10 Biggest Mistakes that I've Made in the Music Business.

In New York City, with Entertainment Attorney Jeffery Jacobson, circa Feb 2013. 

Rushing Things.. 

        Rushing things is a mistake cause it takes time to get things right. Save up money and get things recorded properly, spend money on professional artwork and photos. Take time to find the right band and chemistry, take time in the studio getting everything great, on time and in tune. Practice until you got things down. Don't take forever, but just take your time to get it right. 

Waiting for it to fall in your lap..

        The next mistake is thinking that you'll be like Elvis or Brittney Spears and that someone is going to come in and develop you and help you out and turn you into a star. We didn't see the work that even those stars went through, so most likely never going to happen. It's not going to be easy; just emailing a demo will most likely never lead anywhere. Build it and they will come. 

Not properly vetting companies.. 

        There are a lot of scammers and fraudsters around the music business. Many people are trying to get money and will gladly take it. If they have no standards and will work with anyone, it's a red flag. If it sounds too good to be true probably is, and if it sounds like BS or seems shady probably is. Look for transparency, and look for reviews online other than their website. Better off not to pay anyone, unless they work for a percentage, or you are getting a guaranteed service like mixing and mastering. Some offer legit critiques or submission fees. Just look out for anything sketchy or shady. 

Not getting production done professionally..

        Either hire a good producer and sound engineer or learn to do it yourself. But, in this day and age, you will need pristine professional recording quality to get anyone to take you seriously. It can be done in your bedroom for a few thousand. The days of making demos and then having a label come in and do it for you are gone. It's not impossible, but highly unlikely. Most labels want to see you have it done yourself. 

Thinking that you can make it on talent alone..

         Thinking that you're just so talented that people will pay attention to your low-quality video or recording, and that people will pay attention to your unprofessional website or social media profiles. Just be professional. You don't have to look like Brad Pitt, but just keep a professional image and branding.  

Not focusing on building your following.. 

        Unless you just have a few hundred thousand to invest in yourself. You will need the following. Everyone from Nirvana to Justin Bieber had built some kind of audience before they signed to a major label. No one is going to do it for you. You have to build your online presence and streaming numbers before anyone will take notice, no matter how good you are. 

Not getting more education and constructive feedback.. 

       Get educated and read books, and I recommend a formal education because we learn better when we are tested and get feedback, which is proven. Get feedback on your music, image, and website. Cause most people usually think they are better than they are. You need some adversity to wake you up and raise your bar. 

Not realizing that you're a dime a dozen.. 

       Literally, in this day and age, you can find a virtuoso guitar player at the click of a button, and there are gazillions of drummers who can play tight and clean. A lot of people don't even need or want the most talented; sometimes it's more about image or stage presence. 

Putting all your eggs in one basket.. 

        Don't be afraid to try things, try out for bands, and do different things. Maybe your goal is to be a big worldwide superstar. But, networking is how it happens. So, just be open to trying things and diversifying yourself. You don't have to be tied down to just one thing. Try things out, get in as many baskets as possible. 

Not getting professional artwork and photos..

        Again if you want people to take you seriously, first impressions are a must. You can take great photos nowadays on an iPhone and have them edited or photoshopped. You can also get graphic designers online inexpensively on websites such as Fiverr, you can even have AI generate artwork or logos.