How you interact with others and your overall attitude will.
– Bill Smith
producer (Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles)
January
The best connections happen when you meet someone face to face, smile, shake their hand and look them in the eye. It makes a world of difference.
– Tim Guille
All Play Music and Co-Founder of Music Money Formula
November
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The few times that I’ve done it, it’s always been a turning point for me.
– David Andersen engineer (Sound City,
Slightly Stoopid)
March
Your resume doesn’t speak for you. Employers don’t look at it, so it’s very important to network. Work hard and be the best at what you do. That will be your presentation card.
– Ruben Salas
producer (Guaco, Erika Ender)
August
You need to talk to people and attend events. You have to understand that world and dive into how you can be of service, how you can best support someone’s vision and work fast on your feet.
– Test Shot Starfish
dance/electronic musicians
December
Producers
My story is working hard on a consistent basis and moving up a notch gradually as the years go by. I was looking at longevity. I want to be here for a long time. I don’t want all of the money at once so I can spend it and be broke and forgotten.
– Zaytoven
producer (Migos)
January
Always serve the music, serve the artist, serve the song. That’s primary.
– Terry Wollman
producer (Dionne Warwick,
Melissa Manchester)
February
It’s difficult for some people to bare their heart, soul and feelings. The more you can provide them with that comfort zone and the more they can trust you, the more they will give you back in terms of performance.
– Bill Smith
producer (Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles)
January
Know when to talk and when not to. You’re not the star. It’s all about the artist.
– Howard Benson
producer (P.O.D., Three Day Grace)
June
Learn how to be a leader. You have to hone our leadership skills because artists depend on your direction.
– Bruce Waynne
producer (50 Cent, Frank Ocean, Common)
September
It is difficult to move forward in a disorganized environment––it becomes much easier if you apply the small amount of discipline necessary to manage your time properly.
– Josquin Des Res
producer, author, songwriter
July
Remember, there are always less expensive options made of the same or comparable materials.
– Eric Corne
producer-engineer (Lucinda Williams, Devotchka)
June
Don’t party with the band. The minute you do, they won’t respect you. Your job is to be the adult in the room.
– Howard Benson
producer (P.O.D, Three Days Grace)
June
Make sure the mastering options fit your production style, and get to know what other features a service offers. Aim for the best sound quality with the best options within your budget.
– Kristian Haapasalo
CloudBounce COO
October
Craft Matters
Listen to a lot of music. Love all genres. Don’t fixate on one.
– Jett Galindo
mastering engineer (Green Day, La La Land)
October
Our videos purposely don’t have concepts or real narratives, so that people can focus on what we do with our mouths. We want everything to be about our voices and how we capture the essence of melody, rhythm and harmony the way we do.
– Scott Hoying
Pentatonix
May
Be Supportive
You have to provide [the artist] with a feeling of comfort, support and security so that they know you’re there to help them in any way you can.
– Bill Smith producer
(Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles)
January
Be open-minded. There’s no single solution to any studio problem. I see a session as a series of challenges that have to be solved.
– David Andersen
engineer (Sound City, Slightly Stoopid)
March
When you rehearse properly, you become aware of the dynamics each person brings to the mix. You need to be sensitive to the artist you’re supporting and know what they need from you. You need to be a team player.
– Cindy Mizelle
singer
August
Know Your Audience
You can’t sell music, so what do you sell? You sell the relationship and the products that fit your audience. You create value.
– Scott Page
CEO of Ignited Network
February
Find your audience. Because the fans won’t let you down.
– Carla Olson
The Textones
November
Kids between 9 and 13 are the ones who get excited about records and stars coming out. Music that gets on your nerves or what parents hate is usually a pretty good gauge on what’s the next shit.
– George Clinton
May
When following a band on social media, I want it to feel like a personal experience. That’s something we focus on a lot—just making sure that when we’re existing in the [online] world, it’s us. What you’re seeing is real.
– Thirdstory
June
If you want total strangers to appreciate your music, play it live to see what works before you spend the time and money to record it.
– Larry Butler
live performance
coach & author
August
When someone else promotes you––especially someone people know, like, and trust––suddenly, people are listening.
