MusicCareers’ Post

🎶 The Patient and Trusting Musician 🎶 In the music industry, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire for instant success. But sometimes, the most beautiful compositions and collaborations come from patiently nurturing and trusting the process. Creating a great song is like growing a plant. You start with a seed of an idea, work on it, and wait. Day by day, it might feel like progress is slow. But beneath the surface, the magic is happening—melodies are forming, harmonies are blending, and before you know it, you have a masterpiece. The same goes for music supervision. Finding the perfect track for a scene or project often takes time. It’s during this meticulous search and review process that we discover hidden gems that elevate the entire production. I've experienced this time and again. There have been moments when the perfect song seemed elusive, but with persistence and trust in the creative process, the results have far exceeded expectations. Some of the most impactful musical moments have come unexpectedly, surprising me with their timing and emotional depth. So, whether you’re writing, producing, or supervising music, remember: patience and trust are key. The best musical experiences often come when you least expect them. 🌟 Hit the 🔔 if you find this helpful! #Patience #TrustTheProcess #MusicIndustry

The life of a singer can be quite varied depending on their level of fame, genre, and personal choices, but it generally involves several key aspects: ### Early Life and Training - **Passion and Talent:** Many singers discover their passion for music at a young age and often start singing in school choirs, local bands, or community events. - **Training:** Formal training can include vocal lessons, learning music theory, and possibly learning to play instruments. Some singers attend music schools or conservatories. ### Career Beginnings - **Performances:** Early career singers often perform at local venues, open mics, and talent shows. This helps them gain experience and exposure. - **Networking:** Building connections within the music industry is crucial. This might include working with producers, other musicians, and industry professionals. - **Recording:** Many singers start by recording demos or independent albums to showcase their talent. ### Breakthrough and Professional Life - **Signing with a Label:** Some singers get signed by record labels, which can provide resources for producing, marketing, and distributing their music. - **Tours and Concerts:** Touring is a significant part of a singer’s life. It involves performing at various venues, which can be exhausting but is essential for building a fanbase. - **Promotion:** Singers often engage in promotional activities like interviews, social media engagement, and public appearances to maintain their public profile. ### Daily Routine - **Practice:** Regular vocal practice and rehearsals are essential to maintain and improve vocal performance. - **Health:** Taking care of their voice and overall health is crucial. This can include vocal rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding substances that can harm their vocal cords. - **Creativity:** Writing new music, collaborating with other artists, and constantly seeking inspiration is a continuous process. ### Challenges - **Public Scrutiny:** Famous singers often face intense public and media scrutiny, which can impact their personal lives. - **Competition:** The music industry is highly competitive, and staying relevant can be challenging. - **Financial Stability:** Especially for independent or less famous singers, financial stability can be a concern due to the unpredictable nature of the industry. ### Rewards - **Fulfillment:** For many singers, the joy of creating music and connecting with audiences is immensely fulfilling. - **Recognition:** Achievements like awards, chart-topping hits, and a loyal fanbase are significant rewards. - **Impact:** Singers often have the power to influence culture and bring attention to important issues through their music. Overall, the life of a singer is a blend of passion, hard work, and perseverance, along with the thrill of performing and connecting with people through music.

**Reggae and Rap Artists: Victims of a Deadly Trend in America** In recent years, the music industry has been rocked by a disturbing trend: the senseless killings of reggae and rap artists. These artists, who often use their music to express their experiences and perspectives, have become targets of violence, leaving their fans and communities in mourning. **The Victims** The list of slain reggae and rap artists is growing alarmingly long. In 2022 alone, we have lost: * PnB Rock (rapper) * Trouble (rapper) * King Von (rapper) * Young Dolph (rapper) * XXXTentacion (rapper) These artists, along with countless others, have been taken from us prematurely, their lives cut short by senseless acts of violence. **The Causes** The reasons behind these killings are complex and varied. Some experts point to the glorification of violence in music and popular culture. Others cite the prevalence of illegal firearms and the systemic racism that exists in many communities. Additionally, the music industry itself may play a role. The competitive nature of the business can lead to rivalries and conflicts, while the high stakes involved can attract individuals with violent intentions. **The Impact** The killings of reggae and rap artists have a profound impact on their communities and the music industry as a whole. These artists are often role models and voices for their generation, and their deaths leave a vacuum that is difficult to fill. Moreover, these killings send a chilling message to other artists who may fear for their own safety. As a result, it can stifle creativity and expression, undermining the very foundation of the music industry. **Solutions** Addressing this deadly trend requires a multi-pronged approach. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize investigating these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The music industry needs to take steps to reduce violence and promote a culture of respect. Additionally, communities must work together to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and systemic racism. Only by working together can we create a society where all artists, regardless of their genre, can feel safe and express themselves freely. https://lnkd.in/eNa9pRZj https://lnkd.in/eJyq-njh https://styafiya.substack.comhttps://dealfigure.substack.comThe killings of reggae and rap artists are a tragedy that has robbed us of some of our most talented and promising voices. It is imperative that we demand justice for these artists and work together to find solutions that will prevent future violence. By valuing and protecting the lives of our artists, we can ensure that their music continues to inspire and uplift generations to come.

