How To Make The Right Contacts In The Music Industry

You know that making the right music industry connections is a key factor in developing a successful music career. The problem is, most people really don't know 'who' the most valuable music industry contacts are, where to find them, how to actually transform a 'first contact' into a meaningful relationship, what it really means to have the 'right connections', etc. etc.

If I gave you my complete list of music industry connections (key people I have established important relationships with), do you think it would help you develop a successful music career? … NO! Why? Because a mere 'contact' is not worth anything. Contacts need to become meaningful connections. Meaningful connections are developed by building good relationships… More on this later…

However, even if you have good relationships with the right people, this won’t help you until and unless you work on having the right things in place which enables your contacts to feel confident enough to work with you. You can see more about this specific topic in a free video on how to become a professional musician.

So, who are the people you should be contacting? … And when you get through to someone, what do you say to him/her? How can you make these important people pay attention to you if you don’t yet have a ‘name’ in the music business?

Lets explore the first question “Who are the people you should be contacting?” To answer this, you need to ask a series of other questions such as:

Who are some music industry people who have great influence and power?

Who are the music industry people who have the greatest number of key relationships with other music industry professionals and companies?

Among the most important music industry people, who are the easiest to locate in your local area?

Who are the most accessible music industry people?

Who are the music industry people who you can help to solve THEIR problems and/or help them to reach their goals?

Is there a single “type” of music industry person or (company) who fits ALL the above criteria? The answer is ‘Yes’. And if you do not have music industry connections, this ‘type of contact’ may be your best place to begin… So, who is this type of person or company? Record company executives? A&R people? Producers? Publishers? Managers? Entertainment Lawyers? Famous bands? No… The answer is “Concert Promoters”.

Serious concert promoters have massive power and influence in the music industry. They are the real entrepreneurs of the music business. They deal with thousands of very important music industry people every year such as: well known bands, record labels, artist management, tour managers, entertainment lawyers, production companies, merchandising departments, the venues, booking agents, radio stations, the press, etc. etc.

If you live near an urban area, you won’t have any trouble finding promoters who live and work locally (use Google). Unlike most other important music industry contacts, promoters are generally accessible and will be willing to talk to anyone who has ‘something real’ to offer them (that’s where you come in).

Generally speaking, concert promoters take on more risk than any other person or entity in the entire music industry. All promoters lose large sums of money every year (because some concerts lose money). The successful promoters make (and keep) more money than they lose throughout the year.

What every promoter wants is a bigger and stronger team of people to help ensure that the concerts/tours they promote make more money! Obviously, it’s expensive to employ a large team of experienced people. However, you can join their team (at least on a part time basis) if you are willing to volunteer, intern, or earn a small salary. You may not yet know anything about promoting tours, but some promotion companies would be eager to train you if it isn’t expensive for them to do so.

Think about it from their perspective. If you were a big time promoter taking on huge risks, wouldn’t you want another person to work for you, for free or for a very low salary? Of course the answer is ‘yes’, even if that person could only work part time.

Many musicians who want a music career are told to intern for a record label. The conventional wisdom is that when you do this, you will learn a lot about the music business. The reality is, most of these interns never get into a position where they can truly learn much at all as an intern. However working for a promoter, your ability to learn how the industry really works (at least on the touring and promotional side) goes way up! In addition, the number of contacts you can make are 200 times more than what you would likely make working at a record label. And compared to record labels, there is a lot less competition for internships or jobs with a promoter.

As excited as you may now feel, knowing that you CAN actually do this…. there is a catch… a big one. In order to have any real chance of pursuing this opportunity and using these contacts to help launch your music career, you must work on having the right things in place which enables your music industry contacts to feel confident enough to work with you. The truth is, nothing in this article will help you until and unless you do take this step. You can see more about this specific topic in a free video on how to become a professional musician.

About the author: Tom Hess is a professional touring guitarist and recording artist. He teaches, trains and mentors musicians from around the world. Visit tomhess.net to discover highly effective music learning resources, guitar lessons, music career mentoring, and tools including free online assessments, surveys, mini courses and more.