– David Reckles
digital marketer and co-founder of Music Money Formula
June
You may have an audience, but if you don’t know how to manage that audience you can’t convert that audience into paying customers.
– Scott Page
CEO of Ignited Network
February
When communicating with your fans on social media sites, utilize a uniform hashtag where all of the tribe members can easily search, find, and share content from one and other.
– Bobby Borg
author and recording artist
August
I don’t have time for an album. I need your single. If you don’t know what your single is, pick the song that your mama, and your girlfriend, and your brother, or your boyfriend gravitates to.
– Kat Corbett
KROQ Los Angeles host-programmer
October
Team Effort
It’s important to mold your own team and make use of the resources you have to the depth of your ability—always show them your worth.
– Thirdstory
June
Find someone who is willing to go to any length to get you what you need and want. Find someone who believes in you 100%, because there’s little or no money in the early stages.
– Alexandra Lee
WatchuWatchu Productions
July
Communication is the key. You have to be able to be honest and relate with each other.
– Chris Fletcher
Coast to Coast Music
Music Biz Mentors
July
In film composing, whatever you bring to the table has to integrate fully with the vision of the director, producers, all the other creative contributors. It’s definitely a team sport.
– Ronit Kirchman
composer (The Sinner 2)
May
Managers are not magicians. Even if they work really hard, success may not happen if artists don’t also do their part. It’s a team effort, and there has to be some fairness in the relationship.
– Bobby Borg
author and recording artist
July
I try to research everything about the artist I’m going to work with. I try to find every version of their songs to see how they’re different. That way I’m prepared for whatever comes.”
– Cindy Mizelle
singer
August
Be Authentic, Don’t Follow Trends
As long as you stay true to who you are, no matter what you deal with, you’re going to be okay. Perseverance is the most important thing
– Matthew Howl
Moonfall
February
Don’t be afraid to take risks. You’re going to fall on your face occasionally. That’s okay. The floor is a great place to get some perspective.
– Noah Gundersen
musician
January
Someone who chases trends might never be true to themselves. True artists evolve and, ideally, set trends.
– Tyler Bacon
Position Music
November
Authentic music will prevail. So, stay true to what moves you to create and tell that story. More than ever, there’s an audience out there who wants to hear it.
– Alex Heiche
founder, Sound Royalties
May
Often now, with people seeing overnight success on Instagram, that has changed the perception of what it takes to make it. Be patient and make sure that your sound is unique. Be yourself, because it’s the only way we’ll be able to see you in a crowd.
– Eric Bellinger
producer-songwriter
May
Don’t chase the sound of another composer. It’s impossible. There won’t be a better version of Thomas Newman; you can’t be him. You’ll always do what you do better.
– D. Brent Nelson
composer (Days of Our Lives)
August
What I look for in an artist is not one song and repeating that song over and over again. I like when a rapper will make a rap album, and then have a song with guitar and be singing on it.
– Billie Eilish
August
Use every platform available to present yourself as authentically as possible. You need to be driven and prepare yourself for a high-pressure situation.
– Storm Gardner
contestant, performance coach, casting producer
August
I’m looking for an artist that has something different. If you’re just gonna get into a Chris Brown-ish sound or a SZA-ish type of sound, then I could just go get Chris Brown or SZA.
– Kenny Smoov
Program Director and On-Air Talent - 92Q Nashville
October
You can’t model your career on anything that happened even five years ago. Things have changed and it’s a new day. I understand how difficult that can be, but today artists have more control and more opportunities available.
– Ari Herstand
Ari’s Take
July
Pick the Right People
Do your research on the person and/or company you are thinking of entering into a contract with.”
– Glenn Litwak
entertainment attorney
August
Passion is number one. Your manager should be your best friend who is willing to die for you. They should also have confidence, energy, be organized and have a great sales technique.
– Ari Herstand
Ari’s Take
July
The marketplace has changed—it’s not just about getting signed to a record deal anymore. It’s about having a successful career, which is possible as an independent act.
– Alexandra Lee
WatchuWatchu Productions
July
Artists can do a lot for themselves nowadays, and achieve a lot of success. But, if they want to be a mainstream pop star they’re going to need major support and radio airplay.