#ThrowbackThursday Music has been a part of my life for 30 years. I started playing clarinet in 1994 and was immediately hooked. I couldn't spend enough time practicing and learning more about it. I would practice for hours every single day playing from our church hymn book, music from school, whatever I could find (which wasn't much since google didn't exist yet 😂). Since then I have added other instruments, played on every kind of stage imaginable, and even made my living playing clarinet. I have taught, been taught, performed, and grown so much because of music. 🎶 As I have been developing my business, working with clients, and really tuning into who I am and why I do what I do, I realize that music and what it has done for me over the last 3 decades is at the core of it all. Everything I know about teamwork, connection, storytelling, teaching, and building confidence came from music. It came from supportive teachers encouraging me to try other instruments and styles of playing. It came from being so nervous I could barely squeak out a note, it came from totally bombing out and being on the verge of tears at a masterclass in college, and it came from being offered countless performance and teaching opportunities from people who saw in me what I didn't always see in myself. This is the place I teach my clients from. Through my musical training and experiences, along with my knack for writing and wordsmithing, I get to help people find the melodies of their life and weave them together to create a captivating piece that tells a story, causes an emotional response, and hopefully inspires them and their audience in some way. Afterall, isn't that what music does? I absolutely love the position I find myself in now. Being able to marry my skills, education, and experience as both a musician and a communicator into a program that helps others become confident, able, and inspired performers (because speaking is really just performing with your words) who get to connect with their world at a higher level than they ever thought possible. All because someone said, "hey, you should join the band in 6th grade."🎵 (Photo: Summer 2011, playing E-flat clarinet, B-flat clarinet, and Tenor Sax in the Tuacahn production of Crazy for You) #MusicIsEsssential #MusicIsCommunication

🇪🇺 Back at the European Parliament today to participate at the EU conference on music: “Challenges, needs and opportunities of the European music ecosystem” organised as part of the Music Moves Europe initiative (MME). #performingarts #performers #musicindustry #musicians #copyright #copyrightlaw #intellectualproperty #intellectualpropertyrights #culture #art #culturematters

I fully endorse the insights presented by DONNE | Women in Music. To foster a genuinely inclusive music industry and ensure equal access and opportunities, it is imperative that pathway initiatives bridging existing gaps are robustly supported by educational institutions, industry leaders, and audiences alike. I fully endorse the insights presented by DONNE | Women in Music. To foster a genuinely inclusive music industry and ensure equal access and opportunities, it is imperative that pathway initiatives bridging existing gaps are robustly supported by educational institutions, industry leaders, and audiences alike. Considering that only 10% of composers are women, this is a wild statistic that underscores the need for action. With the cost of living skyrocketing and an industry recovering from a pandemic-induced skills shortage (amongst many other contributing factors), artists are finding it increasingly difficult to dedicate time to their craft and produce original works. Now is the time to nurture pathways and invest in initiatives that bridge these gaps.

Breaking the Sound Barrier: Film Scores by Women Composers The music industry, where creativity should know no gender, as we know still faces significant inequality, in all music genres. Our recent study of the top 200 grossing films of 2023 showed that only 10% of composers were women, compared to 90% men. This stark disparity highlights broader issues across all music genres, where women's contributions are often underrepresented and undervalued. These statistics matter! Film music is a major revenue opportunity, with a total box office earnings exceeding $21.5 billion in March 2023. The exclusion of women from these high-profile projects translates into substantial financial loss and limits their career growth. Despite the immense talent and potential of women composers, the market is still not providing equal opportunities. To create a truly inclusive music industry, we need action from education institutions, industry leaders, and audiences. Mentorship programs, scholarships, and initiatives promoting female composers are crucial. By actively supporting music created by women, we can amplify their voices and ensure their contributions are valued equally. Share this post, raise awareness within your network and be all contribute for a more inclusive music industry.