©2008 Tom Hess Music Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Comments

[Paul Tauterouff]

I knew that promoters were important, but have never thought about developing and nuturing relationships with one!

[Andy_Mclaughlan]

Well Tom yet again you have given me another awesome idea. Great article!

[humperdunk]

seems to make sense...

[Wayne Benjamin]

Excellent article; very informative and original

[algemar]

So do I get a free kids meal and a toy with that video Tom Hess?

[The Spoon]

Pretty good article.

[Char Davis]

Makes me think about what it would be like to become one.

[druz15_UG]

a video on "how to become a professional musician"
wow is it really that easy? I just watch a video, follow 6 simple steps and earn millions playing solos in front of 80,000 people? AMAZING!!!

good article nonetheless

[Jonny_V]

Good stuff. It's worth keeping on good terms with these people. It always amazes me how bands don't seem to get this.

[SmashThings]

Andy_Mclaughlan wrote:

Well Tom yet again you have given me another awesome idea. Great article!

This way YOU can be like Tom Hess as well!

[Dan Weiler]

SmashThings wrote:

Andy_Mclaughlan wrote:

Well Tom yet again you have given me another awesome idea. Great article!

This way YOU can be like Tom Hess as well!

Well Tom Hess Doesn't seem to being doing too bad. I would like to see how you are doing.

[IvanGroznij]

very cool article and thanks for the video too!

[tommaso.zillio]

That's a great idea, Tom, and very practical too!

[pandora_grunt]

Well... thw concert promoter thingy was good. And it wasn't shameless advertising as usual.

Who are you, and what did you do to Tom Hess?

[Dan Klein]

Tom Hess is a top shelf player and instructor that KNOWS the business. I went through many instructors trying to find just one that really knew how to teach properly, and Tom is that guy! Anything he has to say we all would do well to ear up! Tks for the free advice Tom!

Checked

[broken fusion!]

GO AWAY HESS

jesus

[ChadCrawford]

Interesting, thanks!

[MarkCourt]

broken fusion we are tired of your obvious envy over Tom Hess, i think i speak for MANY people when i say.. you are the one that should go away.... why are you here anyways ? its clear that Tom Hess is not going away because of a couple no name bums that hold grudges and make irrelevant posts on UG. Thanks

[Regression]

It's always the people whos usernames consist of first and last names that post in these articles defending Tom Hess. It's kind of suspicious really, it's rare that you see a person with a normal username defend him.

Not a bad article though. Is it really that easy to get a part time job working for a concert promoter..?

[Joeschmoemama]

I've gotta say this at just this once: If Tom Hess has been so successful in the music industry, why had I not heard of him until I saw his articles here?

[noj]

Well, if you ever go see an artist, like, say, Barry Maniloe or something, they've got a whole band in the back. If you were the guitarist, you'd be a pro, you'd be touring and perhaps recording for him as well. But that doesn't mean anyone will have a clue as to who you are.

[Helpy Helperton]

What ever happened to making some music and putting it online, if people like it cool if they don't lik eor don't find it who gives a shit. 95% of people wanting to 'make it big' in music won't get there. Yes that is a stat i pulled out of my ass, i just mean an overwhelming majority). Just make music because you like it, if others like it sell it to them end of. Setting your goals at *I want to play an arena of 20,000 it aint happening. For example my goals are finish an album and teach guitar.

[Randy Johnson]

Thanks Tom for all your help.

[lestat1836]

Joeschmoemama wrote:

I've gotta say this at just this once: If Tom Hess has been so successful in the music industry, why had I not heard of him until I saw his articles here?

look here:

http://tomhess.net/Tour.aspx
http://tomhess.net/Videos. aspx view the movies at the bottom of the page
http://tomhess.net/TomHessBio.aspx view video on right side of the page near the bottom

[Divinephyton]

Record company interviews your band and asks
what kind of music do you play?

-It's music. We're musicians, we'll be doing lot's of neat fun sounding stuff!