– Don Grierson
A&R executive
February
Never Stop Learning
Never stop learning. Even inspired amateurs can teach you something. The minute you think you know it all is the minute you can be sure you don’t.
– Bill Smith
(Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles)
producer
January
Keep yourself as open as possible to other people’s opinions.
– Doug McKean
producer
September
You think you’re good at what you do until you get around the pros. I had to learn really fast that I had a long way to go, so I started going to these writer’s nights where all these professional writers would go and play their songs.
– Eric Church
October
Do not listen to your family, friends or fans. They’re way too close to you to be objective about you, your music or your show.
– Larry Butler
live performance music coach
July
Persevere
Don’t give up; just keep doing it, because the minute I nearly gave up it all came to fruition.
– Tom Walker
March
Perseverance. No matter how many times you’re told ‘No, there’s not a job for you in this industry,’ keep moving forward. There will always be blocks.
– Ruben Salas
producer (Guaco, Erika Ender)
August
You can’t get too demoralized. It doesn’t help you reach your goals. It’s easy to beat yourself up if something doesn’t go the way you planned. Take things with a grain of salt and learn from it. ... As cliché as it sounds, as one door closes another door opens.
– Garrett Weakley
Discrepancies
August
When I talk to a band about their goals and what they want to see happen, I try to make sure they have realistic expectations, especially if it’s a smaller band.
– Chris Hansen
No Sleep Records
September
Legal Advice
In entering into a 360 deal the artist should make sure that he or she understands all of its ramifications and have skilled and experienced representation to negotiate it.
– Glenn Litwak
entertainment attorney
March
You’ve got to make sure you are credited… I don’t handle my contracts anymore, but the ones at the beginning of my career I’m just like ‘They could [have] literally put anything they wanted.’ You’ve just got to assume the worst, and at the end of the day just putting it on paper doesn’t make you a bad guy; it’s protection for you and protection for them.”
– Gareth Coker
video game composer
September
There are many ways to pay a music attorney other than paying by the hour up front. Determine the fee agreement that you are comfortable with and carefully choose your music attorney.
– Glenn Litwak
music attorney
January
I encourage every songwriter to be in touch with their PRO [performing rights organizations]. Find someone there who’s a fan and can advocate for you.
– Casey Robison
Big Deal Music Publishing
November
Rehearse Smart
If you’re not paying attention to the visual aspects of your performance, it’s not a rehearsal––it’s practice. Sometimes artists forget that people are watching them. It’s not about simply playing live, it’s about putting on an entertaining show.”
– Larry Butler
Live Performance Coach & Author
August
If you’ve rehearsed enough, you’re able to read the audience. That’s important in a live show and will make you a better performer.
– Stevvi Alexander
singer (Justin Timberlake)
August
If there’s no plan or organization, it wastes a lot of time. You need to know what you want to do. If people bring problems or disputes into rehearsal it can affect everyone.”
– Briana Lee
singer (Katy Perry, Elvis Costello)
August
You have to practice before you rehearse for tours, because you need discipline when you’re on the road. It can be tough, but it’s also very rewarding. There’s nothing like performing in front of thousands of people.
– Stevvi Alexander
singer (Britney Spears)
August
Sometimes magic happens. Most often that occurs because of rehearsal and experience. Everything clicks and works together. But, that only happens after you’ve rehearsed enough and are aware enough to recognize it.
– Larry Butler
live performance coach & author
August
If you’re totally prepared and have everything down perfectly, you can try different things. But, not before the show is planned out and ready to go.
– Stacy Jones
musical director, producer, drummer
August
If it’s a big performance, choreography is important. It’s not so much the moves you do, but where you need to be on stage. You have to be in certain places at certain times. You have to remember that a live performance is visual and you don’t want to appear lost on stage.
– Stevvi Alexander
singer (Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears)
August
Collaborations are Vital
My advice to all writers is to collaborate. Get into songwriting circles. Your name will start to bubble up if you’re good and people will find you.
– Richard Stumpf
Atlas Music Publishing
November
It really helps when you have another songwriter in the room. You’re both trying to please each other and trying to work together to create something.
– Sam Harris
X Ambassadors
February
I’m looking for someone who can bring something out of me and not oppose my style with their vision. Everything’s got to be a collaboration or it’s not gonna be unique.
