3 answers
Alyrah
Student
Mountain City, Tennessee
4
Questions
Asked
870 views
Real life experience from someone in the music industry?
How has your time in the industry been? Any tips to navigate networking? Experiences with people that have made you love it more or put you off of it?
3 answers
deontae beard
Composer
2
Answers
Cahokia Heights, IL
Updated
deontae’s Answer
being a self taught musician & composer since the age of 7years old, and the time Ive spent in the music industry has taught me that; With any craft that youre getting into, theres a time and a place to be present, your network does not have to like you all that much; like any profession its a business at all times regardless of how fun it may seem. The internet is amazing for knowing what music events are going on, and there are plenty of events for up and coming entertainers, producers and artists. Just like school youre not only there to get along and make friends, some do it naturally, for some its a challenge. School is for preparing for the future, and its sort of similar to being in the music industry or any profession you want to surround yourself around individuals who are just as determined to make it, because you never know who you might be standing next to. Like anything in life theres ups and downs, but dont get caught up in the changing weather of attitudes and emotions, just take the good and the bad and let it be your motivation to learn more and grow beyond the craziness. Like I stated before, huge music events are happening all the time, just do more studying and learning what youre doing no matter what it is that youre doing, learn and dont stop learning regardless of your circumstances. Ask questions, learn to just ask questions, its automatically separates you from others and places a huge spotlight on you and like i said no matter the weather you stay strong and keep working and build your worth over time. Ive dealt with many people who wouldnt work with me in the beginning years of my career trying to be noticed for my work and it was tough, many artists didnt like what i had to offer. today I have learned so much and broke through on how to earn a living doing music, that i have those same people who didnt want to work with me asking me all the questions and trying to get to the people i know now. but ill say the same to them like telling you now, its a journey only for strong people to endure the things we have to endure in choosing to be a musician artist or music producer or any profession for that matter. So id say its like a chess game, be strategic and intentional about your efforts dont waste one move, get out there and show everyone that you are serious and its not a game to you.
find big music events for networking (google SXSW its coming up real soon for example) be seen!
learn the business of music (udemy video courses for example)
learn some music theory courses (udemy video courses for example)
learn how some Search engine marketing (udemy video courses for example)
emmerse yourself and surround yourself with individuals who are fun and love what they do like you and help them learn
deontae recommends the following next steps:
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
135
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
The only way to gain experience is the music industry is by starting. Write your first song- record it- release it- promote it in any way you know how. Then repeat over and over and over. You will learn how the industry works, how it's possible to make money, what to do in different situations, and most importantly- you'll get better. I just graduated with a music industry (audio production and music business) degree and am now distancing myself/ rebranding from my "brand" I started in high school to teach myself about the music industry before college. Now that I know how to make a living (hopefully) and know how to make music I wanted to only release music that I personally connect with in some way.
Now to your other questions: networking. You can't start networking in the music industry without music. That's like walking around with business cards for a barbershop when you haven't rented the building yet. Write a lot of music and release it then start reaching out to people that are in a similar sound or genre as you. I've also seen other people send me dm's as well. I don't think you should be turned off by networking just because of the potential of a bad interaction. There will be bad interactions during your career in the music industry. You will be rejected, judged, and critiqued all the time. Don't take it personally- if you feel like your music is good enough for more ears then just keep working. Just from past experiences, through my networking I have collaborated with producers who have worked with 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and Powfu. But I've also been tricked into signing a ghost production deal and had to delete or change a lot of music I had written because it was now owned by a small label. I learned from that and moved on.
I think another big thing to think about is that networking doesn't just mean networking with other musicians. You need to cast a big net. I consider everyone I interacted with in a meaningful way in school- professors and even guest speakers included- as part of my network. That means that even though my end goal is to be a full time music producer, I still have choral and band directors, composers, professors, classical performers, orchestra members, audio engineers, actors, voice over artists, animators, directors, film producers, scrip writers, visual artists, and even venues in my network. Be open to talking to anyone. Be open to working with anyone. And see how that changes your perspective on things.