Guy from the company goes: yea what genre?

-Genre's are irrelevant man! We make music with all our hearts; take a listen!

So then he proceeds to moan about how you have to be presented in a certain way towards a certain audience in order to get signed, he did say he liked the music though but nonetheless...

So I was like; **** that : /

Point being; it's an intolerant industry now. They won't let you just put out stuff. Everything has to be labeled (which makes sense; listeners nag more about genres than actual music nowadays)

I should've made the ''we're heavy-death-metal-blues-jazz-rock-salsa-funk-folk-reggae with a bit of classical influences!"" joke..
(we sound completely nothing like that, I assure you)

[strat0blaster]

Here's how you make the right contacts -

"Write and perform easily marketable music."

If you don't want to do that, just play becuase you love it, and if something good comes from it, all the better. If not, you're still doing what you love to do.

[Keith P. Boruff]

Great article!

[Darksucker]

strat0blaster wrote:

Here's how you make the right contacts -

"Write and perform easily marketable music."

If you don't want to do that, just play becuase you love it, and if something good comes from it, all the better. If not, you're still doing what you love to do.

+1

[Dave Viko]

A friend of mine takes online guitar lessons with Tom. He told me Rusty Cooley actually joined Tom's online music career internet course. When I heard that, I was like WHOA! holy crap! obviously i am paying more attention to what Tom says on his website now. I'm prolly not good enough to even think about a music career yet, tho it is cool that Tom shares at least some of his knowledge for free.

[neversleeps84]

Um, Rusty Cooley? Give me a break. Maybe he helps Tom promote the course, but he doesn't need it himself. He tours, records with bands, and writes articles for several guitar magazines, he's already a fairly well known hired gun in the metal world. He's not a superstar, but he's not in need of an internet course.

[RockInPeaceDime]

Get views on YouTube = the new way to become a productive musician. If you're good enough and make yourself available, you'll get noticed.

[Randy Johnson]

Neversleeps84, actually it is true that Rusty joined the Hess community and joined a couple of his programs. Tom's courses are not just like any other Internet courses as evident by Rusty joining. The best players are always looking for an edge. That's why they are great players. Even Steve Vai makes special efforts to learn moreabout music. Excellence always looks to go higher.

[Randy Johnson]

I should clarify that Rusty joined the business programs.

[Paul Tauterouff]

neversleeps84 wrote:

Um, Rusty Cooley? Give me a break. Maybe he helps Tom promote the course, but he doesn't need it himself. He tours, records with bands, and writes articles for several guitar magazines, he's already a fairly well known hired gun in the metal world. He's not a superstar, but he's not in need of an internet course.

Yes Rusty Cooley is a member of the advanced version of Tom's Music Careers Program. It's not just a "course." Successful people know that there is always more to learn and continue to search for more sources of knowledge. I am positive that rusty will find great value in what he learns from Tom.

[Paul Tauterouff]

Regression wrote:
It's always the people whos usernames consist of first and last names that post in these articles defending Tom Hess. It's kind of suspicious really, it's rare that you see a person with a normal username defend him.

That's because many of the people who are defending Tom are students of his and use their real names - myself included). I don't see anything wrong with that. If someone said something negative about someone who helped you to achieve positive results in your musicianship or career then you would likely defend them.

[Slash181]

Paul Tauterouff wrote:

I knew that promoters were important, but have never thought about developing and nuturing relationships with one!

man this is stupid, its like a ****in cult, this guy i quoted who just said this crap is one of his students.
wtf if uve gone through the program urself mate how come you have no idea lol
this is crazy, hey and i thought it was gonna be gree wot as shame.....lol

[Slash181]

Slash181 wrote:
this is crazy, hey and i thought it was gonna be *free wot as shame.....lol

[vortexpassion]

Randy Johnson wrote:

Neversleeps84, actually it is true that Rusty joined the Hess community and joined a couple of his programs. Tom's courses are not just like any other Internet courses as evident by Rusty joining. The best players are always looking for an edge. That's why they are great players. Even Steve Vai makes special efforts to learn moreabout music. Excellence always looks to go higher.

