“Remember my name. Fame! I’m gonna live forever. I’m gonna learn how to fly – HIGH!”
Fame, the musical
Here are 3 reasons that I felt compelled to write this article:
Each week, I am grateful to meet so many aspiring singer-songwriters, independent artists, and bands. It’s exciting to hear each artists’ story – how they got to where they are & where they want to go. The artists I meet believe that they have the “potential” to succeed and want to “make it.”
At some point in our conversation, I ask a really uncomfortable & personal question (I tend to do that). The question is:
Is your goal to have a steady cash flow from your music career or become famous?
After an awkward pause, each artist has an incredibly unique answer for that question. Some just want fame, some just want to feed their family, some don’t care about fame, and some even get defensive. What I’ve learned is that the goal of “making it” in music is unique to every person.- I found inspiration in an article I read in January 28th, 2012 edition of The Economist (affiliate link) recently. It was an article about Queen Elizabeth II, the current queen of England. According to
The Economist (affiliate link), “On several occasions she has been urged to retreat behind more obtrusive layers of security. Each time she has refused with something between a joke and a motto for her six decades on the throne, telling aides: ‘I have to be seen to be believed.’ “
- My friend Cari Cole is offering a FREE training call for artists on February 15th, 2012, titled the
7 Steps to Stardom (affiliate link). Cari is one of the few music artist development people who I trust in the music business. She’s trained Grammy winners and American Idol (affiliate link) finalists. We are alike in many ways because she is proactive, a planner, and brutally honest.
Seek Clarity on Your Definition of “Famous”
According to Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary, the word “famous” is defined as “widely known” or “honored for achievement”. I agree with this definition and must ask:
- How widely known do you want to become? Can you detail your target market?
- In regards to your work as an artist, what awards organizations should you build relationships with?
Digging even deeper, I believe that there are two types of fame you can have: short-term fame & long-term fame.
Here is an example of short-term fame:
Here is an example of long-term fame:
What kind of fame are you aspiring to attain?
Fame Doesn’t Always Equal Success
As a professional musician, I work with many people in the music industry who you will never hear about. They make so much money and have had long careers, yet aren’t widely known. I also know some celebrity music artists who are popular, but desperately looking for work. Check out this slide show of 15 Musicians Gone Broke.
“One hit wonders” are another example of fame not equaling success. You can write a popular song. It might become a hit for a short amount of time (and bring you some money), but the world never hears about you after that. Here’s one of my favorite “one hit wonders”:
NOTE: This song sold 11 million copies making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. However, the song overshadowed the rest of Carl Douglas’ career.
In no way do I mean discourage you from pursuing fame. However, I encourage you to really think about what success in music means to you.
The Formula to Become Famous
“Studying the people who have got rich, we find that they are an average lot in all respects, having no greater talents and abilities than other men. It is evident that they do not get rich because they possess talents and abilities that other men have not, but because they happen to do things in a Certain Way.”
Wallace D. Wattles – The Science of Getting Rich (affiliate link)
The above quote reminded me that there are formulas for everything, including becoming famous.
Here are Cari Cole’s 7 Steps to Stardom (affiliate link):
While the steps might seem simple, ach step requires specific actions. Learn how to act quickly on the 7 steps when you register for Cari Cole’s FREE training call, 7 Steps to Stardom (affiliate link).
Finally, I have to ask you:
Is your goal to have a steady cash flow from your music career or become famous?
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Hi Mike
I know I'm so late on this, but VERY informative thank you for the article. This is something that I'm trying to get one of my artists to think in terms of as an aspiring music agent myself. I will forward him this article in hopes that he "gets" it. I do have to express that in your diagram the most difficult part is finding the contacts, any toughts / advice on that?
Thank you Lynn! In my opinion, contacts are every where if you are open. I usually never go hunting for them. In fact, if you go to a plumbers trade show, you never know who you may meet, who knows someone in the music business. In my opinion, contacts are contacts.
dude i want to become and entertainer but i dont know how i have skills with danceing , singing , rapping , and making beats so what do you think i should do with this ?
You need to know if you have the skills first my friend.
Great article. Mike your an inspiration to everybody and your article about urself will be my inspiration. Alford my goals.
Thanks Heaven! I appreciate your kind words.
Hello, Mike,
Am sharing this excellent post everywhere I can, thank you, again!
Love,
Me
Thank you! I really appreciate your support.
Mike, great article! I met Cari Cole in 2011 via Twitter. She's an amazing gift to artists, no matter what level they are [aspring, new, mid level or MEGA/MADE IT]. I had already signed up for her FREE training call and have recommended the call to some of my music peers. Your blog article here made me GLAD I did! It also made me GLAD that I can say I know Mike Veny! You are a star that RADIATES its goodness and light on others. Thanking God for you! You rock! You've got my support 110%.
C U ON THURSDAY AT 8:30PM EST ON 'THE MUSIC BOX' for your radio interview on 'all things Mike Veny!' lol!
sisterly hugs,
Tanya?
Tanya – THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!
Mike, excellent and thought provoking as always. I have had the privilege of meeting both Mike and his lovely wife. I watched and listened as he evaluated and encourage a young friend of mine who at age 11 is working hard to become a recording artist. Mike touched on this very topic and told Isabel and her Father the same question and answers. That there are many ways to “Make it” in the music business and not be a “Star”. I have a nephew who is a vocalist in NYC. He earns a nice living and is very busy in the business. He offend sings at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center but he is far from a household name. And he’s fine with that. He’s sang with Sting, Sir Paul McCartney, and for the President. But he’s not a Star. But he does make a living in a very difficult market. Mike really knows what he’s talking about because he walks the walk, every day and doesn’t just blog about it. And I can tell you from personal experience he’s quick to help and reach out to fellow drummers and other aspiring musicians. And on top of that he’s a great guy who’s very approachable and comes off as a friend, not just a teacher. If you ever get a chance to work with or learn from Mike you’ll be a better artist because of it. He’s the real deal.
Dave – Thank you so much for your supportive feedback. I'd love to meet your nephew at some point.