Category Archives: op-ed

Wednesday Wisdom: Tips for Managing Stress as a Musician

Stress.

It touches us all, and it affects each of us in different ways.

When you’re a musician, that stress can reach absurd levels that can make you feel sick, tired, and plain burnt out. It is critically important that during those moments — when the stress reaches its peak — that you take care of yourself and bring it back down.

Although I’m not pursuing my own artistic career, I’ve definitely felt the stress of working in this industry myself. So, here are some of my favorite tips for managing stress while growing your career and fulfilling your dreams.

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Building Relationships: Why Musicians Should Not Solely Rely on Social Media or TikTok

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for musicians to reach a wider audience, making the journey of being an independent musician just a little bit more attainable.

However, solely relying on these platforms can be a double-edged sword. While they provide exposure, they lack the personal connection that comes from building relationships with fans. In this article, we will explore the reasons why why musicians should not solely rely on social media or TikTok, and emphasize the importance of using the connections made to establish genuine connections with their followers.

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Op-ed: Is AI a Threat to Artists?

Jeannie Jones is an award-winning journalist, media personality, actress, producer, director and brand architect. Jeannie’s Los Angeles-based multimedia firm, Ready Set Impact, specializes in music, film, and radio production; publishing; social media marketing, branding, and casting.

This month, Jeannie offers insight into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry — and the potential implications for creators.

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Navigating The Music Industry With An Entrepreneurial Mindset

By: Sacha Walton, Business Strategist, CEO of SWI Management Group.

For independent music artists, being successful means more than just creating and sharing your music—it’s also about learning how to be an entrepreneur. Having a creative vision is an essential component of being a successful artist, but developing a sound business acumen is key to keeping your music career thriving.

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Musicians: 4 Key Areas to Invest Your Money

Last time I appeared on the Muze blog, I pointed out that time may be the most important asset of all to invest wisely. How you invest your time will dictate the outcome of your projects — however, so will the ways you invest your money.

A dollar well-spent can open new doors for your career, and there are talented professionals across the industry, offering services that can bolster your creative vision.

Ready to invest your money to advance your music career? Here are a few suggestions to help you on your way…

Musicians: 4 Key Areas to Invest Your Time

As a musician, what comes to mind when you hear the phrase “invest in yourself?”

Most people hear “invest,” and their minds immediately jump to finances. And, because the stereotypical “starving artist” doesn’t have much in the way of disposable income, hearing the “I” word can send shivers up the spines of independent musicians.

However, money is not the only asset available for creatives to invest. One could argue that time is even more valuable, and it’s an asset that we all have, regardless of our finances.

How you use your time will almost certainly determine how far you go in the music industry. If you’re looking for where to begin investing yours, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions.

Wednesday Wisdom: The Female Pioneers of Hip Hop

By: Sacha Walton, SWI Management Group

It was 1984, and I remember listening to the radio to what we now know as old-school hip hop flooding the airwaves. The days of Beat Street, New York City Breakers, Pumas with the fat shoe laces, DJ battles, UTFO, and The Rapping Duke, while everyone was doing the Wop and singing La-Di-Da-Di. “6 minutes Dougie Fresh You’re On!”  Listening to DJ Red Alert Hot 97 mixtapes, with female duo Frick and Frack.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of hip hop, I can’t help but give a shout-out to the queens of hip hop who blazed the trail for many female rappers for Women’s History Month. 

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Beginning Your Music Career? No More Procrastination!

Humans are masters at procrastination, especially when it comes to taking on a difficult task. As we all know, starting a music career – much like any creative endeavor – can be synonymous with the word “difficult.” You’re building a platform from zero, with no clear indication of how long it will take, or what challenges lie on the road ahead. Scary stuff!

Not only is procrastination a great way to not accomplish your goals; it’s harmfulA 2013 study from Psychological Science shows that procrastinators “end up suffering more and performing worse” than their counterparts. Indeed, those same fears that appear in place to protect us are actually hurting us in the long run.

The antidote to those fears – and the key to achieving your creative vision – is simple: Just start. Today, we’re going to take it a step further, and break down the excuses we make that often get in the way.

Wednesday Wisdom: The Growing Impact of Women in the Music Industry

Women are constantly rewriting what it means to succeed in the music industry — on their own terms. The music industry is filled with powerful women, from artists releasing record breaking singles and breaking ground in songwriting and production, to shattering the glass ceiling in the boardroom.

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Musicians: Watch Out for These Bandmate Red Flags

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s as good a time as any to be on the lookout for red flags.

However, we’re not focusing on red flags in a romantic partner. Instead, let’s focus on what traits to look for — and perhaps avoid — in a musical or business collaborator.

I took to the Muze blog to share some of my favorite bandmate red flags. However, these can also apply to just about any professional relationship. Dive in, and let me know if I missed anything!

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