OMG! Rusty Cooley is being taught by Tom Hess to go farther in his career. that's news!

[Randy Johnson]

Actually Slash, Paul just went full time as a pro and has credited Tom for the mentoring so actually he DOES know what he is talking about.

[Paul Tauterouff]

Slash181 wrote:
man this is stupid, its like a ****in cult, this guy i quoted who just said this crap is one of his students.
wtf if uve gone through the program urself mate how come you have no idea lol
this is crazy, hey and i thought it was gonna be gree wot as shame.....lol

Hey Slash, that's because Tom hadn't mentioned this before. That goes to show you that there is value in the articles here at UG whether some people choose to see it or not.

There is no cult or conspiracy here - I say in the post just before yours that I am a student of Tom's. I am also a full-time self-employed teacher and musician. This is 100% thanks to what I have learned from Tom. You can talk all the crap you want, but I know the truth.

[Mike_Philippov]

Paul Tauterouff wrote:

Yes Rusty Cooley is a member of the advanced version of Tom's Music Careers Program. It's not just a "course." Successful people know that there is always more to learn and continue to search for more sources of knowledge. I am positive that rusty will find great value in what he learns from Tom.

Yes, that's true. Rusty is in Tom's program for guitar teachers too. But he is not the first sucessfull professional who came to Tom for advice.

German Schauss is another guy, among others. If I remember correctly, he taught at Berklee and has done many tours and clinics around Europe.

There are quite a few professional musicians who studied music biz with Tom on this page: http://tomhess.net/MCMPstudentAccomplishments.aspx

[Antony Reynaert]

Great article & very helpfull!

[James Scott]

An excellent article with some real insights and geniunely new ideas - and I thought I knew a few things about the music industry! Anyone with Tom's experience and success is worth listening to - and if Rusty Cooley and Luca Turilli not only say so but do something about it, then who is anyone else to argue?

[James Scott]

RockInPeaceDime wrote:

Get views on YouTube = the new way to become a productive musician. If you're good enough and make yourself available, you'll get noticed.

I think that's true to some extent, it's certainly an important piece of the puzzle these days, but it takes more than that - how many great musicians are there jamming out on youtube who never get anywhere? Lots. Musical skill in itself is not enough for a successful music career - some might argue these days it's not even necessary...

[Slash181]

Paul Tauterouff wrote:
There is no cult or conspiracy here - I say in the post just before yours that I am a student of Tom's.

yes i noticed just after the post i put on here and i apoligize for not reading all post's

Paul Tauterouff wrote:
You can talk all the crap you want, but I know the truth.

tbf mate u do make it sound like a cult, i mean i did the test and everything and i am very interested in what tom has to offer, just the fact when i look at what students are in this program.....your all doin the same thing.....teaching, i mean just answer one question i wont be rude or arragont:
is this the most you want to achieve, or havnt you got further yet in the program, or is this all that tom offers.
i thought you could become succesful in the industry and tbf i could become a guitar teacher if i wanted to without knowing the right people and being a teacher for guitar isnt bout settin your goals higher and having the determination for the industry. its having a wide range of knowledge, passion and talent to teach.
it would be nice to hear from one of his students, and please dont take anything ive said in the wrong way, i mean everything positivly (and any other students of his are more than happy to answer)

steve

[Paul Tauterouff]

Steve, I appreciate you being cool. I am mainly a teacher now, but that is not all that I do. However, it is a great way to have freedom of time to work on your career. That is why many pro musicians teach. I am still working on other aspects of my career. I have a plan and am taking actions. I am working on my CD right now and will begin playing live again in 09.

Here's the thing - I am 43 years old and married with thre children. I just left my day job of 15 years and am supporting my family through teaching. I make more working part time hours than I did working full time hours at my day job and I spend my work time with a guitar in my hand. A lot of what I learned from Tom in his Music Careers program helped me to learn about finances, passive income, and other things of that nature.

