You Have To Be In It To Win It
Published: Tue, 08/18/09
A little over a week ago I watched as one of my friends, and former lead singer of my band URB, Joshua Jones, along with his girlfriend and duet partner Meghan Linsey, won this season's Can You Duet on CMT. Josh and Meghan together perform as the duet Steel Magnolia and as a result of their winning Can You Duet they are now signed to Big Machine Records, the same label that Taylor Swift is signed to. It's a pretty big deal and their experience has reminded of a couple principles that are critical to keep in mind when pursuing a career in the music industry.
#1 You Have To Be In It To Win It - As I always say, you have to be in it to win it. I didn't coin the phrase, and I'm sure you've heard it before, but this phrase really rings true when thinking of Josh's experience. There are no guarantees in the music business, just like there aren't guarantees in most businesses, but if you do nothing then you're almost guaranteed that nothing will happen. Those who succeed in the music industry are playing shows, making CDs, entering contests, etc.
#2 Luck Is What Happens When Preparation And Opportunity Collide - I first heard this phrase when I attended Berklee and Josh and Meghan's story is a perfect example of this principle. There are a lot of things leading up to their winning Can You Duet that never could have been planned or predicted. They didn't plan to meet and become a couple three years ago, form a duet and then eventually go on a show called Can You Duet (which didn't exist three years ago). There big break, as it were, was not planned. In fact they had to be talked into even auditioning. But thanks to the many years that both of them have put into performing, practing, writing songs, etc.. they became one of the ten finalists, out of over 5,000 duos that auditioned, and went on to win the whole show. They were ready for the opportunity that presented itself and hit the proverbial ball way out of the park!
I have been drawn to the music licensing industry, because it's a little less crazier than the recording industry. But the same principles apply. Obviously those who succeed in the music licnesing industry are working hard writing songs and pursuing licensing opportunities. Most likely deals aren't going to come find you. You have to be in it to win it!
And although, in my opinion, getting involved in the music licensing business is much easier than breaking into the recording industry, there is still an element of timing involved. Sometimes you have to wait for the right opportunity to line up with the right song. But in the meantime, if you're not honing your material and working on your craft, you're not going to be ready to seize the opportunities that will eventually come along.
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Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison
Aaron Davison