If I was just starting out I would focus on practicing, not networking. Practice every single day for at least an hour. If you're writing your own music then don't go by hour- go by song. Don't start something and stop to work on it later- follow through. The 10,000 hour theory is true. Once you put 10,000 hours into something, you'll be a master at it. I've completed a whole degree and I'm still no where close to 10,000 hours. When you get knocked down, get back up. If you hit a wall- push through it. The musicians that fail don't fail because they didn't succeed- they failed because they quit. If you don't quit then it WILL happen for you.
Now to your other questions: networking. You can't start networking in the music industry without music. That's like walking around with business cards for a barbershop when you haven't rented the building yet. Write a lot of music and release it then start reaching out to people that are in a similar sound or genre as you. I've also seen other people send me dm's as well. I don't think you should be turned off by networking just because of the potential of a bad interaction. There will be bad interactions during your career in the music industry. You will be rejected, judged, and critiqued all the time. Don't take it personally- if you feel like your music is good enough for more ears then just keep working. Just from past experiences, through my networking I have collaborated with producers who have worked with 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and Powfu. But I've also been tricked into signing a ghost production deal and had to delete or change a lot of music I had written because it was now owned by a small label. I learned from that and moved on.
I think another big thing to think about is that networking doesn't just mean networking with other musicians. You need to cast a big net. I consider everyone I interacted with in a meaningful way in school- professors and even guest speakers included- as part of my network. That means that even though my end goal is to be a full time music producer, I still have choral and band directors, composers, professors, classical performers, orchestra members, audio engineers, actors, voice over artists, animators, directors, film producers, scrip writers, visual artists, and even venues in my network. Be open to talking to anyone. Be open to working with anyone. And see how that changes your perspective on things.
If I was just starting out I would focus on practicing, not networking. Practice every single day for at least an hour. If you're writing your own music then don't go by hour- go by song. Don't start something and stop to work on it later- follow through. The 10,000 hour theory is true. Once you put 10,000 hours into something, you'll be a master at it. I've completed a whole degree and I'm still no where close to 10,000 hours. When you get knocked down, get back up. If you hit a wall- push through it. The musicians that fail don't fail because they didn't succeed- they failed because they quit. If you don't quit then it WILL happen for you.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1461
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Alyrah,
So the music industry—where dreams are made, egos are inflated, and networking feels like speed-dating with extra drama. 🤯
Since I’m not in the industry myself, I’ll share some insights from my brother, who’s making his way as a beginner producer—plus, advice I’ve gathered that might just save you from stepping on any metaphorical landmines.
The Music Industry: A Wild, Beautiful, Chaotic Mess (I am not the one saying it!)
Imagine a rollercoaster where half the ride is VIP treatment, and the other half is wondering why you agreed to this. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and full of personalities—some amazing, some… let’s just say "memorable."
I always share the goodies and baddies so I know you want to know this hope it adds something.
Pros of Industry Life:
You’re in the heart of the action. Live music, creative minds, and that electric feeling of being part of something bigger.
Networking = Opportunities. One conversation at the right time can change everything.
It’s never boring. Every day is different—one moment you're planning events, the next you're backstage with an artist eating cold pizza at 2 AM.
Passion is the driving force. If you love music, it doesn’t feel like work (well… most of the time).
Cons of Industry Life:
Unpaid "opportunities." Translation: “Work for free, and maybe we’ll pay you one day… but probably not.”
Networking can feel fake. Some people only talk to you when they need something. The trick? Find the real ones.
It’s who you know, not just what you know. Talent is great, but connections matter.
Burnout is real. Late nights, tight deadlines, and an industry that never sleeps—it’s exciting but exhausting.
So if you want to be Networking Like a Pro (Without Feeling Like a Salesperson) here is something I can tell you.
1. Be Interested, Not Just Interesting – People love talking about themselves. Ask about their projects, and they'll remember you.
2. Follow Up, But Don’t Be a Clinger – A quick “Hey, great meeting you!” message works. Bombarding them with DMs? Not so much.
3. Provide Value – Instead of just asking for help, offer something. Share their work, give feedback, or connect them with others.