– Jade Bird
May
When you’re in the studio with the artists, skills, ego, everything has to be set aside. What matters is how you can relate. The studio is very intimate and you need to establish a relationship. It’s all about energy transmission, which is key to the recording’s success.
– Ruben Salas
producer (Guaco, Erika Ender)
August
Even if there are moments of doubt or frustration, you just have to remember that it started from a really good, honest, collaborative place and that’s where it’s going to end up.
– Winifred Phillips
video game composer
September
Successful composers are pure collaborators. They leave their egos at the door, every time.
– Steve Schnur
Worldwide Executive and President of Music at Electronic Arts (Madden NFL,
Dead Space)
May
Lessons Before Signing
Be cautious about what you sign. Don’t go for the first bite that comes your way. Usually they’ll lowball you out of your excitement and desire to do music for a living. I’ve seen so many friends get in bad contracts and it ruins their career or they have to suffer through a few years of a bad deal.
– Landon Tewers
The Plot In You
February
People don’t hear with their eyes. Don’t let advertisers fool you into thinking that you need X, Y and Z [gear] to be successful.
– Eric Bass
Shinedown
July
You just have to be realistic in what you expect. Even if they’re really nice guys, you’re in charge of keeping the music true to itself. They can’t do that for you. You have to negotiate so that you have the conditions to actually create that [environment].
– Matthew Howl
Moonfall
February
Don’t worry about which label has the most money, which label has the most credibility, just find passionate people because those are the people who are going to propel your career forward.
– Josh Katz
Badflower
November
Do your research on who you are dealing with. You can have a great contract, but if it is with a dishonest person or company, they could very well breach it.
– Glenn Litwak
entertainment attorney
May
It’s easy to get excited about signing with a label, but diving into things blindly is rarely the best route.
– Adam Greuel
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
May
Everyone has the perception that the minute you land in Los Angeles you will get signed and someone will discover you as you are coming off the plane.
– Bishop Briggs
June
Deciding on a label involves a lot of people, and there are a lot of conversations that need to be had. It’s not an easy decision.
– Ben Schneider
Lord Huron
July
Watch out for big talkers who promise you the world—even if they have a big office with records on the walls. You want someone who’s going to be in it for the long haul, who’s going to stick it out with you, even during the tough times.
– Bobby Borg
author and recording artist
July
Believe in Yourself
We’re told we’re not good enough. We’re told we have to do these 9 to 5 jobs. We’re told to not aim higher and not take risks. But I don’t believe that. I believe in taking risks. I believe we can think beyond.
– Shelita Burke
March
Be honest with the music and yourself. Give both the chance to fail. Try different things without worrying about how people will judge it.”
– Doug McKean
producer
September
You have to identify your slingshot. I’ve had my ups and downs but I discovered what my slingshot is. Once you’ve figured that out, all of a sudden you don’t feel like an underdog. Life doesn’t feel so intimidating anymore because you know what you can defeat.
– Dee-1
March
You will have many detractors who will tell you that it’s a waste of time and energy. Thank them for their advice and ignore them! You have an internal spiritual voice that will guide you if you only listen.
– Peter Manning Robinson
composer, pianist
February
Learn your craft, be professional, be tech savvy, be on time, be bold, be confident, be an amazing composer and never ever allow anyone to take away your power.
– Lolita Ritmanis
composer (The X Files, Swimfan, Avengers Assemble)
March
Women should just remember: you’re not alone. If you have a strong creative contribution, there will be people who want to hear that.
– Ronit Kirchman
composer (The Sinner 2)
May
I had labels and management and publishing telling me to stick with a genre. I never listened, and it’s helped so much because I write in so many different genres, and they fit so many types of projects.
– Kari Kimmel
composer-songwriter
(The Walking Dead, The Office)
July
It’s funny how quickly you can fluctuate between self-confidence and that feeling of not being too sure. I try to think that maybe it’s good to be a little bit unsure.
– Vance Joy
December 2017
Advice that people give you might have worked for them, but it doesn’t mean that it’s going to work for you. You are the only person who is going to make you be what you want to be. Give yourself some advice and just follow that.
– Billie Eilish
August
