There are tons of myths about how the music industry operates, and when you're trying to break into the business, these misconceptions can send you down the wrong path in a big way. Learn about some common music career myths so you can avoid falling into their traps. To get more details about any of the myths listed here, simply click on the "more info" links.
1. Demos are for Amateurs/Demos Should Be Expensive
Demos are the subject of more music industry myths than just about anything else. Two of the most persistent center around the fact that only amateurs use demos and that demos should be professionally recorded. These two myths may clash with each other, but they're both wrong. Demos - whatever form they take - are an important part of the music industry, and calling your demo something other than a demo doesn't fool anyone.
On the subject of recording demos, just like record labels are savvy enough to know a demo when they see one, they're also savvy enough to expect demos to be rough recordings. Music careers are expensive - there's no good reason to create an extra burden for yourself by spending money unwisely, like a pricey demo.
2. You Can Do It All Online
The internet has created a lot of opportunities for the music industry, but it's also easy to get so caught up in your online music activities that you forget how important your offline game is. Even if everyone who connects with you via a social networking site comes out to one of your shows, they won't come back again if you can't deliver the goods. The internet is an important tool in your arsenal, but remember to make your offline music activities a priority, too.
3. Never Say I Don't Know
A lot of people will tell you to fake it til you make it in the music industry, but if you really want to learn the ropes, asking questions is critical. The best way to spot someone in the music industry who doesn't know what they're doing is to look for the person who thinks they don't have anything to learn and it's their way or the highway. When you're trying to get into the industry, don't be afraid to ask questions or admit you don't know something. You'll earn a lot of respect for your honesty, and as an added bonus, you'll build your confidence in your career because you'll really understand how things work.
4. CDs are Dead
You've certainly heard all of the hype about tanking CD sales and vast increases in digital music sales. It's all true. What is also true, however, is that CD still sell a lot and the rise in digital sales have not made up for the decrease in CD sales. Digital music distribution is a all but a must these days, and going for a digital release exclusively can be a good solution for labels looking to keep the costs down. None of that means that the CD is dead, however. It may be dying, but it's way too soon to count it out completely.
5. You Can Do It All Yourself
This doesn't mean that you need a big corporation behind you to accomplish your music industry goals, but having a small group of like minded people on the case can help a lot. Taking control of your rights and your music career is a great thing. Just don't compromise your goals by thinking that retaining this kind of control means that you have to handle everything on your own. This point is especially important to musicians, who need to have ample time to focus on their music and often find themselves distracted by the business side of their music careers. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
