Monday, November 27, 2006
Guitar dreams
Dear Pud,
For the past couple of years, I've been really concentrating on guitar, and truly hope that one day I'll "make it."
How do I fulfill my dream of becoming a famous guitarist?
Thanks,
G.I.
17 years old
Toronto, Canada
G.I.,
There are three requirements.
1. Do not have any other valuable skills
If you learn how to program computers or fix washing machines, you'll ultimately end up doing those things. Humans do what they can to survive, and it's much easier "surviving" with a skilled regular trade, than trying to make it as a professional rock star. The fewer alternatives you have, the closer you'll come to your goal.
Pay the bills by working at a gas station. And stay far away from college.
2. Be popular
Most kids get into music to avoid the popular scene. But how do you get 500 people to come see your unknown band if you're not popular?
And being popular with the unpopular crowd doesn't count. The closer you get to the top of the popularily food-chain, the better. Depending on your style, it may help if the popular kids in your school are more Avril Lavigne and less Dave Matthews. But there's not much you can do to change what's already popular (leave that to those who are already rock stars)
Remember your audience. Play to them. You want to be true to yourself, but you also want your music to be popular. By definition, if your style clashes with your audience's taste, you're doomed.
3. Music *business*
Don't forget, the music business is a business like any other. When you're not physically playing music or writing songs, stop thinking of yourself as a musician, and start thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur.
This means sales (getting gigs), procurement (equipment, negotiating w/ recording studio, etc.), technology (web site), marketing (mailing list, flyers), and more.
Fortunately, the most important thing for an entrepreneur is to love what he does. And that won't be hard for you.
Rock on (literally),
Pud
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