Beyoncé on Country Radio? Why not? Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” marks a fascinating intersection of musical genres. Let’s delve into the details: Country Music’s Evolution: Country music has always been a melting pot, drawing inspiration from blues, gospel, rock, and pop. Its ability to adapt while preserving its distinct identity is a testament to its resilience. Beyoncé’s Musical Exploration: Known for her versatility, Beyoncé fearlessly experiments with various styles. Her previous albums blended R&B, pop, hip-hop, and funk. Now, with “Cowboy Carter,” she adds country music to her repertoire. Artistic Growth and Challenge: Artists evolve, and their music reflects that growth. Beyoncé’s foray into country music represents a natural progression—an opportunity to stretch her creative boundaries. Country Radio’s Role: Traditionally, country radio defined what’s “real” country. However, recent movements challenge this narrow view. By playing Beyoncé’s album, country radio can foster inclusivity. Impact on the Genre: “Cowboy Carter” could revolutionize country music. It introduces the genre to a new, young audience, inspiring other artists to explore diverse sounds. Navigating Race: Some may hesitate due to Beyoncé’s race. Yet, country music has deep roots in African American traditions. Acknowledging this history makes the genre more welcoming. Here are some reasons why country radio stations might consider playing Beyoncé's new album "Cowboy Carter": * Broaden audience: Exposure to new genres can attract new listeners to the station. * Quality over genre: If the music is good, it should be played regardless of the artist's background. * Star power: Beyoncé's popularity could generate a lot of interest and listenership. * Bold move: Playing the album could show the station is willing to take risks and cater to a wider range of musical tastes. * Revenue boost: Increased listenership could lead to higher ratings and revenue for the station. The Bottom Line: Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” defies conventions and celebrates growth. Country radio stations should embrace it, not just for ratings but to propel country music’s evolution. In this musical journey, Beyoncé becomes both teacher and student, weaving her experiences with the legacies of country’s pioneers. 🎶🤠

I am a classically trained pianist with absolute pitch, but I grew up without formal musical training because of financial constraints, which meant my abilities lay mostly dormant until I pursued a music major in college. In the interim, I participated in school bands and choirs. My first piano recital took place at 19, during my sophomore year at Stillman College. It was my debut performance and it was marred by severe music performance anxiety (MPA). At the time, I didn’t understand MPA or know how to manage it. This led to sweaty palms, memory lapses, and a pervasive, unsettling fear before and during performances. My professor at the time managed the situation well, offering repetitive exercises and coaching. Ultimately, however, it was a battle I had to face alone. It wasn't until my master's studies, when I first encountered literature on MPA, that I felt truly prepared to perform. I learned several strategies: 1. Aesthetics influence perception. If a performance outwardly feels "pretty" to the performer, it's more likely to sound "pretty" to the audience. 2. Harness adrenaline. Simulating performance conditions during practice helps manage overwhelming feelings during the actual performance. 3. The benefits of slow practice are unique and can only be experienced through the process. 4. Perform despite fear. It’s impossible to completely eliminate MPA, so sometimes you must push through the anxiety. 5. Master the ii-V-I chord progression as a backup for major memory slips. Knowing there’s a safety net can boost confidence. I used to record my practice sessions on a tape recorder since recording made me nervous, and I would ask bystanders to listen to me play to simulate performance pressure. These methods became part of a mental training montage for my personal biopic, making me feel like the star of the show. Although I still experience MPA, I've grown to love the process of facing it. I am currently preparing a short program of piano works and considering hosting a local mini recital. I’m eager to revisit many of my old techniques and grateful for the support I've received over the years. I hope to one day share my journey with MPA with young musicians lacking formal training, aiming to break the cycle of untrained talent in the communities of people of color.

New Blog Post: Countdown to 2024: 10 Elementary Music Activities for a first day back to school #8 Blob Opera to create, warmup, and reflect Who knew blobs could sing? Music educators are raving about Blob Opera, and for good reason! Check out the blog post/video below for some ideas on how to jazz up your first day back from a break with some melodic blob fun.