Now I have the time to work on my music which I did not have for many years, less debt, and also the motivation and know-how to move forward from here. Another thing is that I am very happy with my life.

I honestly didn't want this to sound like a commercial for Hess, but I have gotten results and changed my life thanks to him. This is why I will stand up for him when people who have never tried any of his programs knock him.

I feel like I have blabbed on long enough in this post. If you have any questions about Tom's career program send me a PM here or email me and I will get back to you.

[Draven Grey]

Steve, not all of Tom's successful students are guitar teachers. It just so happens that a lot of them are, because they saw how to leverage their guitar playing skills to free up their time and money, and then spend more time on writing music.

I don't teach guitar, but I do Artist Development Coaching. I also had a comfortable level of success for years before hiring Tom. I hired him to light a fire under me and get me back into music. He's done that quite well! I also don't want this to sound like a commercial or even bragging, but I can say with all honesty that without hiring Tom, I wouldn't have music licensed to TV, Film, and Games, nor would I be getting ready to release a solo CD, putting together a new band with people from all over the nation, playing on albums across the world, or be on an international compilation CD that's expected to reach sales of over 10K very soon. Ultimately, it wasn't Tom that did these things. However, going through his courses, having Tom as a friend, and having an incredible group of like-minded musicians right there with me, definitely has had a direct, positive impact on my music career as well as my Artist Development Business.

[PyroJesus]

It's always the people whos usernames consist of first and last names that post in these articles defending Tom Hess. It's kind of suspicious really, it's rare that you see a person with a normal username defend him.

Dear God, I see it now. Nothing but "Yes" men. Not a single person with a standard username has said a positive thing about these lessons. I've never heard of Tom Hess, and I put that down to a lack of definition on his part. I lpay the guitar as a hobby, not because I want to be famous, so I hope not to hear any "OMG I DONT SEE YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS", because I don't want that. I just think that if Hess was a musician worth his salt, he'd be out there earning a name as an amazing performer instead of giving "Free professional advice" on UG.

[lestat1836]

you obviously have not seen his website or the things he has done or is doing.

[Slash181]

lestat1836 wrote:
you obviously have not seen his website or the things he has done or is doing.

look who's speaking lol the troller of the internet.
im sorry but most of your post's have been about Hess or that stupid youtube vid.
im sorry if i offend any americans here, i realli do not wish to do that so for everyone bar this guy.....plz plz dont take this personal.
But you know them christians in america who over exaggerate everything, make it more into a cult, take the piss basically and is an embarresment to god.....(im atheist btw) well you sir are very similar.
To all the rest of you freinds here at UG who are 'real' then i hope people will really see that we all have opinions, we all have views on topics but i feel this is being ramned down my throat. yes i appreciate that most people are saying hess is wonderful. but....instead of me finding out bout hess in a good way, doing my personal research (Which non has come up with major things) tom has students which push others away. we all talk about music in a positive attitude, some more than others, its our life, some people only want it as a hobby (i personally do wanna aim for the industry) but you do make it sound like a cult :P sorry but ya do.

[Slash181]

Paul Tauterouff wrote:There is no cult or conspiracy here - I say in the post just before yours that I am a student of Tom's.

one more thing.....u say this yet....ur co-manager of the whole program....surely u would know what would be said who said this btw.....'I have been studying with you than I did in the past 20-something years on my own and without any proper guidance'.
answer in your own time

[Paul Tauterouff]

Steve, Yes, you quoted a positive statement I made about Tom's program. The information that Tom put in this article about networking with promoters is new. It is not anything he has discussed in the past. That is why I did not already know it.

I am co-manager of his MCMP program, but I am still studying with Tom in his advanced music career program. I have been through the regular program, know its value and like helping others. I have been a musician for over 2o years, but did not become a full time musician until recently (after studying with Tom). Prior to that I thought I would be working a day job until I died.

My original point was that many of the people who are leaving positive comments are people who are in his programs. These people who know what they are like, while the ones who are slamming Hess are people who have never tried his programs - that's it in a nutshell.

