Top Tips for Starting Out in Music
New Year, New Ambitions: Top Tips for Starting Out in Music
We all have that one hobby we want to start, whether that’s singing, songwriting, drawing or starting our own business. The problem with the goal of creativity is that sometimes we hesitate in actually starting it. Growing up I was always asked how I started doing music, and most of all, how I continued doing music. Starting music from a young age meant I dealt with the mocking and taunting that comes with being in school. Despite this, I never gave up. I always kept creating even if it was for my eyes only. However, I will definitely admit that I did take social media hiatuses and even ghosted from the face of the internet planet.
With the new year just around the corner and after everything that’s happened this year, I wanted to share with our IAB readers some tips on how to get started with making your own music. That being said, I am no expert and this is ONE opinion of MANY and a lot of the advice I am giving can be applied to most creative outlets as well.
1) SELF-BELIEF AND PASSION
Before even beginning to think about starting music, or even sharing your music with others, you need to be your own supporter and you must believe in your craft and art form. Without passion and love for what you do, you will get tired of creating before you’ve even started. Therefore, you must love what you do, what you stand for and believe in your own sauce.
2) ESTABLISHING WHO AND WHY
Whether you want to keep your music private or want to share it with the world, it’s important to establish who you are as an artist, who you want to share your craft with and most of all, why you do it. There’s a reason you have wanted to start creating for a while and you need to self-reflect and channel that answer into your motivation as an artist, as well as into the work you produce.
3) BRANDING
One of the key aspects of being an artist is having a brand. To stand out you must have something in your work and in your content that is uniquely YOU. For example, my artist name is Nina G, but my brand is the Girl Boss, the Girl Savage. In everything I do, I portray my girl boss power, and in everything I create I make sure people are reminded of the values I stand for, such as, being a boss, self-love and self-improvement.
4) ACCEPT REJECTION, HATE AND STRUGGLE
Nothing in life comes free nor easy. No matter what career field you’re in, you will always face rejection, hate and struggle because the world is tough. Therefore, before starting music, accept that there will be people who will mock you, who will bash you and who will try to knock you down. Accept that there are people who won’t want to work with you, who don’t believe in your gift and who will outright reject you. Accept that you will struggle mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. As negative as this all sounds, it is the realest truth you will ever hear and by accepting these facts from the start, you will build yourself up to be strong. Being strong doesn’t mean shielding your feelings and becoming as cold as ice, but rather to protect your energy and to always be your own supporter. When negativity tries to enter your craft, you must go back to point number one and two and remember why you started doing music and why you love creating.
5) MOTIVATION AND DRIVE
Like every career and hobby, you must remain focused on your goal and be driven in your efforts to achieve that goal. That being said, we are only human, we do lose motivation and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Whenever you lose motivation, it may be a sign that you need to take some time out for yourself, relieve some of the pressure and wait for the ideas to come flooding back. Another helpful tool for motivating yourself is to surround yourself with things that inspire you. Your space and who you surround yourself with will ultimately play a huge role in your work ethic, drive and motivation. Whether it’s putting up a poster of your hero in your room or attending a music event and being surrounded by what you love the most- do whatever is best for you and don’t give up in those moments when you feel stuck.
6) ALWAYS BE OPEN MINDED AND OPEN TO LEARNING
Music is a learning experience. Not only do you learn more about your craft and the industry itself, but you also learn about yourself, what you believe in and how you interact with others. With that being said, it can be scary taking in new information, but I always think it’s important to be open-minded and open to learning new things about the industry, your craft and yourself. The industry is constantly changing and as an artist, it’s your responsibility to be progressive and open to the change. This doesn’t mean change yourself to industry standards, but learn how to smartly promote your work, your artistry and your brand within the current industry structure.
7) NETWORK
Even if you are introverted, networking is so important because through the people you meet you gain knowledge and experience. Even more so, doors can open up through networking. However, not everyone in the same industry as you is your friend. In my opinion, as long as you humble yourself, protect your energy, show the same love for those who show love to you and are the best version of yourself that you can be in that moment, that’s all you can do. You never know… you may find a wonderful group of creatives who help inspire and motivate you, who you collaborate with and who understand your creative struggles.
If you are interested in learning more about the music industry, hearing different experiences and receiving advice, from being an artist, to a producer, to being an instrumentalist, and so much more
...Check out my Youtube Series,
@girlbossgirlsavage