4. Know When to Walk Away – If someone’s giving bad vibes (or just straight-up ignoring you), move on. Desperation isn’t a good look.
5. Go to Industry Events & Be Present – Even if you feel awkward at first, just being there puts you ahead of most people.
Industry Secrets No One Tells You (But Should because you need to know it-well it's basically in almost every path that involves gaining fans and audiences)
Your reputation is EVERYTHING. The industry is smaller than it seems. Be kind, professional, and easy to work with.
Don’t sign anything without reading it (twice even better there times and make sure there is nothing lingering for a print of your signature trick thing). Contracts can be sneaky.
It’s okay to start small. Some of the biggest names started by booking gigs for their friends or running social media for local artists.
Success takes time. There’s no overnight fame—unless you're a TikTok sensation, and even then, staying relevant is the real challenge.
Oh and about the Love It or Leave It?
The music industry isn’t for everyone—but if you love it, it’s worth every struggle. Stay patient, persistent, and passionate. Surround yourself with good people, trust your instincts, and never stop learning. As long you love it don't mind if others do just show off your skills and be you!
And most importantly—always take the free backstage snacks. It is free!
So the music industry—where dreams are made, egos are inflated, and networking feels like speed-dating with extra drama. 🤯
Since I’m not in the industry myself, I’ll share some insights from my brother, who’s making his way as a beginner producer—plus, advice I’ve gathered that might just save you from stepping on any metaphorical landmines.
The Music Industry: A Wild, Beautiful, Chaotic Mess (I am not the one saying it!)
Imagine a rollercoaster where half the ride is VIP treatment, and the other half is wondering why you agreed to this. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and full of personalities—some amazing, some… let’s just say "memorable."
I always share the goodies and baddies so I know you want to know this hope it adds something.
Pros of Industry Life:
You’re in the heart of the action. Live music, creative minds, and that electric feeling of being part of something bigger.
Networking = Opportunities. One conversation at the right time can change everything.
It’s never boring. Every day is different—one moment you're planning events, the next you're backstage with an artist eating cold pizza at 2 AM.
Passion is the driving force. If you love music, it doesn’t feel like work (well… most of the time).
Cons of Industry Life:
Unpaid "opportunities." Translation: “Work for free, and maybe we’ll pay you one day… but probably not.”
Networking can feel fake. Some people only talk to you when they need something. The trick? Find the real ones.
It’s who you know, not just what you know. Talent is great, but connections matter.
Burnout is real. Late nights, tight deadlines, and an industry that never sleeps—it’s exciting but exhausting.
So if you want to be Networking Like a Pro (Without Feeling Like a Salesperson) here is something I can tell you.
1. Be Interested, Not Just Interesting – People love talking about themselves. Ask about their projects, and they'll remember you.
2. Follow Up, But Don’t Be a Clinger – A quick “Hey, great meeting you!” message works. Bombarding them with DMs? Not so much.
3. Provide Value – Instead of just asking for help, offer something. Share their work, give feedback, or connect them with others.
4. Know When to Walk Away – If someone’s giving bad vibes (or just straight-up ignoring you), move on. Desperation isn’t a good look.
5. Go to Industry Events & Be Present – Even if you feel awkward at first, just being there puts you ahead of most people.
Industry Secrets No One Tells You (But Should because you need to know it-well it's basically in almost every path that involves gaining fans and audiences)
Your reputation is EVERYTHING. The industry is smaller than it seems. Be kind, professional, and easy to work with.
Don’t sign anything without reading it (twice even better there times and make sure there is nothing lingering for a print of your signature trick thing). Contracts can be sneaky.
It’s okay to start small. Some of the biggest names started by booking gigs for their friends or running social media for local artists.
Success takes time. There’s no overnight fame—unless you're a TikTok sensation, and even then, staying relevant is the real challenge.
Oh and about the Love It or Leave It?
The music industry isn’t for everyone—but if you love it, it’s worth every struggle. Stay patient, persistent, and passionate. Surround yourself with good people, trust your instincts, and never stop learning. As long you love it don't mind if others do just show off your skills and be you!
And most importantly—always take the free backstage snacks. It is free!
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