[Slash181]

Paul Tauterouff wrote:
Steve, Yes, you quoted a positive statement I made about Tom's program. The information that Tom put in this article about networking with promoters is new. It is not anything he has discussed in the past. That is why I did not already know it.

I am co-manager of his MCMP program, but I am still studying with Tom in his advanced music career program. I have been through the regular program, know its value and like helping others. I have been a musician for over 2o years, but did not become a full time musician until recently (after studying with Tom). Prior to that I thought I would be working a day job until I died.

My original point was that many of the people who are leaving positive comments are people who are in his programs. These people who know what they are like, while the ones who are slamming Hess are people who have never tried his programs - that's it in a nutshell.

Thank you, thats what i wanted to hear. something from the heart. something in which you know u've stood ur ground for and i would say yes when i get my job back i will try.
and i will let everyone know what its like.

But again sorry if i sounded rude at any time

steve

[Paul Tauterouff]

No problem Steve. We're cool bro!

[syfmyspof]

wow a peaceful end to a debate, what a welcome change

[slaygod666]

well from what i get from this is that one who is looking for a chance to better there lives take notice and those who argue about it seem to miss the point...point being there are ppl out there that show the light at the end of the tunnel

[baseballerpj1]

damnnnn.... you guys quoting somebody and then bagging on them is low.
get a life you insecure scumbabs....
hehehehehehehehehehehhehe

[baseballerpj1]

yes mom, i would like some eggs.
Son, would you like any bacon with those eggs?
yes, and could you put salt and pepper on those eggs?
Sure son, would you like anything else?
yes, i want you to love me.
WELL THATS TOO FRICKEN BAD SON!!!

[baseballerpj1]

its fun commenting about nothing

[baseballerpj1]

oh..... and ps all you commenters.....

NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU THINK!!!

unless you use 100 Dollar word like
bodacious, or exstatic, things like that

[baseballerpj1]

|_|_| Down with gibson... up with first act!!!!
_|_|_|_

--(.)--
__/-\__

[baseballerpj1]

baseballerpj1 wrote:

damnnnn.... you guys quoting somebody and then bagging on them is low.
get a life you insecure scumbabs....
hehehehehehehehehehehhehe

you faggot.... we just like to quote people and bag on them to make us feel powerfull you stupid retard

[Life Is Brutal]

So you basically start out with small concerts, thats a good tip and work your way up. Thanks, helped me alot. lol.

[K!!LsWiTcH]

Regression wrote:

It's always the people whos usernames consist of first and last names that post in these articles defending Tom Hess. It's kind of suspicious really, it's rare that you see a person with a normal username defend him.

its horrible that everyone down the line is like that ive noticed after u sed this

[pangui]

Helpy Helperton wrote:

What ever happened to making some music and putting it online, if people like it cool if they don't lik eor don't find it who gives a shit. 95% of people wanting to 'make it big' in music won't get there. Yes that is a stat i pulled out of my ass, i just mean an overwhelming majority). Just make music because you like it, if others like it sell it to them end of. Setting your goals at *I want to play an arena of 20,000 it aint happening. For example my goals are finish an album and teach guitar.

Ok, some people actually want to make a living from their musical activities, rather than just doing it for the fun of it. Sure, you can do both at the same time, but this article isn't for people who just play music as a hobby.

[vortexpassion]

pangui wrote:

Helpy Helperton wrote:

What ever happened to making some music and putting it online, if people like it cool if they don't lik eor don't find it who gives a shit. 95% of people wanting to 'make it big' in music won't get there. Yes that is a stat i pulled out of my ass, i just mean an overwhelming majority). Just make music because you like it, if others like it sell it to them end of. Setting your goals at *I want to play an arena of 20,000 it aint happening. For example my goals are finish an album and teach guitar.
Ok, some people actually want to make a living from their musical activities, rather than just doing it for the fun of it. Sure, you can do both at the same time, but this article isn't for people who just play music as a hobby.

it also occurred to me that making money or a career with your music IS FUN! Duh!

[sbinlb]

duh its common sense. if you thin he is smart for this than you are a tard. GO AWAY TOM HESS!!!!!

[mrbeetham]

Sweet lord, its like jesus camp in here. Who are all these desciples worshiping this Tom Hess guy??? Whos this Tom Hess guy for that matter???

I googled a few promoters from some local record companys and asked them if they'd like to go on a fishing trip with me this weekend. None of them were keen. Developing relationships with these people is way tougher than Tom made it sound.

[b0ch0]

If I had to promote my band, I'd let demos at radio sations... here in my country (Argentina) a few stations play unknown bands on the radio... if they're good... record labels are the ones that come to them...

I guess this is the way music industry should work...

[syfmyspof]

mrbeetham wrote:
I googled a few promoters from some local record companys and asked them if they'd like to go on a fishing trip with me this weekend. None of them were keen. Developing relationships with these people is way tougher than Tom made it sound.

You can't really be that dumb. who are you to judge any author at UG? It is clear you aint got nothin smart to say, leave this site mrbeetham, same for you sbinlb :

[teddytheturtle]

I'm a promoter and this article is SO true (just skip the parts about the "how to be a professional musician" video).

[lestat1836]

teddytheturtle wrote:

I'm a promoter and this article is SO true (just skip the parts about the "how to be a professional musician" video).

You're only 19 years old? no offense but i think Hess knows more than you

[guitarsolo_17]

this kinda thing ticks me off. The connections deal. There's this 16 year old chick guitarist who's no better than any other in our town who gets to play on radio stations, coffee shops all over the state , and it annoys the heck out of me that she's already so famous around diminuitive state of North Dakota. I personally don't deserve anything either, but there is a 24 year old guitarist in this city, who was 2 votes away from opening for Powerman 5000, and is the most incredible metal guitarist i've ever seen. No one knows him.....just cuz the connections. Gah.....the basic idea of getting noticed because of connections really pisses me off.

[121lespaul]

Helpy Helperton wrote:

What ever happened to making some music and putting it online, if people like it cool if they don't lik eor don't find it who gives a shit. 95% of people wanting to 'make it big' in music won't get there. Yes that is a stat i pulled out of my ass, i just mean an overwhelming majority). Just make music because you like it, if others like it sell it to them end of. Setting your goals at *I want to play an arena of 20,000 it aint happening. For example my goals are finish an album and teach guitar.

negativity is why youll never do anything with your life. if you dont try you make it simple as that. let people that wanna dream big and chase those dreams, like me for instance, chase them and dont put them down for trying because your too lazy to even try!

[syfmyspof]

121lespaul wrote:

negativity is why youll never do anything with your life. let people that wanna dream big and chase those dreams, like me for instance, chase them and dont put them down for trying because your too lazy to even try!

+2

[Red Exodus]

I have a few contacts [and one relationship, my guitar teacher does small concerts] available to me but I don't think I'm ready to call myself a musician just yet as I still have a lot of practicing to do. When the time is right I'll talk to those guys who'll probably give me more contacts. In the end the only thing that's holding me back myself since I don't have much to offer those guys yet.

[ahigs]

BULLSHIT.
concert promoters?
i grew up surrounded my musical business.
20 years total my immediate family has spent in music business.
if you had any piece of shit ideas about the music industry, you would know that concert promoters work hand in hand with the record labels to implement a long term strategy aimed to get new talent, revive old talent or strngthen existing talent.

working in the concert promoters business you would learn a lot about PR, promotion, marketing etc, and yes that could be useful to dumbasses.

record labels are the life and soul of the business. no new talent = no radio play = no public interest = no concerts. Its a chain, and it starts wth the record labels.

yet another load of crap from tom hess.

[SwampAshSpecial]

all you can do is be in the right place at the right time.

[duzit89]

SwampAshSpecial wrote:

all you can do is be in the right place at the right time.

.. right you are.. and what's up with all these ppl bitching about this dudes article.. its written by him from "EXPERIENCE". this tom hess guy is in his PLACE to write this article.